

^U^A 




HISTORY 



OF 



JOHNSON COUNTY, 



INDIANA. 



FROM THE EARLIEST TIME TO THE PRESENT, WITH BIOGRAPHICAL 

SKETCHES, NOTES, ETC., TOGETHER WITH A SHORT HISTORY 

OF THE NORTHWEST, THE INDIANA TERRITORY, 

AND THE STATE OF INDIANA. 



ILLUSTRATED. 



CHICAGO : 

BRANT & FULLER. 

1888. 






vtf 1 



Democrat Printing Company, Madison, Wis. 






PREFACE. 



After several months of almost uninterrupted labor, the History of 
Johnson County is completed. In issuing it to our patrons we do 
not claim for it perfection ; but that it contains that reasonable de- 
gree of accuracy which only could be expected of us, is confidently 
asserted. The difficulties that surround such an undertaking can 
scarcely be realized by one who has never engaged in work of the 
kind. To reconcile the doubtful and often conflicting statements 
that are so frequently made by those who would seem to be best 
informed, is a task both perplexing and tedious. Yet we believe 
that we have been able to present a history of the county that is as 
nearly complete as reason can demand, and the book exceeds our 
promises in almost every particular. We have endeavored to set 
forth the facts in as concise and unostentatious language as possible, 
believing it is for the facts and not for rhetorical display that the 
book is desired. The mechanical execution and general appear- 
ance of the volume will recommend it, even to the fastidious. The 
arrangement of the matter is such as to render an index almost 
superfluous, as the subject under consideration is at the top of every 
right-hand page. For further details the italic subdivisions will 
enable the reader to refer with readiness to any topic. In the spell- 
ing of proper names there is such a wide difference, even among 
members of the same family, and is a matter of so arbitrary a nature, 
that our only guide was each man's desire. Every clew that gave 
promise of important facts connected with the county's history has 
been investigated by those engaged in the work. We believe the 
volume will be favorably received and highly appreciated by those 
for whom it was prepared. Our thanks are due to those who have 
rendered us assistance and to our patrons. 

THE PUBLISHERS. 
Chicago, III., October, 188S. 




1470. 



CONTENTS. 



PAST I-HISTOEY OF INDIANA. 



CHAPTER I. page. 

Prehistoric Races 17 

Antiquities 19 

Chinese, The 18 

Discovery by Columbus 33 

Explorations by the Whites 37 

Indians, The 31 

Immigration, The First 18 

Immigration, The Second 20 

Pyramids, etc. The 21 

Relics of the Mound-Builders 23 

Savage Customs 34 

Tartars, The 23 

Vincennes 39 

Wabash River. The 39 

White Men, The First 37 

CHAPTER II. 

National Policies, etc 41 

American Policy, The 46 

Atrocity of the .Savages 47 

Burning of Hiuton., 48 

British Policy, The 4t; 

Clark's Expedition 52 

French Scheme, The 41 

Gilbault, Father 65 

Government of the Northwest 67 

Hamilton's Career 64 

Liquor and < taming Laws 74 

Missionaries, The Catholic 42 

Ordinance of 1787 70 

Pontiac's War 46 

Ruse Against the Indians 64 

Vigo, Francis 6 

CHAPTER III. 

Operations Against the Indians 76 

Battle at Peoria Lake 104 

Campaign of Harrison 92 

Cession Treaties 93 

Defeat of St. Clair 79 

Defensive Operations 76 

Expedition of Harmer 75 

Expedition of Wayne 79 

Expedition of St. Clair 7$ 

Expedition of Williamson 78 

Fort Miami, Battle of 80 

Harrison and the Indians 87 

Hopkins' Campaign 105 

Kickapoo Town, Burning of 7s 

Blaumee, Battle of. 75 

Massacre at Pigeon Roost 103 

Mississinewa Town, Battle at 106 

Oratory, Tecumseh's 114 

Prophet Town, Destruction of. 100 

Peace with the Indians 100 

Siege of Fort Wayne mi 

Siege of Fort Harrison 103 

Tecumseh Ill 

Tippecanoe, Battle of. 98 

War of 1S12 101 

War of 1812, Close of the lo8 

CHAPTER IV. 

Organization of Indiana Territory 82 

Bank, Establishment of 120 

Courts, Formation of 120 

County Offices, Appointment of. 119 

Corydon, the Capital 117 

Gov. Posey 117 

Indiana in 1810 84 

Population in 1815 118 

Territorial Legislature, The First 84 

Western Sun, The 84 



CHAPTER V. PAGE. 

Organization of the State, etc 121 

Amendment, The Fifteenth 147 

Black Hawk War 126 

Constitution, Formation of the 121 

Campaigns Against the Indians 128 

Defeat of Black Hawk 130 

Exodus of the Indians 131 

General Assembly, The First 122 

Guadalupe-Hidalgo, Treaty of. 142 

Harmony Community 134 

Indian Titles 132 

Immigration 125 

Lafayette, Action at 127 

Laud Sales 133 

Mexican War, The 136 

Slavery 144 

CHAPTER VI. 

Indiana in the Rebellion 148 

Batteries of Light Infantry 182 

Battle Record of States 188 

Call to Arms, The 149 

Colored Troops of Indiana 182 

Calls of 1864 177 

Field, In the 152 

Independent Cavalry Regiment 181 

Morgan's I laid 170 

Minute-Men 170 

One Hundred Days' Men 176 

Regiments, Formation of 151 

Regiments, Sketch of 153 

Six Months' Regiments 172 

CHAPTER VII. 

State Affairs After the Rebellion 189 

Agriculture 209 

Coal 207 

Divorce Laws 193 

Finances 194 

Geology 205 

Internal Improvements 199 

Indiana Horticultural Society 212 

Indiana Promological Society 213 

Special Laws 190 

State Bank 106 

State Board of Agriculture 2<«9 

State Expositions 210 

Wealth and Progress 197 

CHAPTER VIII. 

Education and Benevolence 215 

Blind Institute, The 2 t2 

City School System 218 

Compensation of Teachers 220 

Denominational and Private Institutions.... 230 

Deaf and Dumb Institute 236 

Educatic 265 

Enumera m of Scholars 219 

Family \ rship 252 

FreeScho 5ysiem, The 215 

Funds, Mi gemeut of the 217 

Female Pr i and Reformatory 241 

Housed" I ige, The 243 

Insane Ho tal, The 238 

Northern Ii ana Normal School 229 

Origin of Sc ol Funds r 22l 

Purdue Unh -sity 224 

School Statis ;s 218 

State Univer 1 . iy. The 222 

State Normal School 228 

State Prison, South' 239 

State Prison, North 240 

Total School Funds 220 



VI 



CONTEXTS. 



PART II.— HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY. 



CHAPTER I. 

Indian History — Pre-historic Races— Early 
Indian Occupants — The Miamis, Their 
Habits and Characteristics— Indian Rel- 
ics — The Delaware* — Their Residence in 
Indiana — Remnants from Other Tribes 

— Last of the Red Men 277 

CHAPTER n. 

Early Settlements — Territorial Times — 
Traces and Early Roads— The Whetzels— 

The Bluffs— Straggle for the Stat.- ( fcpi- 
tol— First Permanent Settlement— Story 
of the Settlement by Townships— The 
■White and Blue Hiver Settlements — 
Founding Franklin — Reminiscences.. . 290 

CHAPTER HI. 

The Pioneers — Where They Came From— 
Who They Were — Arrival in the New 
Country — Deserted Cabins — Architec- 
ture of the Early Homes — Modes of 
Travel — Hardships of New Comers 
—Domestic Animals— Mast — Hog Steal- 
ing — Situation of New Homes— Primi- 
tive Tools — Mode of Farming — Himt- 
ing Incidents — Woman's Work — Doc- 
tors and Diseases — Morals, Social Cus- 
toms, Etc 326 

CHAPTER IV. 

Schools — Early Legislative Acts in Rela- 
tion to — Examination and Qualifica- 
tions of Early Teachers — Primitive 
Buildings and Methods — First Schools 

— List of Early Pedagogues— Later and 
More improved Methods— provisionsor 
New Constitution — Present School Cen- 
sus— Franklin College 361 

CHAPTER V. 

Bench and Bar — Circuit Court — Its Judges 
and Officers — First Sessions — Early 
Case: — Probate Court — Courts Under 
the New Constitution — Common Pleas 

— Fluctuation of Litigation — Circuit 
Judges and Prosecuting Attorneys — 
Early Attorneys 389 

CHAPTER VI. 

Geology — Situation and Boundarj- — Top- 
ograph}- — Connected Section — Recent 
Geology— Paleozoic Geology 462 



CHAPTER VH. 

Towns — Franklin — Early Business Men and 
Residents — Incorporation — Officers — 
Industries — Banks — The Press — Secret 
Societies— Loan Associations — Edinburg 

— Greenwood — Williamsburgh— Trafal- 
gar— Whit eland— Union Village— Other 
Small Villages 504 

CHAPTER vm. 

County Organization — Organic Act — Lo- 
cating County Seat — Sale of Lots — 
Public Buildings — Methods of Doing 
O lunty Business — Finances — Poor Ex- 
penses — Creation of Townships — Elec- 
tions—County Officers — Roads Medi- 
cal Societies. Etc 680 

CHAPTER IX. 

Military History — Early Militia — Black 
Hawk War — Mexican War — Civil War 

— Sentiments in I860 — First Troops — 
Sketches of Regiments — Sentiment in 
1068— Bounty and Relief— Men Furnished 
for the War — Roll of Honor 736 

CHAPTER X. 

Religious History — Presbyterian Churches 
at Franklin, Greenwood, Whiteland, Shi- 
loh, Hopew ell, Edinburg, and Others — 
Baptist Churches at Franklin, Green- 
wood, Amity, Mt. Zion. Trafalgar, Mt. 
Pleasant, Edinburg, and Other Points — 
Christian Churches of the County — 
Methodists — Catholics 837 

In order to find any particular biographical 
sketch, refer to the township in which the per- 
son lives, where they will be found in alphabeti- 
cal order. The sketches for each township be- 
gin as follows: 

Blue River Township 399 

Clark Township 175 

Franklin — City and Township 

H.'usley Township 69? 

Needham Township 719 

Nineveh Township 743 

Pleasant Township 767 

Union Township B7I 

White River Township 884 

PORTRAITS. 

D. D. Banta Frontispiece 

William MeCaslin Facing 275 



HISTORY OF INDIANA: 



FORMER OCCUPANTS. 



PREHISTORIC RACES. 

Scientists have ascribed to the Mound Builders varied originSj 
and though their divergence of opinion may for a time seem incom- 
patible with a thorough investigation of the subject, and tend to 
a confusion of ideas, no doubt whatever can exist as to the compar- 
ative accuracy of conclusions arrived at by some of them. Like 
the vexed question of the Pillar Towers of Ireland, it has caused 
much speculation, and elicited the opinions of so many learned 
antiquarians, ethnologists and travelers, that it will not be found 
beyond the range of possibility to make deductions that may 
suffice to solve the problem who were the prehistoric settlers of 
America. To achieve this it will not be necessary to go beyond the 
period over which Scripture history extends, or to indulge in tliose 
airy nights of imagination so sadly identified with occasional 
writers of even the Christian school, and all the accepted literary 
exponents of modern paganism. 

That this continent is co-existent with the world of the ancients 
cannot be questioned. Every investigation, instituted under the 
auspices of modern civilization, confirms the fact and leaves no 
channel open through which the skeptic can escape the thorough 
refutation of his opinions. China, with its numerous living testi- 
monials of antiquity, with its ancient, though limited literature 
and its Babelish superstitions, claims a continuous history from 
antediluvian times; but although its continuity may be denied 
witli every just reason, there is nothing to prevent the transmission 
of a hieroglyphic record of its history prior to 1656 anno mundi, 
since many traces of its early settlement survived the Deluge, and 
became sacred objects of the first historical epoch. This very sur- 
vival of a record, such as that of which the Chinese boast, is not 
at variance with the designs of a God who made and ruled the 
universe; but that an antediluvian people inhabited this continent, 



13 HISTOET OF INDIANA. 

■will not be claimed; because it is not probable, though it maybe 
possible, that a settlement in a land which may be considered a 
portion of the Asiatic continent, was effected by the immediate 
followers of the first progenitors of the human race. Therefore, on 
entering the study of the ancient people who raised these tumu- 
lus monuments over large tracts of the country, it will be just 
sufficient to wander back to that time when the flood-gates of 
heaven were swung open to hurl destruction on a wicked world; 
and in doing so the inquiry must be based on legendary, or rather 
upon many circumstantial evidences; for, so far as written narra- 
tive extends, there is nothing to show that a movement of people 
too far east resulted in a Western settlement. 

THE FIKST IMMIGRATION. 

The first and most probable sources in which the origin of the 
Builders must be sought, are those countries lying along the east- 
ern coast of Asia, which doubtless at that time stretched far beyond 
its present limits, and presented a continuous shore from Lopatka 
to Point Cambodia, holding a population comparatively civilized, 
and all professing some elementary form of the Boodhism of later 
days. Those peoples, like the Chinese of the present, were bonnd 
to live at home, and probably observed that law until after the con- 
fusion of languages and the dispersion of the builders of Babel in 
1757, a. m. ; but subsequently, within the following century, the 
old Mongolians, like the new, crossed the great ocean in the very 
paths taken by the present representatives of the race, arrived on 
the same shores, which now extend a very questionable hospitality 
to them, and entered at once upon the colonization of the country 
south and east, while the Caucasian race engaged in a similar move- 
ment of exploration and colonization over what may be justly 
termed the western extension of Asia, and both peoples growing 
stalwart under the change, attained a moral and physical eminence 
to which they never could lay claim under the tropical sun which 
6hed its beams upon the cradle of the human race. 

That mysterious peopie who, like the Brahmins of to-day, wor- 
shiped some transitory deity, and in after years, evidently embraced 
the idealization of Boodhism, as preached in Mongolia early in the 
35th century of the world, together with acquiring the learning of 
the Confucian and Pythagorean schools of the same period, spread 
all over the land, and in their numerous settlements erected these 
ratns, or mounds, and sacrificial altars whereon they received their 



HISTORT OF INDIANA. 19 

periodical visiting gods, surrendered their bodies to natural absorp- 
tion or annihilation, and watched lor the return of some transmi- 
grated soul, the while adoring the universe, which with all beings 
they believed would be eternally existent. They possessed religious 
orders corresponding in external show at least with the Essenes or 
Theraputa 1 of the pre-Christian and Christian epochs, and to the 
reformed Theraputre or monks of the present. Every memento 
of their coming and their stay which has descended to us is an evi- 
dence of their civilized condition. The free copper found within 
the tumuli; the open veins of the Superior and Iron Mountain 
copper-mines, with all the mod us operandi of ancient mining, such 
as ladders, levers, chisels, and hammer-heads, discovered by the 
French explorers of the Northwest and the Mississippi, are conclu- 
sive proofs that those prehistoric people were highly civilized, and 
that many nourishing colonies were spread throughout the Missis- 
sippi valley, while yet the mammoth, the mastodon, and a hundred 
other animals, now only known by their gigantic fossil remains, 
guarded the eastern shore of the continent as it were against sup- 
posed invasions of the Tower Builders who went west from Babel; 
while yet the beautiful isles of the Antilles formed an integral 
portion of this continent, long years before the European Northman 
dreamed of setting forth to the discovery of Greenland and the 
northern isles, and certainly at a time when all that portion of 
America north of latitude 45° was an ice-incumbered waste. 

Within the last few years great advances have been made toward 
the discovery of antiquities whether pertaining to remains of organic 
or inorganic nature. Together with many small, but telling 
relics of the early inhabitants of the country, the fossils of pre- 
historic animals have been unearthed from end to end of the land, 
and in districts, too, long pronounced by geologists of some repute 
to be without even a vestige of vertebrate fossils. Among the 
collected souvenirs of an age about which so very little is known, 
are twenty-five vertebras averaging thirteen inches in diameter, 
and three vertebras ossified together measure nine cubical feet; a 
thigh-bone five feet long by twenty-eight, by tweive inches in 
diameter, and the shaft fourteen by eight inches thick, the entire 
lot weighing 600 lbs. These fossils are presumed to belong to the 
cretaceous period, when the Dinosaur roamed over the country from 
East to West, desolating the villages of the people. This animal 
is said to have been sixty feet long, and when feeding in cypress 
and palm forests, to extend himself eighty-five feet, 60 that he may 



20 HrSTORY OF INDIANA. 

devour the budding tops of those great trees. Other efforts in this 
direction may lead to great results, and culminate probably in the 
discovery of a tablet engraven by some learned Mound Builder, 
describing; in the ancient hieroglyphics of China all these men and 
beasts whose history excites so much speculation. The identity of 
the Mound Builders with the Mongolians might lead us to hope 
for such a consummation; nor is it beyond the range of probability, 
particularly in this practical age, to find the future labors of some 
industrious antiquarian requited by the upheaval of a tablet, written 
in the Tartar characters of 1700 years ago, bearing on a subject 
which can now be treated onfv on a purely circumstantial basis. 

THE SECOND IMMIGRATION 

may have begun a few centuries prior to the Christian era, and 
unlike the former expedition or expeditions, to have traversed north- 
eastern Asia to its Arctic confines, and then east to the narrow 
channel now known as Behring's Straits, which they crossed, and 
sailing up the unchanging Yukon, settled under the shadow of 
Mount St. Elias for many years, and pushing South commingled 
"with their countrymen, soon acquiring the characteristics of the 
descendants of the first colonists. Chinese chronicles tell of such 
a people, who went North and were never heard of more. Circum- 
stances conspire to render that particular colony the carriers of a 
new religious faith and of an alphabetic system of a representative 
character to the old colonists, and they, doubtless, exercised a most 
beneficial influence in other respects ; because the influx of immi- 
grants of such culture as were the Chinese, even of that remote 
period, must necessarily bear very favorable results, not only in 
bringing in reports of their travels, but also accounts from the 
fatherland bearing on the latest events. 

With the idea of a second and important exodus there are many 
theorists united, one of whom says: "It is now the generally 
received opinion that the first inhabitants of America passed over 
from Asia through these straits. The number of small islands 
lying between both continents renders this opinion still more 
probable; and it is yet farther confirmed by some remarkable traces 
of similarity in the physical conformation of the northern natives 
of both continents. The Esquimaux of North America, the 
Samoieds of Asia, and the Laplanders of Europe, are supposed to 
be of the same family; and this supposition is strengthened by the 
affinity which exists in their languages. The researches of Hum- 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 21 

boldt have traced the Mexicans to the vicinity of Behring's Straits; 
whence it is conjectured that they, as well as the Peruvians and 
other tribes, came originally from Asia, and were the Hiongnoos, 
who are, in the Chinese annals, said to have emigrated under Puno, 
and to have been lost in the North of Siberia." ' 

Since this theory is accepted by most antiquaries, there is every 
reason to believe that from the discovery of what may be called an 
overland route to what was then considered an eastern extension of 
that country which is now known as the " Celestial Empire," many 
caravans of emigrants passed to their new homes in the land of 
illimitable possibilities until the way became a well-marked trail 
over which the Asiatic might travel forward, and having once 
entered the Elysian fields never entertained an idea of returning. 
Thus from generation to generation the tide of immigration poured 
in until the slopes of the Paciiic and the banks of the great inland 
rivers became hives of busy industry. Magnificent cities and 
monuments were raised at the bidding of the tribal leaders and 
populous settlements centered with happy villages sprung up 
everywhere in manifestation of the power and wealth and knowl- 
edge of the people. The colonizing Caucasian of the historic 
period walked over this great country on the very ruins of a civil- 
ization which a thousand years before eclipsed all that of which he 
could boast. He walked through the wilderness of the West over 
buried treasures hidden under the accumulated growth of nature, 
nor rested until he saw, with great surprise, the remains of ancient 
pyramids and temples and cities, larger and evidently more beauti- 
ful than ancient Egypt could bring forth after its long years of 
uninterrupted history. The pyramids resemble those of Egypt in 
exterior form, and in some instances are of larger dimensions. The 
pyramid of Cholula is square, having each side of its base 1,335 
feet in length, and its height about 172 feet. Another pyramid) 
situated in the north of Vera Cruz, is formed of large- blocks 
of highly-polished porphyry, and bears upon its front hiero- 
glyphic inscriptions and curious sculpture. Each side of its 
square base is 82 feet in length, and a flight of 57 steps conducts to 
its summit, which is 65 feet in height. The ruins of Palenque are 
said to extend 20 miles along the ridge of a mountain, and the 
remains of an Aztec city, near the banks of the river Gila, are 
spread over more than a square league. Their literature consisted 
of hieroglyphics; but their arithmetical knowledge did not extend 
farther than their calculations by the aid of graius of corn. Yet, 



22 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

notwithstanding all their varied accomplishments, and they were 
evidently many, their notions of religious duty led to a most demo- 
niac zeal at once barbarously savage and ferociously cruel. Each 
visiting, god instead of bringing new life to the people, brought 
death to thousands; and their grotesque idols, exposed to drown 
the senses of the beholders in fear, wrought wretchedness rather 
than spiritual happiness, until, as some learned and humane Monte- 
zumian said, the people never approached these idols without fear, 
and this fear was the great animating principle, the great religious 
motive power which sustained the terrible religion. Their altars 
were sprinkled with blood drawn from their own bodies in large 
quantities, and on them thousands of human victims were sacri- 
ficed in honor of the demons whom they worshiped. The head 
and heart of every captive taken in war were offered up as a bloody 
sacrifice to the god of battles, while the victorious legions feasted 
on the remaining portions of the dead bodies. It has been ascer- 
tained that during the ceremonies attendant on the consecration of 
two of their temples, the number of prisoners offered up in sacri- 
fice was 12,210; while their own legions contributed voluntary 
victims to the terrible belief in large numbers. Nor did this 
horrible custom cease immediately after 1521, when Oortez entered 
the imperial city of the Montezuraas; for, on being driven from 
it, all his troops who fell into the hands of the native soldiers were 
subjected to the most terrible and prolonged suffering that could be 
experienced in this world, and when about to yield up that spirit 
which is indestructible, were offered in sacrifice, their hearts and 
heads consecrated, and the victors allowed to feast on the yet warm 
flesh. 

A reference is made here to the period when the Montezumas 
ruled over Mexico, simply to gain a better idea of the hideous 
idolatry which took the place of the old Boodhism of the Mound 
Builders, and doubtless helped in a great measure to give victory 
to the new comers, even as the tenets of Mahometanism urged the 
ignorant followers of the prophet to the conquest of great nations. 
It was not the faith of the people who built the mounds and the 
pyramids and the temples, and who, 200 years before the Christian 
era, built the great wall of jealous China. No: rather was it that 
terrible faith born of the Tartar victory, which carried the great 
defenses of China at the point of the javelin and hatchet, who 
afterward marched to the very walls of Rome, under Alaric, and 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 23 

spread over the islands of Polynesia to the Pacific slopes of South 
America. 

THE TARTARS 

came there, and, like the pure Mongols of Mexico and the Missis- 
sippi valley, rose to a state of civilization bordering on that attained 
by them. Here for centuries the sons of the fierce Tartar race con- 
tinued to dwell in comparative peace until the all-ruling ambition 
of empire took in the whole country from the Pacific to the Atlan- 
tic, and peopled the vast territory watered by the Amazon with a 
race that was destined to conquer all the peoples of the Orient, 
and only to fall before the march of the arch-civilizing Caucasian. 
In course of time those fierce Tartars pushed their settlements 
northward, and ultimately entered the territories of the Mound 
Builders, putting to death all who fell within their reach, and 
causing the survivors of the death-dealing invasion to seek a refuge 
from the hordes of this semi-barbarous people in the wilds and fast- 
nesses of the North and Northwest. The beautiful country of the 
Mound Builders was now in the hands of savage invaders, the quiet, 
industrious people who raised the temples and pyramids were gone; 
and the wealth of intelligence and industry, accumulating forages, 
passed into the possession of a rapacious horde, who could- admire 
it only so far as it offered objects for plunder. Even in this the 
invaders were satisfied, and then having arrived at the height of 
their ambition, rested on their swords and entered upon the luxury 
and ease in the enjoyment of which they were found when the van- 
guard of European civilization appeared upon the scene. Mean- 
time the southern countries which those adventurers abandoned 
after having completed their conquests in the North, were soon 
peopled by hundreds of people, always moving from island to 
island and ultimately halting amid the ruins of villages deserted 
by those who, as legends tell, had passed eastward but never returned; 
and it would scarcely be a matter for surprise if those emigrants 
were found to be the progenitors of that race found by the Spaniards 
in 1532, and identical with the Araucanians, Cuenches and HuiL 
tidies of to-day. 

RELICS OF THE MOUND BUILDERS. 

One of the most brilliant and impartial historians of the Republic 
stated that the valley of the Mississippi contained no monuments. 
So far as the word is entertained now, he was literally correct, but 



24 HISTOKV OF INDIANA. 

in some hasty effort neglected to qualify bis sentence by a refer- 
ence to the numerous relics of antiquity to be found throughout 
its length and breadth, and so exposed his chapters to criticism. 
The valley of the Father of Waters, and indeed the country from 
the trap rocks of the Great Lakes southeast to the Gulf and south- 
west to Mexico, abound in tell-tale monuments of a race of people 
much farther advanced in civilization than the Montezumas of the 
sixteenth century. The remains of walls and fortifications found 
in Kentucky and Indiana, the earthworks of Vincennes and 
throughout the valley of the Wabash, the mounds scattered over 
Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Virginia, and those found in Illi- 
nois, Wisconsin and Minnesota, are all evidences of the univer- 
sality of the Chinese Mongols and of their advance toward a com- 
parative knowledge of man and cosmology. At the mouth of 
Fourteen-Mile creek, in Clark county, Indiana, there stands one of 
these old monuments known as the " Stone Fort." It is an 
unmistakable heirloom of a great and ancient people, and must 
have formed one of their most important posts. The State Geolo- 
gist's report, filed among the records of the State and furnished 
by Prof. Cox, says: "At the mouth of Fourteen-Mile creek, and 
about three miles from Charleston, the county-seat of Clark county, 
there is one of the most remarkable stone fortifications which has 
ever come under my notice. Accompanied by my assistant, Mr. 
Borden, and a number of citizens of Charleston, I visited the 'Stone 
Fort' for the purpose of making an examination of it. The locality 
selected for this fort presents many natural advantages for making 
it impregnable to the opposing forces of prehistoric times. It 
occupies the point of an elevated narrow ridge which faces the 
Ohio river on the east and is bordered by Fourteen-Mile creek on 
the west side. This creek empties into the Ohio a short distance 
below the fort. The top of the ridge is pear-shaped, with the 
part answering to the neck at the north end. This part is not 
over twenty feet wide, and is protected by precipitous natural walls 
of stone. It is 2S0 feet above the level of the Ohio river, and the 
slope is very gradual to the south. At the upper field it is 210 feet 
high and one hundred steps wide. At the lower timber it is 120 
feet high. The bottom land at the foot of the south end is sixty 
feet above the river. Along the greater part of the Ohio river 
front there is an abrupt escarpment rock, entirely too steep to be 
scaled, and a similar natural barrier exists along a portion of the 
northwest side of the ridge, facing the creek. This natural wall 



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HISTORY OF INDIANA. 27 

is joined to the neck of an artificial wall, made by piling up, mason 
fashion but without mortar, loose stone, which had evidently been 
pried up from the carboniferous layers of rock. This made wall, at 
this point, is about 150 feet long. It is built along the slope of the 
hill and had an elevation of about 75 feet above its base, the upper 
ten feet being vertical. The inside of the wall is protected by a 
ditch. The remainder of the hill is protected by an artificial stone 
wall, built in the same manner, but not more than ten feet high. 
The elevation of the side wall above the creek bottom is 80 feet. 
Within the artificial walls is a string of mounds which rise to the 
height of the wall, and are protected from the washing of the hill- 
sides by a ditch 20 feet wide and four feet deep. The position of 
the artificial walls, natural cliffs of bedded stone, as well as that of 
the ditch and mounds, are well illustrated. The top of the enclosed 
ridge embraces ten or twelve acres, and there are as many as five 
mounds that can be recognized on the flat surface, while no doubt 
many others existed which have been obliterated by time, and 
though the agency of man in his efforts to cultivate a portion of 
the ground. A trench was cut into one of these mounds in search 
of relics. A few fragments of charcoal and decomposed bones, and 
a large irregular, diamond-shaped boulder, with a small circular 
indentation near the middle of the upper part, that was worn quite 
smooth by the use to which it had been put, and the small pieces 
of fossil coral, comprised all the articles of note which were revealed 
by the excavation. The earth of which the mound is made resem- 
bles that seen on the hillside, and was probably in most part taken 
from the ditch. The margin next to the ditch was protected by 
slabs of stone set on edge, and leaning at an angle corresponding to 
the sloTie of the mound. This stone shield was two and one-half 
feet wide and one foot high. At intervals along the great ditch 
there are channels formed between the mounds that probably served 
to carry off the surplus water through openings in the outer wall. 
On the top of the enclosed ridge, and near its narrowest part, there 
is one mound much larger than any of the others, and so situated 
as to command an extensive view up and down the Ohio river, as well 
as affording an unobstructed view east and west. This is designated 
as ' Look-out Mound.' There is near it a slight break in the cliff 
of rock, which furnished a narrow passageway to the Ohio river. 
Though the locality afforded many natural advantages for a fort or 
stronghold, one is compelled to admit that much skill was displayed 
and labor expended in making its defense as perfect as possible at 



28 HIST0KT OF INDIANA. 

all points. Stone axes, pestles, arrow-beads, spear-points, totums, 
charms and flint flakes have been found in great abundance in 
plowing the field at the foot of the old fort." 

From the " Stone Fort " the Professor turns bis steps to Posey 
county, at a point on the Wabash, ten miles above the mouth, 
called "Bone Bank," on account of the number of human bones 
continually washed out from the river bank. " It is," he states 
"situated in a bend on the left bank of the river; and the ground 
is about ten feet above high-water mark, being the only land along 
this portion of the river that is not submerged in seasons of high 
water. The bank slopes gradually back from the river to a slough. 
This slough now seldom contains water, but no doubt at one time 
it was an arm of the Wabash river, which flowed around the Bone 
Bank and afforded protection to the island home of the Mound 
Builders. The Wabash has been changing its bed for many years, 
leaving a broad extent of newly made land on the right shore, and 
gradually making inroads on the left shore by cutting away the 
Bone Bank. The stages of growth of land on the right bank of the 
river are well defined by thecottonwood trees, which increase in size 
as you go back from the river. Unless there is a change in the cur- 
rent ot the river, all trace of the Bone Bank will be obliterated. 
Already within the memory of the white inhabitants, the bank has 
been removed to the width of several hundred yards. As the bank 
is cut by the current of the river it loses its support, and when the 
water sinks it tumbles over, carrying with it the bones of the 
Mound Builders and the cherished articles buried with them. No 
locality in the country furnishes a greater number and variety of 
relics than this. It has proved especially rich in pottery of 
quaint design and skillful workmanship. I have a number of jugs 
and pots and a cup found at the Bone Bank. This kind of work 
has been very abundant, and is still found in such quantities that 
we are led to conclude that its manufacture formed a leading indus- 
try of the inhabitants of the Bone Bank. It is not in Europe 
alone that we find a well-founded claim of high antiquity for the 
art of making hard and durable stone by a mixture of clay, lime, 
sand and stone; for I am convinced that this art was possessed by 
a race of people who inhabited this continent at a period so remote 
that neither tradition nor history can furnish any account of them. 
They belonged to the Neolithic, or polished-stone, age. They lived 
in towns and built mounds for sepulture and worship and pro- 
tected their homes by surrounding them with walls of earth and 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 



20 



stone. In some of these mounds specimens of various kinds of 
pottery, in a perfect state of preservation, have from time to time 
been found, and fragments are so common that every student of 
archaeology can have a bountiful supply. Some of these fragments 
indicate vessels of very great size. At the Saline springs of Gal- 
latin I picked up fragments that indicated, by their curvature, ves- 
sels five to six feet in diameter, and it is probable they are frag- 
ments of artificial stone pans used to hold brine that was manufac- 
tured into salt by solar evaporation. 

" Now, all the pottery belonging to the Mound Builders' age, 
which I have seen, is composed of alluvial clay and sand, or a mix- 
ture of the former with pulverized fresh-water shells. A paste 
made of such a mixture possesses, in high degree, the properties of 
hydraulic Puzzuoland and Portland cement, so that vessels formed 
of it hardened without being burned, as is customary with modern 
pottery." 

The Professor deals very aptly with this industry of the aborig- 
ines, and concludes a very able disquisition on the Bone Bank in 
its relation to the prehistoric builders. 



e^o% 



&MMm 







c/r .; -°"x ■"<¥ 



);:m 



y m 



HIEROGLYPHICS OF THE MOUND-BUILDERS. 

The creat circular redoubt or earth-work found two miles west of 
the village of New Washington, and the " Stone Fort," on a ridge 
one mile west of the village of Deputy, offer a subject for the anti- 
quarian as deeply interesting as any of the monuments of a 
decayed empire so far discovered. 



30 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

From end to end of Indiana there are to be found many other rel- 
ics of the obscure past. Some of them have been unearthed and now 
appear among the collected antiquities at Indianapolis. The highly 
finished sandstone pipe, the copper ax, stone axes, flint arrow-heads 
and magnetic plummets found a few years ago beneath the soil of 
Cut-Off Island near New Harmony, together with the pipes of rare 
workmanship and undoubted age, une.irthed near Covington, all 
live as it were in testimony of their owner's and maker's excel- 
lence, and hold a share in the evidence of the partial annihilation 
of a race, with the complete disruption of its manners, customs 
ami industries; and it is possible that when numbers of these relics 
are placed together, a key to the phonetic or rather hieroglyphic 
system of that remote period might be evolved. 

It may be asked what these hieroglyphical characters really are, 
Well, they are varied in form, so much so that the pipes found in 
the mounds of Indians, each bearing a distinct representation of 
some animal, may be taken for one species, used to represent the 
abstract ideas of the Mound Builders. The second form consists 
of pure hieroglyphics or phonetic characters, in which the sound is 
represented instead of the object; and the third, or painted form of 
the first, conveys to the mind that which is desired to be repre- 
sented. This form exists among the Cree Indians of the far North- 
west, at present. They, when departing from their permanent vil- 
lages for the distant hunting grounds, paint on the barked trees in 
the neighborhood the figure of a snake or eagle, or perhaps huskey 
dog; and this animal is supposed to guard the position until the 
warrior's return, or welcome any friendly tribes that may arrive 
there in the interim. In the case of the Mound Builders, it is un- 
likely that this latter extreme was resorted to, for the simple reason 
that the relics of their occupation are- too high in the ways of art to 
tolerate such a barbarous science of language; but the sculptured 
pipes and javelins and spear-heads of the Mound Builders may be 
taken as a collection of graven images, each conveying a set of 
ideas easily understood, and perhaps sometimes or more generally 
used to designate the vocation, name or character of the owner. 
That the builders possessed an alphabet of a phonetic form, and 
purely hieroglyphic, can scarcely be questioned; but until one or 
more of the unearthed tablets, which bore all or even a portion of 
such characters, are raised from their centuried graves, the mystery 
which surrounds this people must remain, while we must dwell in 
a world of mere speculation. 



HISTOET OF INDIANA. 31 

> Vigo, Jasper, Sullivan, Switzerland and Ohio counties can boast 
of a most liberal endowment in this relation; and when in other 
days the people will direct a minute inquiry, and penetrate to the 
very heart of the thousand cones which are scattered throughout 
the land, they may possibly extract the blood in the shape of metal- 
lic and porcelain works, with hieroglyphic tablets, while leaving 
the form of heart and body complete to entertain and delight un- 
born generations, who in their time will wonder much when they 
learn that an American people, living toward the close of the 59th 
century, could possibly indulge in such an anachronism as is im- 
plied in the term "New World." 

THE INDIANS. 

The origin of the Red Men, or American Indians, is a subject 
which interests as well as instructs. It is a favorite with the eth- 
nologist, even as it is one of deep concern to the ordinary reader. 
A review of two works lately published on the origin of the Indians 
treats the matter in a peculiarly reasonable light. It says: 

" Recently a German writer has put forward one theory on the 
subject, and an English writer has put forward another and directly 
opposite theory. The difference of opinion concerning our aborig- 
inals among authors who have made a profound study of races is at 
once curious and interesting. Elumenbach treats them in his 
classifications as a distinct variety of the human family; but, in the 
threefold division of Dr. Latham, they are ranked among the Mon- 
golidre. Other writers on race regard them as a branch of the great 
Mongolian family, which at a distant period found its way from 
Asia to this continent, and remained here for centuries separate 
from the rest of mankind, passing, meanwhile, through divers 
phases of barbarism and civilization. Morton, our eminent eth- 
nologist, and his followers, Nott and Gliddon, claim for our native 
Red Men an origin as distinct as the flora and fauna of this conti- 
nent. Prichard, whose views are apt to differ from Morton's, finds 
reason to believe, on comparing the American tribes together, that 
they must have formed a separate department of nations from the 
earliest period of the world. The era of their existence as a distinct 
and insulated people must probably be dated back to the time 
which separated into nations the inhabitants of the Old World, and 

fave to each its individuality and primitive language. Dr. Robert 
Irown, the latest authority, attributes, in his " Races of Mankind," 
an Asiatic origin to our aboriginals. He says that the Western In- 
dians not only personally resemble their nearest neighbors — the 
Northeastern Asiatics — but they resemble them in language and 
traditions. The Esquimaux on the American and the Tchuktchis 
on the Asiatic side understand one another perfectly. Modern an- 



32 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

thropologists, indeed, are disposed to think that Japan, the Kuriles, 
and neighboring regions, may be regarded as the original home of 
the greater part of the native American race. It is also admitted 
by them that between the tribes scattered from the Arctic sea to 
Cape Horn there is more uniformity of physical features than is 
seen in any other quarter of the globe. The weight of evidence 
and authority is altogether in favor of the opinion that our so- 
called Indians are a branch of the Mongolian family, and all addi- 
tional researches strengthen the opinion. The tribes of both North 
and South America are unquestionably homogeneous, and, in all 
likelihood, had their origin in Asia, though they have been altered 
and modified by thousands of years of total separation from the 
parent stock." 

The conclusions arrived at by the reviewer at that time, though 
safe, are too general to lead the reader to form any definite idea on 
the subject. No doubt whatever can exist, when the American In- 
dian is regarded as of an Asiatic origin; but there is nothing in the 
works or even in the review, to which these works were subjected, 
which might account for the vast difference in manner and form 
between the Red Man, as he is now known, or even as he appeared 
to Columbus and his successors in the field of discovery, and the 
comparatively civilized inhabitants of Mexico, as seen in 1521 by 
Cortez, and of Pern, as witnessed by Pizarro in 1532. The fact is 
that the pure bred Indian of the present is descended directly 
from the earliest inhabitants, or in other words from the survivors 
of that people who, on being driven from their fair possessions, re- 
tired to the wilderness in sorrow and reared up their children under 
the saddening influences of their unquenchable griefs, bequeathing 
them only the habits of the wild, cloud-roofed home of their de- 
clining years, a sullen silence, and a rude moral code. In after 
years these wild sons of the forest and prairie grew in numbers and 
in strength. Some legend told them of their present sufferings, of 
the station which their fathers once had known, and of the riotous 
race which now reveled in wealth which should be theirs. The 
fierce passions of the savage were aroused, and uniting their scat- 
tered bands marched in silence upon the villages of the Tartars, 
driving them onward to the capital of their Incas, and consigning 
their homes to the flames. Once in view of the great city, the 
hurrying bands halted in surprise; but Tartar cunning took in the 
situation and offered pledges of amity, which were sacredly ob- 
served. Henceforth Mexico was open to the Indians, bearing pre- 
cisely the same relation to them that the Hudson's Bay Company's 



HISTOKY OF INDIANA. 33 

villages do to the Northwestern Indians of the present; obtaining 
all, and bestowing very little. The subjection of the Mongolian 
race represented in North America by that branch of it to which 
the Tartars belonged, represented in the Southern portion of the con- 
tinent, seems to have taken place some five centuries before the 
advent of the European, while it may be concluded that the war of 
the races which resulted in reducing the villages erected by the 
Tartar hordes to ruin took place between one and two hundred 
years later. These statements, though actually referring to events 
which in point of time are comparatively modern, can only be sub- 
stantiated by the facts that, about the periods mentioned the dead 
bodies of an unknown race of men were washed ashore on the Eu- 
ropean coasts, while previous to that time there is no account 
whatever in European annals of even a vestige of trans-Atlantic hu- 
manity being transferred by ocean currents to the gaze of a won- 
dering people. Towards the latter half ot the 15th century two 
dead bodies entirely free from decomposition, and corresponding 
with the Red Men as they afterward appeared to Columbus, were 
cast on the shores of the Azores, and confirmed Columbus in his be- 
lief in the existence of a western world and western people. 

Storm and flood and disease have created sad havoc in the ranks 
of the Indian since the occupation of the country by the white man. 
These natural causes have conspired to decimate the race even more 
than the advance of civilization, which seems not to affect it to any 
material extent. In its maintenance of the same number of rep- 
resentatives during three centuries, and its existence in the very 
face of a most unceremonious, and, whenever necessary, cruel con- 
quest, the grand dispensations of the unseen Ruler of the universe 
is demonstrated; for, without the aborigines, savage and treach- 
erous as they were, it is possible that the explorers of former times 
would have so many natural difficulties to contend with, that their 
work would be surrendered in despair, and the most fertile regions 
of the continent saved for the plowshares of generations yet un- 
born. It is questionable whether we owe the discovery of this con- 
tinent to the unaided scientific knowledge of Columbus, or to the 
dead bodies of the two Indians referred to above; nor can their ser- 
vices to the explorers of ancient and modern times be over-esti- 
mated. Their existence is embraced in the plan of the Divinity 
for the government of the world, and it will not form subject for 
surprise to learn that the same intelligence which sent a thrill of 
liberty into every corner of the republic, will, in the near future, 



31 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

devise some method under which the remnant of a great and an- 
cient race may taste the sweets of public kindness, and feel that, 
after centuries of turmoil and tyranny, they have at last found a 
shelter amid a sympathizing people. Many have looked at the In- 
dian as the pessimist does at all things; they say that he was never 
formidable until the white man supplied him with the weapons of 
modern warfare; but there is no mention made of his eviction from 
his retired home, and the little plot of cultivated garden which- 
formed the nucleus of a village that, if fostered instead of being 
destroyed, might possibly hold an Indian population of some im- 
portance in the economy of the nation. There is no intention what- 
ever to maintain that the occupation of this country by the favored 
races is wrong even in principle; for where any obstacle to advanc- 
ing civilization exists, it has to fall to the ground; but it may be 
said, with some truth, that the white man, instead of a policy of 
conciliation formed upon the power of kindness, indulged in bel- 
ligerency as impolitic as it was unjust. A modern writer says, 
when speaking of the Indian's character: "He did not exhibit that 
steady valor and efficient discipline of the American soldier; and 
to-day on the plains Sheridan's troopers would not hesitate to 
attack the bravest band, though outnumbered three to one." This 
piece of information applies to the European aud African, as well 
as to the Indian. The American soldier, and particularly the 
troopers referred to, would not fear or shrink from a very legion ot 
demons, even with odds against them. This mode of warfare seems 
strangely peculiar when compared with the military systems of 
civilized countries; yet, since the main object of armed men is to 
defend a country or a principle, and to destroy anything which may 
oppose itself to them, the mode of warfare pursued fry the savage 
will be found admirably adapted to their requirements in this con- 
nection, and will doubtless compare favorably with the systems of 
the Afghans and Persians of the present, and the Caucasian people 
<sf the first historic period. 

MANNERS AND' CUSTOMS. 

The art of hunting not only supplied the Indian with food, but, 
like that of war, was a means of gratifying his love of distinction. 
The male children, as soon as they acquired sufficient age and 
strength, were furnished with a bow and arrow and taught to shoot 
birds and other small game. Success in killing a large quadruped 
required years of careful study and practice, and the art was as 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 35 

sedulously inculcated in the minds of the rising generation as are 
the elements of reading, writing and arithmetic in the common 
schools of civilized communities. The mazes of the forest and the 
dense, tall grass of the prairies were the best fields for the exercise 
of the hunter's skill. No feet could be impressed in the yielding 
soil but that the tracks were the objects of the most searching 
scrutiny, and revealed at a glance the animal that made them, the 
direction it was pursuing, and the time that had elapsed since it 
hud passed. In a forest country he selected the valleys, because 
they were most frequently the resort of game. The most easily 
taken, perhaps, of all the animals of the chase was the deer. It is 
endowed with a curiosity which prompts it to stop in its flight and 
look back at the approaching hunter, who always avails himself of 
this opportunity to let fly the fatal arrow. 

Their general councils were composed of the chiefs and old men. 
"When in council, they usually sat in concentric circles around the 
speaker, and each individual, notwithstanding the fiery passions 
that rankled within, preserved an exterior as immovable as if cast 
in bronze. Before commencing business a person appeared with 
the sacred pipe, and another with fire to kindle it. After being 
lighted it was first presented to heaven, secondly to the earth, 
thirdly to the presiding spirit, and lastly the several councilors, 
each of whom took a whiff. These formalities were observed with 
as close exactness as state etiquette in civilized courts. 

The dwellings of the Indians were of the simplest and rudest 
character. On some pleasant spot by the bank of a river, or near 
an ever-running spring, they raised their groups of wigwams, con- 
structed of the bark of trees, and easily taken down and removed 
to another spot. The dwelling-places of the chiefs were sometimes 
more spacious, and constructed with greater care, but of the same 
materials. Skins taken in the chase served them for repose. 
Though principally dependent upon hunting and fishing, the 
uncertain supply from those sources led them to cultivate small 
patches of corn. Every family did everything necessary within 
itself, commerce, or an interchange of articles, being almost unknown 
to them. In cases of dispute and dissension, each Indian relied 
upon himself for retaliation. Blood for blood was the rule, and 
the relatives of the slain man were bound to obtain blood)' revenge 
for his death. This principle gave rise, as a matter of course, to 
innumerable and bitter feuds, and wars of extermination where such 
were possible. "War, indeed, rather than peace, was the Indian's 



36 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

glory and delight, — war, not conducted as civilization, but war 
where individual skill, endurance, gallantry and cruelty were prime 
requisites. For such a purpose as revenge the Indian would make 
great sacrifices, and display a patience and perseverance truly heroic; 
but when the excitement was over, he sank back into a listless, un- 
occupied, well-nigh useless savage. During the intervals of his 
more exciting pursuits, the Indian employed his time in decorating 
his person with all the refinement of paint and feathers, and in the 
manufacture of his arms and of canoes. These were constructed of 
bark, and so light that they could easily be carried on the shoulder 
from stream to stream. His amusements were the war-dance, ath- 
letic games, the narration of his exploits, and listening to the ora- 
tory of the chiefs; but during long periods of such existence he 
remained in a state of torpor, gazing listlessly upon the trees of 
the forests and the clouds that sailed above them; and this vacancy 
imprinted an habitual gravity, and even melancholy, upon his gen- 
eral deportment. 

The main labor and drudgery of Indian communities fell upon 
the women. The planting, tending and gathering of the crops, 
making mats and baskets, carrying burdens, — in fact, all things of 
the kind were performed by them, thus making their condition but 
little better than that of slaves. Marriage was merely a matter of 
bargain and sale, the husband giving presents to the father of the 
bride. In general they had but few children. They were sub- 
jected to many and severe attacks of sickness, and at times famine 
and pestilence swept away whole tribes. 



EXPLORATIONS BY THE WHITES. 

EARLIEST EXPLORERS. 

The State of Indiana is bounded on the east by the meridian line 
which forms also the western boundary of Ohio, extending due 
north from the mouth of the Great Miami river; on the south by 
the Ohio river from the mouth of the Great Miami to the mouth 
of the Wabash ; on the west hyaline drawn along the middle of 
the Wabash river from its mouth to a point where a due north 
line from the town of Vincennes would last touch the shore of said 
river, and thence directly north to Lake Michigan; and on the north 
by said lake and an east and west line ten miles north of the ex- 
treme south end of the lake, and extending to its intersection with 
the aforesaid meridian, the west boundary of Ohio. These bound- 
aries include an area of 33,809 square miles, lying between 37° 
47' and 41° 50' north latitude, and between 7° 45' and 11° 1' west 
longitude from Washington. 

After the discovery of America by Columbus in 1492, more than 
150 years passed away before any portion of the territory now com- 
prised within the above limits was explored by Europeans. Colo- 
nies were established in Florida, Virginia and Nova Scotia by the 
principal rival governments of Europe, but not until about 1670-'2 
did the first white travelers venture as far into the Northwest as 
Indiana or Lake Michigan. These explorers were Frenchmen by 
the names of Claude Allouez and Claude Dablon, who then visited 
what is now the eastern part of Wisconsin, the northeastern portion 
of Illinois and probably that portion of this State north of the Kan- 
kakee river. In the following year M. Joliet, an agent of the 
French Colonial government, and James Marquette, a good and 
simple-hearted missionary who had his station at Mackinaw, ex- 
plored the country about Green Bay, and along Fox and Wiscon- 
sin rivers as far westward as the Mississippi, the banks of which 
they reached June 17, 1673. They descended this river to about 
33° 40', but returned by way of the Illinois river and the route 
they came in the Lake Region. At a village among the Illinois In- 
dians, Marquette and his small band of adventurers were received 

C37J 



88 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

in a friendly manner and treated hospitably. They were made the 
honored guest; at a great feast, where hominy, fish, dog meat and 
roast buffalo meat were spread before them in great abundance. In 
16S2 LaS&'.'e explored the "West, but it is not known that he entered 
the region now embraced within the State of Indiana. He took 
formal possession, however, of all the Mississippi region in the 
name of the King of France, in whose honor he gave all this Mis- 
sissippi region, including what is now Indiana, the name " Louisi- 
ana." Spain at the same time laid claim to all the region about 
the Gulf of Mexico, and thus these two great nations were brought 
into collision. But the country was actually held and occupied by 
the great Miami confederacy of Indians, the Miamis proper (an- 
ciently the Twightwees) being the eastern and most powerful tribe. 
Their territory extended strictly from the Scioto river west to the 
Illinois river. Their villages were few and scattering, and their 
occupation was scarcely dense enough to maintain itself against in- 
vasion. Their settlements were occasionally visited by Christian 
missionaries, fur traders and adventurers, but no body of white men 
made any settlement sufficiently permanent for a title to national 
possession. Christian zeal animated France and England in mis- 
sionary enterprise, the former in the interests of Catholicism and 
the latter in the interests of Protestantism. Hence their haste to 
preoccup}' the land and proselyte the aborigines. No doubt this 
ugly rivalry was often seen by Indians, and they refused to be 
proselyted to either branch of Christianity. 

The " Five Nations," farther east, comprised the Mohawks, 
Oneidas, Cayugas, Onondaguas and Senecas. In 1677 the number 
of warriors in this confederacy was 2,150. About 1711 the Tusca- 
roras retired from Carolina and joined the Iroquois, or Five Na- 
tions, which, after that event, became known as the " Six Nations." 
In 16S9 hostilities broke out between the Five Nations and the 
colonists of Canada, and the almost constant wars in which France 
was engaged until the treaty of Ryswick in 1697 combined to 
check the grasping policy of Louis XIV., and to retard the plant- 
ing of French colonies in the Mississippi valle} 7 . Missionary efforts, 
however, continued with more failure than success, the Jesuits 
allying themselves with the Indians in habits and customs, even 
encouraging inter-marriage between them and their white fol- 
lowers. 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 39 



OUABACUE. 



The Wabash was first named by the French, and spelled by them 
Ouabache. This river was known even before the Ohio, and was 
navigated as the Ouabache all the way to the Mississippi a long time 
before it was discovered that it was a tributary of the Ohio (Belle 
Riviere). In navigating the Mississippi they thought they passed 
the mouth of the Ouabache instead of the Ohio. In traveling from 
the Great Lakes to the south, the French always went by the way of 
the Ouabache or Illinois. 

VINCENNES. 

Francois Morgan de Vinsenne served in Canada as early as 1720 
in the regiment of " De Carrignan " of the French service, and 
again on the lakes in the vicinity of Sault Ste. Marie in the same 
service under M. de Vaudriel, in 1725. It is possible that his ad- 
vent to Vincennes may have taken place in 1732; and in proof of 
this the only record is an act of sale under the joint names of him- 
self and Madame Vinsenne, the daughter of M. Philip Longprie, 
and dated Jan. 5, 1735. This document gives his military position 
as commandant of the post of Ouabache in the service of the French 
King. The will of Longprie, dated March 10, same year, bequeaths 
him, among other things, 40S pounds of pork, which he ordered to 
be kept safe until Vinsenne, who was then at Ouabache, returned 
to Kaskaskia. 

There are many other documents connected with its early settle- 
ment by Vinsenne, among which is a receipt for the 100 pistoles 
granted him as his wife's marriage dowry. In 1736 this officer was 
ordered to Charlevoix by D'Artagette, viceroy of the King at New 
Orleans, and commandant of Illinois. Here M. St. Vinsenne re- 
ceived his mortal wounds. The event is chronicled as follows, in 
the words of D'Artagette: " We have just received very bad news 
from Louisiana, and our war with the Chickasaws. The French 
have been defeated. Among the slain is M. de Vinsenne, who 
ceased not until his last breath to exhort his men to behave worthy 
of their faith and fatherland." 

Thus closed the career of this gallant officer, leaving a name 
which holds as a remembrancer the present beautiful town of Vin- 
cennes, changed from Vinsenne to its present orthography in 1749. 

Post Vincennes was settled as early as 1710 or 1711. In a letter 
from Father Marest to Father Germon, dated at Kaskaskia, Nov. 9, 
1712, occurs this passage: "Zes Francois itoient itabli unfort sur 



40 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

lefleuveOuabache; Us demanderent un missionaire ; et le Pere 
Mermet leurfut envoye. Ce Pere crut devoir travailler a la 
conversion des Mascoutens qui avoieut fait tin village sur les 
bords dumeme Jleuve. C'est tine nation Indians qui entend la 
langue Illinoise." Translated: " The French have established a 
fort upon the river Wabash, and want a missionary, and Father 
Mermet has been sent to them. That Father believes he should 
labor for the conversion of the Mascoutens, who have built a vil- 
lage on the banks of the same river. They are a nation of Indians 
who understand the language of the Illinois." 

Mermet was therefore the first preacher of Christianity in this 
part of the world, and his mission was to convert the Mascoutens, 
a branch of the Miamis. "The way I took," says he, " was to con- 
found, in the presence of the whole tribe, one of these charlatans 
[medicine men], whose Manitou, or great spirit which he wor- 
shiped, was the buffalo. After leading him on insensibly to the 
avowal that it was not the buffalo that he worshiped, but the Man- 
itou, or spirit, of the buffalo, which was under the earth and ani- 
mated all buffaloes, which heals the sick and has all power, I asked 
him whether other beasts, the bear for instance, and which one of 
his nation worshiped, was not equally inhabited by a Manitou, 
which was under the earth. 'Without doubt,' said the grand medi- 
cine man. ' If this is so,' said I, ' men ought to have a Manitou 
who inhabits them.' ' Nothing more certain,' said he. ' Ought 
not that to convince you,' continued I, ' that you are not very 
reasonable? For if man upon the earth is the master of all animals, 
if he kills them, if he eats them, does it not follow that the Mani- 
tou which inhabits him must have a mastery over all other Mani- 
tous? "Why then do you not invoke him instead of the Manitou 
of the bear and the buffalo, when you are sick?' This reasoning 
disconcerted the charlatan. But this was all the effect it 
produced." 

The result of convincing these heathen by logic, as is generally 
the case the world over, was only a temporary logical victory, and 
no change whatever was produced in the professions and practices 
of the Indians. 

But the first Christian (Catholic) missionary at this place whose 
name we find recorded in the Church annals, was Meurin, in 1S49. 

The church building used by these early missionaries at Vin- 
cennes is thus described by the " oldest inhabitants:" Fronting on 
Water street and running back on Church street, it was a plain 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 41 

building with a rough exterior, of upright posts, chinked and 
daubed, with a rough coat of cement on the outside; about 20 feet 
wide and GO long; one story high, with a small belfiw and an equally 
small bell. It was dedicated to St. Francis Xavier. This spot is 
now occupied by a splendid cathedral. 

Vincennes has ever been a stronghold of Catholicism. The 
Church there has educated and sent out many clergymen of her 
faith, some of whom have become bishops, or attained other high 
positions in ecclesiastical authority. 

Almost contemporaneous with the progress of the Church at 
Vincennes was a missionary work near the mouth of the Wea river, 
among the Ouiatenons, but the settlement there was broken up in 
early day. 



NATIONAL POLICIES. 

THE GREAT FRENCH SCHEME. 

Soon after the discovery of the mouth of the Mississippi by La- 
Salle in 1682, the government of France began to encourage ths 
policy of establishing a line of trading posts and missionary 
stations extending through the West from Canada to Louisiana, 
and this policy was maintained, with partial success, for about 75 
years. The traders persisted in importing whisky, which cancelled 
nearly every civilizing influence that could be brought to bear upon 
the Indian, and the vast distances between posts prevented that 
strength which can be enjoyed only by close and convenient inter- 
communication. Another characteristic of Indian nature was to 
listen attentively to all the missionary said, pretending to believe 
all he preached, and then offer in turn his theory of the world, of 
religion, etc., and because he was not listened to with the same 
degree of attention and pretense of belief, would go off disgusted. 
This was his idea of the golden rule. 

The river St. Joseph of Lake Michigan was called " the river 
Miamis" in 1679, in which year LaSalle built a small fort on its 
bank, near the lake shore. The principal station of the mission 
for the instruction of the Miamis was established on the borders of 
this river. The first French post within the territory of the 
Miamis was at the mouth of the river Miamis, on an eminence 
naturally fortified on two sides by the river, and on one side by a 



42 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

deep ditch made by a fall of water. It was of triangular form. 
The missionary Hennepin gives a good description of it, as he was 
one of the company who built it, in 1679. Says he: " We fell the 
trees that were on the top of the hill; and having cleared the same 
from bushes for about two musket shot, we began to build a 
redoubt of 80 feet long and 40 feet broad, with great square pieces 
of timber laid one upon another, and prepared a great number of 
stakes of about 25 feet long to drive into the ground, to make our 
fort more inaccessible on the riverside. We employed the whole 
month of November about that work, which was very hard, though 
we had no other food but the bear's flesh our savage killed. These 
beasts are very common in that place because of the great quantity 
of grapes they find there; but their flesh being too fat and luscious, 
our men began to be weary of it and desired leave to go a hunting 
to kill some wild goats. M. LaSalle denied them that liberty, 
which caused some murmurs among them; and it was but unwill- 
ingly that they continued their work. This, together with the 
approach of winter and the apprehension that M. LaSalle had that 
hL vessel (the Griffin) was lost, made him very melancholy, though 
he concealed it as much as he could. We made a cabin wherein 
we performed divine service every Sunday, and Father Gabriel and 
I, who preached alternately, took care to take such texts as were 
suitable to our present circumstances and fit to inspire us witli 
courage, concord and brotherly love. * * * The fort was at 
last perfected, and called Fort Miamis." 

In the year 1711 the missionary Chardon, who was said to be 
very zealous and apt in the acquisition of languages, had a station 
on the St. Joseph about 60 miles above the mouth. Charlevoix, 
another distinguished missionary from France, visited a post on 
this river in 1721. In a letter dated at the place, Aug. 16, he says: 
" There is a commandant here, with a small garrison. His house, 
which is but a very sorry one, is called the fort, from its being sur- 
rounded with an indifferent palisado, which is pretty near the case 
in all the rest. We have here two villages of Indians, one of the 
Miamis and the other of the Pottawatomies, both of them mostly 
Christians; but as they have been for a long time without any pas- 
tors, the missionary who has been lately sent to them will have no 
small difficulty in bringing them back to the exercise of their re< 
ligion." He speaks also of the main commodity for which the In. 
dians would part with their goods, namely, spirituous liquors, 
which they drink and keep drunk upon as long as a supply lasted. 







INDIANS ATTACKING FEONTIEKSilEN. 



HIST0KY OF INDIANA. 45 

More than a century and a half has now passed since Charlevoix 
penned the above, without any change whatever in this trait of In- 
dian character. 

In 1765 the Miami nation, or confederacy, was composed of four 
tribes, whose total number of warriors was estimated at only 1,050 
men. Of these about 250 were Twightwees, or Miamis proper, 
300 Weas, or Ouiatenons,300 Piankeshawsand 200 Shockeys; and 
at this time the principal villages of the Twightwees were situated 
about the head of the Maumee river at and near the place where 
Fort Wayne now is. The larger Wea villages were near the banks 
of the Wabash river, in the vicinity of the Post Ouiatenon; and 
the Shockeys and Piankeshaws dwelt on the banks of the' Vermil- 
lion and on the borders of the Wabash between Vincennes and 
Ouiatenon. Branches of the Pottawatomie, Shawnee, Delaware and 
Kickapoo tribes were permitted at different times to enter within 
the boundaries of the Miamis and reside for a while. 

The wars in which France and England were engaged, from 16S8 
to 1697, retarded the growth of the colonies of those nations in 
North America, and the efforts made by France to connect Canada 
and the Gulf of Mexico by a chain of trading posts and colonies 
naturally excited the jealousy of England and gradually laid the 
foundation for a struggle at arms. After several stations were estab- 
lished elsewhere in the West, trading posts were started at the 
Miami villages, which stood at the head of the Maumee, at the Wea 
villages about Ouiatenon on the Wabash, and at the Piankeshaw vil- 
lages about the present sight of Vincennes. It is probable that before 
the close of the year 1719, temporary trading posts were erected at the 
sites of Fort Wayne, Ouiatenon and Vincennes. These points were 
probably often visited by French fur traders prior to 1700. In the 
meanwhile the English people in this country commenced also to 
establish military posts west of the Alleghanies, and thus matters 
went on until they naturally culminated in a general war, which, 
being waged by the French and Indians combined on one side, was 
called " the French and Indian war." This war was terminated in 
1763 by a treaty at Paris, by which France ceded to Great Britain 
all of North America east of the Mississippi except New Orleans 
and the island on which it is situated; and indeed, France had the 
preceding autumn, by a secret convention, ceded to Spain all the 
country west of that river. 



46 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

PONTIAC *S WAR. 

In 1762, after Canada and its dependencies Lad been surrendered 
to the English, Pontiac and his partisans secretly organized a pow- 
erful confederacy in order to crush at one blow all English power 
in the West. This great scheme was skillfully projected and cau- 
tiously matured. 

The principal act in the programme was to gain admittance into 
the fort at Detroit, on pretense of a friendly visit, with short- 
ened muskets concealed under their blankets, and on a given signal 
suddenly break forth upon the garrison; but an inadvertent remark 
of an Indian woman led to a discovery of the plot, which was con- 
sequently averted. Pontiac and his warriors afterward made many 
attacks upon the English, some of which were successful, but the 
Indians were finally defeated in the general war. 

BRITISH POLICY. 

In 1765 the total number of French families within the limits of 
the Northwestern Territory did not probably exceed 600. These 
were in settlements about Detroit, along the river Wabash and the 
neighborhood of Fort Chartres on the Mississippi. Of these fami- 
lies, about 80 or 90 resided at Post Vincennes, 14 at Fort Ouiate- 
non, on the Wabash, and nine or ten at the confluence of the St. 
Mary and St. Joseph rivers. 

The colonial policy of the British government opposed any meas- 
ures which might strengthen settlements in the interior of this 
country, lest they become self-supporting and independent of the 
mother country; hence the earl)- and rapid settlement of the North- 
western territory was still further retarded by the short-sighted 
selfishness of England. That fatal policy consisted mainly in hold- 
ing the land in the hands of the government and not allowing it to 
be subdivided and sold to settlers. But in spite of all her efforts 
in this direction, she constantly made just such efforts as provoked 
the American people to rebel, and to rebel successfully, which was 
within 15 years after the perfect close of the French and Indian 
war. 

AMERICAN POLICY. 

Thomas Jefferson, the shrewd statesman and wise Governor of 
Virginia, saw from the first that actual occupation of "Western lands 
was the only way to keep them out of the hands of foreigners and 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 47 

Indians. Therefore, directly after the conquest of Vincennes by- 
Clark, he engaged a scientific corps to proceed under an escort to 
the Mississippi, and ascertain by celestial observations the point 
on that river intersected by latitude 36° 30', the southern limit of 
the State, and to measure its distance to the Ohio. To Gen. Clark 
was entrusted the conduct of the military operations in that quar- 
ter. He was instructed to select a strong position near that point 
and establish there a fort and garrison ; thence to extend his conquests 
northward to the lakes, erecting forts at different points, which 
might serve as monuments of actual possession, besides affording 
protection to that portion of the country. Fort " Jefferson " was 
erected and garrisoned on the Mississippi a few miles above the 
southern limit. 

The result of these operations was the addition, to the chartered 
limits of Virginia, of that immense region known as the " North- 
western Territory." The simple fact that such and such forts were 
established by the Americans in this vast region convinced the Brit- 
ish Commissioners that we had entitled ourselves to the land. But 
where are those " monuments " of our power now? 

INDIAN SAVAGERY. 

As a striking example of the inhuman treatment which the early 
Indians were capable of giving white people, we quote the follow 
ing blood-curdling story from Mr. Cox' " Recollections of the 
Wabash Valley": 

On the 11th of February, 17S1, a wagoner named Irvin Ilinton 
was sent from the block-house at Louisville, Ky., to Iiarrodsburg 
for a load of provisions for the fort. Two young men, Richard 
Rue and George Holman, aged respectively 19 and 16 years, were 
sent as guards to protect the wagon from the depredations of any 
hostile Indians who might be lurking in the cane-brakes or ravines 
through which they must pass. Soon after their start a severe 
snow-storm set in which lasted until afternoon. Lest the melting 
snow might dampen the powder in their rifles, the guards fired 
them off, intending to reload them as soon as the storm ceased. 
Ilinton drove the horses while Rue walked a few rods ahead and 
Holman about the same distance behind. As they ascended a hill 
about eight miles from Louisville Hinton heard someone say "Whoa 
to the horses. Supposing that something was wrong about the 
wagon, he stopped and asked Holman why he had called him to 
halt. Holman said that he had not spoken; Rue also denied it, 



48 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

but said that he had heard the voice distinctly. At this time a voice 
cried out, " I will solve the mystery for you ; it was Simon Girty that 
cried "Whoa, and he meant what he said," — at the same time emerg- 
ing from a sink-hole a few rods from the roadside, followed by 13 
Indians, who immediately surrounded the three Kentuckians and 
demanded them to surrender or die instantly. The little party, 
making a virtue of necessity, surrendered to this renegade white 
man and his Indian allies. 

Being so near two forts, Girty made all possible speed in making 
fast his prisoners, selecting the lines and other parts of the harness, 
he prepared for an immediate flight across the Ohio. The panta- 
loons of the prisoners were cut off about four inches above the 
knees, and thus they started through the deep snow as fast as the 
horses could trot, leaving the wagon, containing a few empty bar- 
rels, standing in the road. They continued their march for sev- 
eral cold days, without fire at night, until they reached "Wa-puc-ca- 
nat-ta, where they compelled their prisoners to run the gauntlet as 
they entered the village. Hinton first ran the gauntlet and reached 
the council-house after receiving several severe blows upon the head 
and shoulders. Rue next ran between the lines, pursued by an 
Indian with an uplifted tomahawk. He far outstripped his pursuer 
and dodged most of the blows aimed at him. Holman complaining 
that it was too severe a test for a worn-out stripling like himselt, 
was allowed to run between two lines of squaws and bojs, and was 
followed by an Indian with a long switch. 

The first council of the Indians did not dispose of these young 
men; they were waiting for the presence of other chiefs and war- 
riors. Hinton escaped, but on the afternoon of the second day he 
was re-captured. Now the Indians were glad that they had an 
occasion to indulge in the infernal joy of burning him at once. 
Soon after their supper, which they shared with their victim, they 
drove the stake into the ground, piled np the fagots in a circle 
around it, stripped and blackened the prisoner, tied him to the 
stake, and applied the torch. It was a slow fire. The war-whoop 
then thrilled through the dark surrounding forest like the chorus 
of a band of infernal spirits escaped from pandemonium, and the 
6calp dance was struck up by those demons in human shape, who 
for hours encircled their victim, brandishing their tomahawks and 
war clubs, and venting their execrations upon the helpless sufferer, 
who died about midnight from the effects of the slow heat. As 
soon as he fell upon the ground, the Indian who first discovered 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 49 

him in the woods that evening sprang in, sunk his tomahawk into 
his skull above the ear, and with bis knife stripped off the scalp, 
which he bore back with him to the town as a trophy, and which 
was tauntingly thrust into the faces of Rue and Ilolman, with the 
question, " Can you smell the fire on the scalp of your red-headed 
friend? We cooked him and left him for the wolves to make a 
breakfast upon; that is the way we serve runaway prisoners." 

After a march of three days more, the prisoners, Rue and Hol- 
man, had to run the gauntlets again, and barely got through with 
their lives. It was decided that they should both be burned at the 
stake that night, though this decision was far from being unani- 
mous. The necessary preparations were made, dry sticks and 
brush were gathered and piled around two stakes, the faces 
and hands of the doomed men were blackened in the customary 
manner, and as the evening approached the poor wretches sat look- 
ing upon the setting sun for the last time. An unusual excitement 
was manifest in a number of chiefs who still lingered about the 
council-house. At a pause in the contention, a noble-looking In- 
dian approached the prisoners, and after speaking a few words to 
the guards, took Ilolman by the hand, lifted him to his feet, cut the 
cords that bound him to his fellow prisoners, removed the black from 
his face and hands, put his hand kindly upon his head and said: " I 
adopt you as my son, to fill the place of the one I have lately buried; 
you are now a kinsman of Logan, the white man's friend, as he has 
been called, but who has lately proven himself to be a terrible 
avenger of the wrongs inflicted upon him by the bloody Cresap and 
his men." With evident reluctance, Girty interpreted this to Hol- 
man, who was thus unexpectedly freed. 

But the preparations for the burning of Rue went on. Ilolman 
and Rue embraced each other most affectionately, with a sorrow too 
deep for description. Rue was then tied to one of the stakes; but 
the general contention among the Indians had not ceased. Just as 
the lighted fagots were about to be applied to the dry brush piled 
around the devoted youth, a tall, active young Shawnee, a son of 
the victim's captor, sprang into the ring, and cutting the cords 
which bound him to the stake, led him out amidst the deafening 
plaudits of a part of the crowd and the execrations of the rest. Re- 
gardless of threats, he caused water to be brought and the black to 
be washed from the face and hands of the prisoner, whose clothes 
were then returned to him, when the young brave said: " I take 
this young man to be my brother, in the place of one I lately lost; 



50 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

I loved that brother well; I will love this one, too; my old mother 
will be glad when I tell her that I have brought her a son, in place 
of the dear departed one. We want no more victims. The burning 
of Red-head [Hinton] ought to satisfy us. These innocent young 
men do not merit such cruel fate; I would rather die myself than 
see this adopted brother burned at the stake." 

A loud shout of approbation showed that the young Shawnee had 
triumphed, though dissension was manifest among the various 
tribes afterward. Some of them abandoned their trip to Detroit, 
others returded to Wa-puc-ca-nat-ta, a few turned toward the Mis- 
sissinewa and the Wabash towns, while a portion continued to De- 
troit. Holman was taken back to Wa-puc-ca-nat ta, where he re- 
mained most of the time of his captivity. Rue was taken first to 
the Mississinewa, then to the Wabash towns. Two years of his 
eventful captivity were spent in the region of the Wabash and Illi- 
nois rivers, but the last few months at Detroit; was in captivity 
altogether about three years and a half. 

Rue effected his escape in the following manner: During one of 
the drunken revels of the Indians near Detroit one of them lost a 
purse of $90; various tribes were suspected of feloniously keeping 
the treasure, and much ugly speculation was indulged in as to who 
was the thief. At length a prophet of a tribe that was not suspected 
was called to divine the mystery. He spread sand over a green 
deer-skin, watched it awhile and performed various manipulations, 
and professed to see that the money had been stolen and carried 
away by a tribe entirely different from any that had been 
suspicioned; but he was shrewd enough not to announce who the 
thief was or the tribe he belonged to, lest a war might arise. His 
decision quieted the belligerent uprisings threatened by the excited 
Indians. 

Rue and two other prisoners saw this display of the prophet's 
skill and concluded to interrogate him soon concerning their fami- 
lies at home. The opportunity occurred in a few days, and the In- 
dian seer actually astonished Rue with the accuracy with which he 
described his family, and added, " You all intend to make your 
escape, and you will effect it soon. You will meet with man}' trials 
and hardships in passing over so wild a district of country, inhabited 
by so many hostile nations of Indians. You will almost starve to 
death; but about the time yo'u have given up all hope of finding 
game to sustain you in your famished condition, succor will come 
when you least expect it. The first game you will succeed in taking 



HISTOET OF INDIANA. 51 

will be a male of some kind ; after that you will have plenty of 
game and return home in safety." 

The prophet kept this matter a secret for the prisoners, and the 
latter in a few days set off upon their terrible journey, and had 
just such experience as the Indian prophet had foretold; they 
arrived home, with their lives, but were pretty well worn out with the 
exposures and privations of a three weeks' journey. 

On the return of Holman's party of Indians to Wa-puc-ca-nat-ta, 
much dissatisfaction existed in regard to the manner of his release 
from the sentence of condemnation pronounced against him by the 
council. Many were in favor of recalling the council and trying 
him again, and this was finally agreed to. The young man was 
again put upon trial for his life, with a strong probability of his 
being condemned to the stake. Both parties worked hard for vic- 
tory in the final vote, which eventually proved to give a majority of 
one for the prisoner's acquittal. 

While with the Indians, Hoi man saw them burn at the stake a 
Kentuckian named Richard Hogeland, who had been taken prisoner 
at the defeat of Col. Crawford. They commenced burning him at 
nine o'clock at night, and continued roasting him until ten o'clock 
the next day, before he expired. During his excruciating tortures he 
begged for some of them to end his life and sufferings with a gun 
or tomahawk. Finally his cruel tormentors promised they would, 
and cut several deep gashes in his flesh with their tomahawks, and 
shoveled up hot ashes and embers and threw them into the gaping 
wounds. When he was dead they stripped off his scalp, cut him 
to pieces and burnt him to ashes, which they scattered through the 
town to expel the evil spirits from it. 

After a captivity of about three years and a half, Holman saw an 
opportunity of going on amission for the destitute Indians, namely, 
of going to Harrodsburg, Ky., where he had a rich uncle, from 
whom they could get wbat supplies they wanted. They let him go 
with a guard, but on arriving at Louisville, where Gen. Clark was 
in command, he was ransomed, and he reached home only three 
days after the arrival of Rue. Both these men lived to a good old 
age, terminating their lives at their home about two miles south of 
Richmond, Ind. 



EXPEDITIONS OF COL. GEOEGE EOGEES CLAEE. 

In the summer of 1778, Col. George Eogers Clark, a native of 
Albemarle county, Va., led a memorable expedition against the 
ancient French settlements about Easkaskia and Post Vincennes. 
"With respect to the magnitude of its design, the valor and perse- 
verance with which it was carried on, and the memorable results 
which were produced by it, this expedition stands without a parallel - 
in the early annals of the valley of the Mississippi. That portion 
of the West called Kentucky was occupied by Henderson & Co., 
who pretended to own the land and who held it at a high price. 
Col. Clark wished to test the validity of their claim and adjust the 
government of the country so as to encourage immigration. He 
accordingly called a meeting of the citizens at Harrodstown, to 
assemble June 6, 1776, and consider the claims of the company and 
consult with reference to the interest of the country. He did not 
at first publish the exact aim of this movement, lest parties would 
be formed in advance aud block the enterprise; also, if the object 
of the meeting were not announced beforehand, the curiosity of the 
people to know what was to be proposed would bring out a much 
greater attendance. 

The meeting was held on the day appointed, and delegates were 
elected to treat with the government of Virginia, to see whether 
it would be best to become a county in that State and be protected 
by it, etc. Various delays on account of the remoteness of the 
white settlers from the older communities of Virginia and the hos- 
tility of Indians in every direction, prevented a consummation of 
this object until some time in 177S. The government of Virginia 
was friendly to Clark's enterprise to a certain extent, but claimed 
that they had not authority to do much more than to lend a little 
assistance for which payment should be made at some future time, 
as it was not certain whether Kentucky would become a part of Vir- 
ginia or not. Gov. Henry and a few gentlemen were individually 
so hearty in favor of Clark's benevolent undertaking that they 
assisted him all they could. Accordingly Mr. Clark organized his 
expedition, keeping every particular secret lest powerful parties 
would form in the West against him. He took in stores at Pitts- 

(53) 




GEN. GEORGE ROGERS CLARK 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 55 

burg and "Wheeling, proceeded down the Ohio to the " Falls," 
where he took possession of an island of a about seven acres, and 
divided it among a small number of families, for whose protection 
he constructed some light fortifications. At this time Post Vin- 
cennes comprised about 400 militia, and it was a daring undertak- 
ing for Col. Clark, with his small force, to go up against it and Kas- 
kaskia, as he had planned. Indeed, some of his men, on hearing of 
his plan, deserted him. He conducted himself so as to gain the 
sympathy of the French, and through them also that of the 
Indians to some extent, as both these people were very bitter 
against the British, who had possession of the Lake Region. 

From the nature of the situation Clark concluded it was best to 
take Kaskaskia first. The fact that the people (regarded him as a 
savage rebel, he regarded as really a good thing in his favor; for 
after the first victory he would show them so much unexpected 
lenity that they would rally to his standard. In this policy he was 
indeed successful. He arrested a few men and put them in irons. 
The priest of the village, accompanied by five or six aged citizens, 
waited on Clark and said that the inhabitants expected to be separ- 
ated, perhaps never to meet again, and they begged to be permitted 
to assemble in their church to take leave of each other. Clark 
mildly replied that he had nothing against their religion, that they 
might continue to assemble in their church, but not venture out of 
town, etc. Thus, by what has since been termed the "Rarey" 
method of taming horses, Clark showed them he had power over 
them but designed them no harm, and they readily took the oath 
of allegiance to Virginia. 

After Clark's arrival at Kaskaskia it was difficult to induce the 
French settlers to accept the "Continental paper" introduced by 
him and his troops. Nor until Col. Vigo arrived there and guar- 
anteed its redemption would they receive it. Peltries and piastres 
formed the only currency, and Vigo found great difficulty in ex- 
plaining Clark's financial arrangements. "Their .commandants 
never made money," was the reply to Vigo's explanation of the 
policy of the old Dominion. But notwithstanding the guarantees, 
the Continental paper fell very low in the market. Vigo had a 
trading establishment at Kaskaskia, where he sold coffee at one 
dollar a pound, and all the other necessaries of life at an equally 
reasonable price. The unsophisticated Frenchmen were generally 
asked in what kind of money they woidd pay their little bills. 



56 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

"Douleur," was the general reply; and as an authority on the sub- 
ject says, "It took about twenty Continental dollars to purchase a 
silver dollar's worth of coffee; and as the French word "douleur" sig- 
nifies grief or pain, perhaps no word either in the French or Eng- 
lish languages expressed the idea more correctly than the douleur 
for a Continental dollar. At any rate it was truly douleur to the 
Colonel, for he never received a single dollar in exchange for the 
large amount taken from him in order to sustain Clark's credit. 

Now, the post at Vincennes, defended by Fort Sackville, came 
next. The priest just mentioned, Mr. Gibault, was really friendly 
to " the American interest;" he had spiritual charge of the church 
at Vincennes, and he with several others were deputed to assemble 
the people there and authorize them to garrison their own fort like 
a free and independent people, etc. This plan had its desired effect, 
and the people took the oath of allegiance to the State of Virginia 
and became citizens of the United States. Their style of language 
and conduct changed to a better hue, and they surprised the numer- 
ous Indians in the vicinity by displaying anew flag and informing 
them that their old father, the King of France, was come to life 
again, and was mad at them for fighting the English; and they ad- 
vised them to make peace with the Americans as soon as they 
could, otherwise they might expect to make the land very bloodj^, 
etc. The Indians concluded they would have to fall in line, and 
they offered no resistance. Capt. Leonard Helm, an American, 
was left in charge of this post, and Clark began to turn his atten- 
tion to other points. But before leaving this section of the coun- 
try he made treaties of peace with the Indians; this he did, how- 
ever, by a different method from what had always before been 
followed. By indirect methods he caused them to come to him, 
instead of going to them. He was convinced that inviting them to 
treaties was considered by them in a different manner from what 
the whites expected, and imputed them to fear, and that giving 
them great presents confirmed it. He accordingly established 
treaties with the Piankeshaws, Ouiatenons, Kickapoos, Illinois, 
Kaskaskias, Peorias and branches of some other tribes that inhab- 
ited the country between Lake Michigan and the Mississippi. 
Upon this the General Assembly of the State of Virginia declared 
all the citizens settled west of the Ohio organized into a county of 
that State, to be known as " Illinois " county; but before the pro- 
visions of the law could be carried into effect, Henry Hamilton, the 
British Lieutenant-Governor of Detroit, collected an army of about 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. Oi 

30 regulars, 50 French volunteers and 400 Indians, went down and 
re-took the post Vincennes in December, 1778. No attempt was 
made by the population to defend the town. Capt. Helm and a 
man named Henry were the only Americans at the fort, the only 
members of the garrison. Capt. Helm was taken prisoner and a 
number of the French inhabitants disarmed. 

Col. Clark, hearing of the situation, determined to re-capture the 
place. He accordingly gathered together what force he could in 
this distant land, 170 men, and on the 5th of February, btarted from 
Kaskaskia and crossed the river of that name. The weather was 
very wet, and the low lands were pretty well covered with water. 
The march was difficult, and the Colonel bad to workhard to keep 
his men in spirits. He suffered them to shoot game whenever they 
wished and eat it like Indian war-dancers, each company by turns 
inviting the others to their feasts, which was the case every night. 
Clark waded through water as much as any of them, and thus stimu- 
lated the men by his example. They readied the Little "Wabash 
on the 13th, after suffering many and great hardships. Here a camp 
was formed, and without waiting to discuss plans for crossing the 
river, Clark ordered the men to construct a vessel, and pretended 
that crossing the stream would be only a piece of amusement, al- 
though inwardly he held a different opinion. 

The second day afterward a reconnoitering party was sent across 
the river, who returned and made an encouraging report. A scaf- 
folding was built on the opposite shore, upon which the baggage 
was placed as it was tediously ferried over, and the new camping 
ground was a nice half acre of dry land. There were many amuse- 
ments, indeed, in getting across the river, which put all the men in 
high spirits. The succeeding two or three days they had to march 
through a great deal of water, having on the night of the 17th to 
encamp in the water, near the Big Wabash. 

At daybreak on the ISth they heard the signal gun at Vincennes, 
and at once commenced their march. Reaching the Wabash about 
two o'clock, they constructed rafts to cross the river on a boat-steal- 
ing expedition, but labored all day and night to no purpose. On 
the 19th they began to make a canoe, in which a second attempt to 
steal boats was made, but this expedition returned, reporting that 
there were two "large fires" within a mile of them. Clark sent a 
canoe down the river to meet the vessel that was supposed to be on 
her way up with the supplies, with orders to hasten forward day and 
night. This was their last hope, as their provisions were entirely 



58 HISTORT OF INDIANA. 

gone, and starvation seemed to be hovering about them. The next 
day they commenced to make more canoes, when about noon the 
sentinel on the river brought a boat with five Frenchmen from the 
fort. From this party they learned that they were not as yet dis- 
covered. All the army crossed the fiver in two canoes the next 
day, and as Clark had determined to reach the town that night, he 
ordered his men to move forward. They plunged into the water 
sometimes to the neck, for over three miles. 

Without food, benumbed with cold, up to their waists in water, 
covered with broken ice, the men at onetime mutinied and refused 
to march. All the persuasions of Clark had no effect upon the 
half-starved and half-frozen soldiers. In one company was a small 
drummer boy, and also a sergeant who stood six feet two inches in 
socks, and stout and athletic. He was devoted to Clark. The Gen- 
eral mounted the little drummer on the shoulders of the stalwart 
sergeant and ordered him to plunge into the water, half-frozen as it 
was. He did so, the little boy beating the charge from his lofty 
perch, while Clark, sword in hand, followed them, giving the com- 
mand as he threw aside the floating ice, " Forward." Elated and 
amused with the scene, the men promptly obeyed, holding their 
rifles above their heads, and in spite of all the obstacles they reached 
the high land in perfect safety. But for this and the ensuing days 
of this campaign we quote from Clark's account: 

"This last day's march through the water was far superior to any- 
thing the Frenchmen had any idea of. They were backward in 
speaking; said that the nearest land to us was a small league, a 
sugar camp on the bank of the river. A canoe was sent off and re- 
turned without finding that we could pass. I went in her myself 
and sounded the water and found it as deep as to my neck. I returned 
with a design to have the men transported on board the canoes to 
the sugar camp, which I knew would expend the whole day and en- 
suing night, as the vessels would pass slowly through the bushes. 
The loss of so much time to men half starved was a matter of con- 
sequence. I would have given now a great deal for a day's provis- 
ion, or for one of our horses. I returned but slowly to the troops, 
giving myself time to think. On our arrival all ran to hear what 
was the report; every eye was fixed on me; I unfortunately spoke 
in a serious manner to one of the officers. The whole were alarmed 
without knowing what I said. I viewed their confusion for about 
one minute; I whispered to those near me to do as I did, immedi- 
ately put some water in my hand, poured on powder, blackened my 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 59 

face, gave the war-whoop, and marched into the water without say- 
ing a word. The party gazed and fell in, one after another without 
saying a word, like a flock of sheep. I ordered those near me to 
begin a favorite song of theirs; it soon passed through the line, and 
the whole went on cheerfully. 

" I now intended to have them transported across the deepest 
part of the water; but when about waist-deep, one of the men in- 
formed me that he thought he felt a path; we examined and found 
it so, and concluded that it kept on the highest ground, which it did, 
and by taking pains to follow it, we got to the sugar camp with no 
difficulty, where there was about half an acre of dry ground, — at 

least ground not under water, and there we took up our lodging. 
****** 

" The night had been colder than any we had had, and the ice in 
the morning was one-half or three-quarters of an inch thick in still 
water; the morning was the finest. A little after sunrise I lectured 
the whole; what I said to them I forget, but I concluded by in- 
forming them that passing the plain then in full view, and 
reaching the opposite woods would put an end to their fatigue; 
that in a few hours they would have a sight of their long wished-for 
object; and immediately stepped into the water without waiting 
for any reply. A huzza took place. As we generally marched 
through the water in a line, before the third man entered, I called to 
Major Bowman, ordering him to fall in the rear of the 25 men, and 
put to death any man who refused to march. This met with a cry 
of approbation, and on we went. Getting about the middle of the 
plain, the water about mid-deep, I found myself sensibly failing; 
and as there were no trees nor bushes for the men to support them- 
selves by, I feared that many of the weak would be drowned. I or- 
dered the canoes to make the land, discharge their loading, and play 
backward and forward with all diligence and pick up the men ; and 
to encourage the party, sent some of the strongest men forward, 
with orders when they got to a certain distance, to pass the word 
back that the water was getting shallow, and when getting near the 
woods, to cry out land. This stratagem had its desired effect; the 
men exerted themselves almost beyond their abilities, the weak 
holding by the stronger. The water, however, did not become 
shallower, but continued deepening. Getting to the woods where 
the men expected land, the water was up to my shoulders; but 
gaining the woods was of great consequence; all the low men and 
weakly huDg to the trees and floated on the old logs until they were 



60 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

taken off by the canoes; the strong and tall got ashore and built 
fires. Many would reach the shore and fall with their bodies half 
in the water, not being able to support themselves without it. 

" This was a dry and delightful spot of ground of about ten acres. 
Fortunately, as if designed by Providence, a canoe of Indian squaws 
and children was coming up to town, and took through'this part of 
the plain as a nigh way; it was discovered by our canoe-men as they 
were out after the other men. They gave chase and took the Indian 
canoe, on board of which was nearly half a quarter of buffalo, some 
corn, tallow, kettles, etc. This was an invaluable prize. Broth was 
immediately made and served out, especially to the weakly; nearly 
all of us got a little; but a great many gave their part to the 
weakly, saying something cheering to their comrades. By the 
afternoon, this refreshment and fine weather had greatly invigor- 
ated the whole part}-. 

" Crossing a narrow and deep lake in the canoes, and marching 
some distance, we came to a copse of timber called ' Warrior's 
Island.' We were now in full view of the fort and town; it was 
about two miles distant, with not a shrub intervening. Everyman 
now feasted his eyes and forgot that he had suffered anything, say- 
ing that all which had passed was owing to good policy, and noth- 
ing but what a man could bear, and that a soldier had no right to 
think, passing from one extreme to the other, — which is common in 
such cases. And now stratagem was necessary. The plain between 
us and the town was not a perfect level; the sunken grounds were 
covered with water full of ducks. We observed several men within 
a half a mile of us shooting ducks, and sent out some of our active 
young Frenchmen to take one of these men prisoners without 
alarming the rest, which they did. The information we got from 
this person was similar to that which we got from those taken on the 
river, except that of the British having that evening completed the 
wall of the fort, and that there were a great many Indians in town. 

"Our situation was now critical. No possibility of retreat in 
case of defeat, and in full view of a town containing at this time 
more than 600 men, troops, inhabitants and Indians. The crew of the 
galley, though not 50 men, would have been now a re-enforcement 
of immense magnitude to our little army, if I may so call it, but 
we would not think of them. We were now in the situation that I 
had labored to get ourselves in. The idea of being made prisoner 
was foreign to almost every man, as they expected nothing but tor- 
ture from the savages if they fell into their hands. Our fate was 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 61 

now to be determined, probably in a few hours; we knew that 
nothing but the most daring conduct would insure success; I kuew 
also that a number of the inhabitants wished us well. This was a 
favorable circumstance; and as there was but little prooability of our 
remaining until dark undiscovered, I determined to begin opera- 
tions immediately, and therefore wrote the following placard to the 
inhabitants: 

To the Inhabitants of Post Ylnoennes: 

Gentlemen: — Being now within two miles of your village with 
my army, determined to take your fort this night, and not being 
willing to surprise you, I take this method to request such of you 
as are true citizens and willing to enjoy the liberty I bring you, to 
remain still in your houses; and those, if any there be, that are 
friends to the king, will instantly repair to the fort and join the 
hair-buyer general and light like men ; and if any such as do not go 
to the fort shall be discovered afterward, they may depend on 
severe punishment. On the contrary, those who are true friends 
to liberty may depend on being well treated; and I once more 
request them to keep out of the streets; for everyone I find in 
arms on my arrival I shall treat as an enemy. 

[Signed] G. R. Clar'k. 

" I had various ideas on the results of this letter. I knew it 
could do us no damage, but that it would cause the lukewarm to 
be decided, and encourage our friends and astonish our enemies. 
We anxiously viewed this messenger until he entered the town, and 
in a few minutes we discovered by our glasses some stir in everv 
street we could penetrate, and great numbers running or riding out 
into the commons, we supposed to view us, which was the case. 
But what surprised us was that nothing had yet happened that had 
the appearance of the garrison being alarmed,— neither gun nor 
drum. We began to suppose that the information we got from our 
prisoners was false, and that the enemy had already knew of us and 
were prepared. A little before sunset we displayed ourselves in 
full view of the town, — crowds gazing at us. We were plunging 
ourselves into certain destruction or success; there was no midway 
thought of. We had but little to say to our men, except inculcat- 
ing an idea of the necessity of obedience, etc. We moved on 
slowly in full view of the town; but as it was a point of some con- 
sequence to us to make ourselves appear formidable, we, in leaving 
the covert we were in, marched and counter- marched in such a 
manner that we appeared numerous. Our colors were displayed to 
the best advantage; and as the low plain we marched through was 



62 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

not a perfect level, but had frequent risings in it, of 7 or 8 
higher than the common level, which was covered with water; and 
as these risings generally run in an oblique direction to the town, 
we took the advantage of one df them, marching through the water 
by it, which completely prevented our being numbered. "We gained 
the heights back of the town. As there were as yet no hostile 
appearance, we were impatient to have the cause unriddled. Lieut. 
Bay ley was ordered with 14 men to march and fire on the fort; 
the main body moved in a different direction and took possession 
of the strongest part of the town." 

Clark then sent a written order to Hamilton commanding 
him to surrender immediately or he would be treated as a 
murderer; Hamilton replied that he and his garrison were not 
disposed to be awed into any action unworthy of British sub- 
jects. After one hour more of fighting, Hamilton proposed a 
truce of three days for conference, on condition that each side 
cease all defensive work; Clark rejoined that he would "not 
agree to any terms other than Mr. Hamilton surrendering himself 
and garrison prisoners at discretion," and added that if he, Hamil- 
ton, wished to talk with him he could meet him immediately at the 
church with Capt. Helm. In less than an hour Clark dictated the 
terms of surrender, Feb. 24, 1779. Hamilton agreed to the total 
surrender because, as he there claimed in writing, he was too far 
from aid from his own government, and because of the " unanimity" 
of his officers in the surrender, and his "confidence in a generous 
enemy." 

"Of this expedition, of its results, of its importance, of the merits of 
those engaged in it, of their bravery, their skill, of their prudence, of 
their success, a volume would not more than suffice for the details. 
Suffice it to say that in my opinion, and I have accurately and criti- 
cally weighed and examined all the results produced by the con- 
tests in which we were engaged during the Revolutionary war, 
that for bravery, for hardships endured, for skill and consummate 
tact and prudence on the part of the commander, obedience, dis- 
cipline and love of country ou the part of his followers, for the 
immense benefits acquired, and signal advantages obtained by it 
for the whole union, it was second to no enterprise undertaken dur- 
ing that struggle. I might add, second to no undertaking in an- 
cient or modern warfare. The whole credit of this conquest be- 
longs to two men; Gen. George Bogers Clark and Col. Francis 
Vigo. And when we consider that by it the whole territory now 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 63 

covered by the three great states of Indiana, Illinois and Michigan 
was added to the union, and so admitted to be by the British commis- 
sioners at the preliminaries to the treaty of peace in 17S3; (and but 
for this very conquest, the boundaries of our territories west would 
have been the Ohio instead of the Mississippi, and so acknowledged 
by both our commissioners and the British at that conference;) a 
territory embracing upward of 2,C00,000 people, the human, mind 
is lost in the contemplation of its effects; and we can but wonder 
that a force of 170 men, the whole number of Clark's troops, 
should by this single action have produced such important results." 
[John Law. 

The next day Clark sent a detachment of 60 men up the river 
Wabash to intercept some boats which were laden with provisions 
and goods from Detroit. This force was placed under command of 
Capt. Helm, Major Bosseron and Major Legras, and they proceeded 
up the river, in three armed boats, about 120 miles, when the 
British boats, about seven in number, were surprised and captured 
without firing a gun. These boats, which had on board about 
$50,000 worth of goods and provisions, were manned by about 
40 men, among whom was Philip Dejean, a magistrate of Detroit, 
The provisions were taken for the public, and distributed among 
the soldiery. 

Having organized a military government at Yincennes and 
appointed Capt. Helm commandant of the town, Col. Clark return- 
ed in the vessel to Kaskaskia, where he was joined by reinforce- 
ments from Kentucky under Capt. George. Meanwhile, a party of 
traders who were going to the falls, were killed and plundered by 
the Delawares of "White River; the news of this disaster having 
reached Clark, he sent a dispatch to Capt. Helm ordering him to 
make war on the Delawares and use every means in his power to 
destroy them; to show no mercy to the men, but to save the 
women and children. This order was executed without delay. 
Their camps were attacked in every quarter where they could be 
found. Many fell, and others were carried to Post Vincennes and 
put to death. The surviving Delawares at once pleaded for mercy 
and appeared anxious to make some atonement for their bad con- 
duct. To these overtures Capt. Helm replied that Col. Clark, the 
" Big Knife," had ordered the war, and that he had no power to lay 
down the hatchet, but that he would suspend hostilities until a 
messenger could be sent to Kaskaskia. This was done, and the 
crafty Colonel, well understanding the Indian character, sent a 



61 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

message to the Delawares, telling them that he would not accept 
their friendship or treat with them for peace; but that if they 
could get some of the neighboring tribes to become responsible for 
their future conduct, he would discontinue the war and spare their 
lives; otherwise they must all perish. 

Accordingly a council was called of all the Indians in the neigh- 
borhood, and Clark's answer was read to the assembly. After due 
deliberation the Piankeshaws took on themselves to answer for the 
future good conduct of the Delawares, and the " Grand Door " in a 
long speech denounced their base conduct. This ended the war 
with the Delawares and secured the respect of the neighboring 
tribes 

Ciark's attention was next turned to the British post at Detroit, 
but being unable to obtain sufficient troops he abandoned the en- 
terprise. 

clark's ingenious ruse against the Indians. 

Tradition says that when Clark captured Hamilton and his gar- 
rison at Fort Sackville, he took possession of the fort and kept the 
British flag flying, dressed his sentinels with the uniform of the 
British soldiery, and let everything about the premises remain as 
they were, so that when the Indians sympathizing with the British 
arrived they would walk right into the citadel, into the jaws of 
death. His success was perfect. Sullen and silent, with the scalp- 
lock of his victims hanging at his girdle, and in full expectation of 
his reward from Hamilton, the unwary savage, unconscious of 
danger and wholly ignorant of the change that had just been effected 
in his absence, passed the supposed British sentry at the gate of the 
fort unmolested and unchallenged; but as soon as in, a volley from 
the rifles of a platoon of Clark's men, drawn up and awaiting his 
coming, pierced their hearts and sent the unconscious savage, reek- 
ing with murder, to that tribunal to which he had so frequently, 
by order of the hair-buyer general, sent his American captives, 
from the infant in the cradle to the grandfather of the family, tot- 
tering with age and infirmity. It was a just retribution, and few 
men but Clark would have planned such a ruse or carried it out 
successfully. It is reported that fifty Indians met this fate within 
the fort; and probably Hamilton, a prisoner there, witnessed it all 

SUBSEQUENT CAREER OF HAMILTON. 

Henry Hamilton, who had acted as Lieutenant and Governor of 
the British possessions under Sir George Carleton, was sent for- 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. (55 

ward, with two other prisoners of war, Dejean and LaMothe, to 
Williamsburg, Va., early in June following, 1779. Proclamations, 
in his own handwriting, were found, in which he had offered a 
specific sum for every American scalp brought into the camp, either 
by his own troops or his allies, the Indians; and from this he was 
denominated the "hair-buyer General." This and much other tes- 
timony of living witnesses at the time, all showed what a savage he 
was. Thomas Jefferson, then Governor of Virginia, being made 
aware of the inhumanity of this wretch, concluded to resort to a 
little retaliation by way of closer confinement. Accordingly he 
ordered that these three prisoners be put in irons, confined in a 
dungeon, deprived of the use of pen, ink and paper, and be ex- 
cluded from all conversation except with their keeper. Major 
General Phillips, a British officer out on parole in the vicinity of 
Charlottesville, where the prisoners now were, in closer confine- 
ment, remonstrated, and President Washington, while approving 
of Jefferson's course, requested a mitigation of the severe order, 
lest the British be goaded to desperate measures. 

Soon afterward Hamilton was released on parole, and he subse- 
quently appeared in Canada, still acting as if he had jurisdiction 
in the United States. 

GIBAULT. 

The faithful, self-sacrificing and patriotic services of Father 
Pierre Gibault in behalf of the Americans require a special notice 
of him in this connection. He was the parish priest at Vincennes, 
as well as at Kaskaskia. He was, at an early period, a Jesuit mis- 
sionary to the Illinois. Had it not been for the influence of this man, 
Clark could not have obtained the influence of the citizens at either 
place. He gave all his property, to the value of 1,500 Spanish 
milled dollars, to the support of Col. Clark's troops, and never re- 
ceived a single dollar in return. So far as the records inform us, 
he was given 1,500 Continental paper dollars, which proved in the 
end entirely valueless. He modestly petitioned from the Govern- 
ment a small allowance of land at Cahokia, but we find no account 
of his ever receiving it. He was dependent upon the public in his 
older days, and in 1790 Winthrop Sargent "conceded" to him a lot 
of about "li toises, one side to Mr. Millet, another to Mr. Vaudrsy, 
and to two streets," — a vague description of land. 



66 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 



VIGO. 



Col. Francis Vigo was born in Mondovi, in the kingdom of Sar- 
dinia, in 1747. He left his parents and guardians at a very early 
age, and enlisted in a Spanish regiment as a soldier. The regiment 
was ordered to Havana, and a detachment of it subsequently to 
New Orleans, then a Spanish post; Col. Vigo accompanied this de- 
tachment. But he left the army and engaged in trading with the 
Indians on the Arkansas and its tributaries. Next he settled at St. 
Louis, also a Spanish post, where he became closely connected, both 
in friendship and business, with the Governor of Upper Louisiana, 
then residing at the same place. This friendship he enjoyed, though 
he could only write his name; and we have many circumstantial 
evidences that he was a man of high intelligence, honor, purity of 
heart, and ability. Here he was living when Clark captured Kas- 
kaskia, and was extensively engaged in trading up the Missouri. 

A Spaniard by birth and allegiance, he was under no obligation 
to assist the Americans. Spain was at peace with Great Britain, 
and any interference by her citizens was a breach of neutrality, and 
subjected an individual, especially one of the high character and 
standing of Col. Vigo, to all the contumely, loss and vengeance 
which British power could inflict. But Col. Vigo did not falter. 
"With an innate love of liberty, an attachment to Republican prin- 
ciples, and an ardent sympathy for an oppressed people struggling 
for their rights, he overlooked all personal consequences, and as 
soon as he learned of Clark's arrival at Kaskaskia, he crossed the 
line and went to Clark and tendered him his means and influence, 
both of which were joyfully accepted. 

Knowing Col. Vigo's influence with the ancient inhabitants of 
the country, and desirous of obtaining some information from 
Vincennes, from which he had not heard for several months, Col. 
Clark proposed to him that he might go to that place and learn the 
actual state of affairs. Vigo went without hesitation, but on the 
Embarrass river he was seized by a party of Indians, plundered of 
all he possessed, and brought a prisoner before Hamilton, then in pos- 
session of the post, which he had a short time previously captured, 
holding Capt. Helm a prisoner of war. Being a Spanish subject, 
and consequently a non-combatant, Gov. Hamilton, although he 
strongly suspected the motives of the visit, dared not confine him, 
but admitted him to parole, on the single condition that he 
should daily report himself at the fort. But Hamilton was embar- 



HISTORT OF INDIANA. 67 

rassed by his detention, being besieged by the inhabitants of the 
town, who loved Vigo and threatened to withdraw their support 
from the garrison if lie would not release him. Father Gibault was 
the chief pleader for Vigo's release. Hamilton finally yielded, on con- 
dition that he, Vigo, would do no injury to the British interests on 
his way to St. Louis. He went to St. Louis, sure enough, doing no 
injury to British interests, but immediately returned to Kaskaskia 
and reported to Clark in detail all he had learned at Vincennes, 
without which knowledge Clark would have been unable to ac- 
complish his famous expedition to that post with final triumph. 
The redemption of this country from the British is due as much, 
probably, to Col. Vigo as Col. Clark. 

GOVERNMENT OF THE NORTHWEST. 

Col. John Todd, Lieutenant for the county of Illinois, in the 
spring of 1779 visited the old settlements at Vincennes and Kas- 
kaskia, and organized temporary civil governments in nearly all the 
settlements west of the Ohio. Previous to this, however, Clark 
had established a military government at Kaskaskia and Vincennes, 
appointed commandants in both places and taken up his headquar- 
ters at the falls of the Ohio, where he could watch the operations 
of the enemy and save the frontier settlements from the depreda- 
tions of Indian warfare. On reaching the settlements, Col. Todd 
issued a proclamation regulating the settlement of unoccupied 
lands and requiring the presentation of all claims to the lands set- 
tled, as the number of adventurers who would shortly overrun the 
country would be serious. He also organized a Court of civil and 
criminal jurisdiction at Vincennes, in the month of June, 1779. 
This Court was composed of several magistrates and presided over 
by Col. J. M. P. Legras, who had been appointed commandant at 
Vincennes. Acting from the precedents established by the early 
French commandants in the West, this Court began to grant tracts 
of land to the French and American inhabitants; and to the year 
1783, it had granted to different parties about 26,000 acres of land; 
22,000 more was granted in this manner by 17S7, when the practice 
was prohibited by Gen. Harmer. These tracts varied in size from 
a house lot to 500 acres. Besides this loose business, the Court 
entered into a stupendous speculation, one not altogether creditable 
to its honor and dignity. The commandant and the magistrates 
under him suddenly adopted the opinion that they were invested 



68 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

with the authority to dispose of the whole of that large region 
which in 1842 had been granted b} T the Piankeshaws to the French 
inhabitants of Yincennes. j Accordingly a very convenient arrange- 
ment was entered into by which the whole tract of country men- 
tioned was to be divided between the members of the honorable 
Court. A record was made to that effect, and in order to gloss over 
the steal, each member took pains to be absent from Court on the 
day that the order was made in his favor. 

In the fall of 1780 La Balme, a Frenchman, made an attempt to 
capture the British garrison of Detroit by leading an expedition 
against it from Kaskaskia. At the head of 30 men he marched to 
Vincennes, where his force was slightly increased. From this 
place he proceeded to the British trading post at the head of the 
Maumee, where Fort Wayne now stands, plundered the British 
traders and Indians and then retired. "While encamped on the 
bank of a small stream on his retreat, he was attacked by a band 
of Miamis, a number of his men were killed, and his expedition 
against Detroit was ruined. 

In this manner border war continued between Americans and 
their enemies, with varying victory, until 1783, when the treaty of 
Paris was concluded, resulting in the establishment of the inde- 
pendence of the United States. Up to this time the territory now 
included in Indiana belonged by conquest to the State of Virginia; 
but in January, 17S3, the General Assembly of that State resolved 
to cede to the Congress of the United States all the territory north- 
west of the Ohio. The conditions offered by Virginia were 
accepted by Congress Dec. 20, that year, and early in 1781 the 
transfer was completed. In 1783 Virginia had platted the town of 
Clarksville, at the falls of the Ohio. The deed of cession provided 
that the territory should be laid out into States, containing a suita- 
ble extent of territory not less than 100 nor more than 150 miles 
square, or as near thereto as circumstances would permit; and that 
the States so formed shall be distinct Republican States and 
admitted members of the Federal Union, having the same rights of 
sovereignty, freedom and independence as the other States. The 
other conditions of the deed were as follows: That the necessary 
and reasonable expenses incurred by Virginia in subduing any 
British posts, or in maintaining forts and garrisons within and for 
the defense, or in acquiring any part of the territory so ceded or 
relinquished, shall be fully reimbursed by the United States; that 
the French and Canadian inhabitants and other settlers of theKas- 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 69 

kaskia, Post Vincennes and the neighboring villages who have pro- 
fessed themselves citizens of Virginia, shall have their titles and 
possessions confirmed to them, and be protected in the enjoyment 
of their rights and privileges; that a quantity not exceeding 150,- 
000 acres of land, promised by Virginia, shall be allowed and 
granted to the then Colonel, now General, George Rogers Clark, 
and to the officers and soldiers of his regiment, who marched with 
him when the posts and of Kaskaskia and Vincennes were reduced, 
and to the officers and soldiers that have been since incorporate* 
into the said regiment, to be laid off in one tract, the length o> 
which not .to exceed double the breadth, in such a place on the 
northwest side of the Ohio as a majority of the officers shall 
choose, and to be afterward divided among the officers and soldiers 
in due proportion according to the laws of Virginia; that in case 
the quantity of good lands on the southeast side of the Ohio, upon 
the waters of Cumberland river, and between Green river and Ten. 
nessee river, which have been reserved by law for the Virginia 
troops upon Continental establishment, should, from the North 
Carolina line, bearing in further upon the Cumberland lands than 
was expected, prove insufficient for their legal bounties, the defi- 
ciency shall be made up to the said troops in good lands to be laid 
off between the rivers Scioto and Little Miami, on the northwest 
side of the river Ohio, in such proportions as have been engaged 
to them by the laws of Virginia; that all the lands within the ter- 
ritory so ceded to the United States, and not reserved for or appro- 
priated to any of the before-mentioned purposes, or disposed of in 
bounties to the officers and soldiers of the American army, shall be 
considered as a common fund for the use and benefit of such of the 
United States as have become, or shall become, members of the 
confederation or federal alliance of the said States, Virginia included, 
according to their usual respective proportions in the general 
charge and expenditure, and shall be faithfully and honafide dis- 
posed of for that purpose and for no other use or purpose whatever. 
After the above deed of cession had been accepted by Congress, 
in the spring of 1784, the matter of the future government of the 
territory was referred to a committee consisting of Messrs. Jeffer- 
son of Virginia, Chase of Maryland and Howell of Rhode Island, 
which committee reported an ordinance for its government, provid- 
ing, among other things, that slavery should not exist in said terri- 
tory after 1800, except as punishment of criminals; but this article 
of the ordinance was rejected, and an ordinance for the temporary 



70 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

government of the county was adopted. In 17S5 laws were passed 
by Congress for the disposition of lands in the territory and pro- 
hibiting the settlement of\ unappropriated lands by reckless specu- 
lators. But human passion is ever strong enough to evade the law 
to some extent, and large associations, representing considerable 
means, were formed for the purpose of monopolizing the land busi- 
ness. Millions of acres were sold at one time b} r Congress to asso- 
ciations on the installment plan, and so far as the Indian titles 
could be extinguished, the work of settling and improving the 
lands was pushed rapidly forward. 

ORDINANCE OF 1787. 

This ordinance has a marvelous and interesting history. Con- 
siderable controversy has been indulged in as to who is entitled to 
the credit for framing it. This belongs, undoubtedly, to Nathan 
Dane; and to Eufus King and Timothy Pickering belong the 
credit for suggesting the proviso contained in it against slavery, 
and also for aids to religion and knowledge, and for assuring for- 
ever the common use, without charge, of the great national high- 
ways of the Mississippi, the St. Lawrence and their tributaries to 
all the citizens of the United States. To Thomas Jefferson is also 
due much credit, as some features of this ordinance were embraced 
in his ordinance of 1784. But the part taken by each in the long, 
laborious and eventful struggle which had so glorious a consum- 
mation in the ordinance, consecrating forever, by one imprescript- 
ible and unchangeable monument, the very heart of our country to 
Freedom, Knowledge, and Union, will forever honor the names ot 
those illustrious statesmen. 

Mr. Jefferson had vainly tried to secure a system of government 
for the Northwestern territory. He was an emancipationist and 
favored the exclusion of slavery from the territory, but the South 
voted him down every time he proposed a measure of this nature. 
In 17S7, as late as July 10, an organizing act without the anti- 
slaver}' clause was pending. This concession to the South was 
expected to carry it. Congress was in session in New York. On 
July 5, Rev. Manasseh Cutler, of Massachusetts, came into New 
York to lobby on the Northwestern territory. Everything seemed 
to fall into his hands. Events were ripe. The state of the pnblic 
credit, the growing of Southern prejudice, the basis of his mission, 
his personal character, all combined to complete one of those sudden 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 71 

and marvelous revolutions of public sentiment that once in five "or 
ten centuries are seen to sweep over a country like the breath of the 
Almighty. 

Cutler was a graduate of Yale. He had studied and taken de- 
grees in the three learned professions, medicine, law, and divinity. 
He had published a scientific examination of the plants of New 
England. As a scientist in America his name stood second only to 
that of Franklin. He was a courtly gentleman of the old style, a 
man of commanding presence and of inviting face. The Southern 
members said they had never seen such a gentleman in the North, 
lie came representing a Massachusetts company that desired to 
purchase a tract of land, now included in Ohio, for the purpose of 
planting a colony. It was a speculation. Government money was 
worth eighteen cents on the dollar. This company had collected 
enough to purchase 1,500,000 acres of land. Other speculators in 
New York made Dr. Cutler their agent, which enabled him to- 
representa demand for 5,500,000 acres. As this would reduce the 
national debt, and Jefferson's policy was to provide for the public 
credit, it presented a good opportunity to do something. 

Massachusetts then owned the territory of Maine, which she was 
crowding on the market. She was opposed to opening the North- 
western region. This fired the zeal of Virginia. The South caua-ht 
the inspiration, and all exalted Dr. Cutler. The entire South ral. 
lied around him. Massachusetts could not vote against him, be- 
cause many of the constuitents of her members were interested 
personally in the "Western speculation. Thus Cutler, making 
friends in the South, and doubtless using all the arts of the lobby, 
was enabled to command the situation. True to deeper convic- 
tions, he dictated one of the most compact and finished documents 
of wise statesmanship that has ever adorned any human law book. 
He borrowed from Jefferson the term "Articles of Compact," which, 
preceding the federal constitution, rose into the most sacred char- 
acter. He then followed very closely the constitution of Massa- 
chusetts, adopted three years before. Its most prominent points 
were : 

1. The exclusion of slavery from the territory forever. 

2. Provision for public schools, giving one township for a semi- 
nary and every section numbered 16 in each township; that is, one 
thirty-sixth of all the land for public schools. 

3. A provision prohibiting the adoption of any constitution or 
the enactment of any law that should nullify pre-existing contracts. 



72 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

Be it forever remembered that this compact declared that " re- 
ligion, morality, and knowledge being necessary to good govern- 
ment and the happiness of mankind, schools and the means of edu- 
cation shall always be encouraged." Dr. Cutler planted himself 
on this platform and would not yield. Giving his unqualified dec- 
laration that it was that or nothing, — that unless they could make 
the land desirable they did not want it, — he took his horse and buggy 
and started for the constitutional convention at Philadelphia. On 
July 13, 17S7, the bill was put upon its passage, and was unani- 
mously adopted. Thus the great States of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, 
Michigan and Wisconsin, a vast empire, were consecrated to free 
dom, intelligence, and morality. Thus the great heart of the nation 
was prepared to save the union of States, for it was this act that was 
the salvation of the republic and the destruction of slavery. Soon 
the South saw their great blunder and tried to have the compact 
repealed. In 1803 Congress referred it to a committee, of which 
John Randolph was chairman. He reported that this ordinance 
was a compact and opposed repeal. Thus it stood, a rock in the 
way of the on-rushing sea of slavery. 

The " Northwestern Territory " included of course what is now 
the State of Indiana; and Oct 5, 17*7, Maj. Gen. Arthur St. Clair 
was elected by Congress Governor of this territory. Upon 
commencing the duties of his office he was instructed to ascertain 
the real temper of the Indians and do all in his power to remove 
the causes for controversy between them and the United States, 
and to effect the extinguishment of Indian titles to all the land 
possible. The Governor took up quarters in the new settlement of 
Marietta, Ohio, where he immediately began the organization of 
the government of the territory. The first session of the General 
Court of the new territory was held at that place in 17SS, the 
Judges being Samuel II. Parsons, James M. Varnum aud John C. 
Symmes, but under the ordinance Gov. St. Clair was President of 
the Court. After the first session, aud after the necessary laws for 
government were adopted, Gov. St. Clair, accompanied by the 
Judges, visited Kaskaskia for the purpose of organizing a civil gov- 
ernment there. Full instructions had been sent to Alaj. Hamtramck, 
commandant at Vincennes, to ascertain the exact feeling and temper 
of the Indian tribes of the Wabash. These instructions were ac- 
companied by speeches to each of the tribes. A Frenchman named 
Antoiue Gamelin was dispatched with these messages April 5, 1790, 
svho visited nearly all the tribes on the Wabash, St. Joseph and St. 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 73 

Mary's rivers, but was coldly received; most of the chiefs being 
dissatisfied with the policy of the Americans toward them, and 
prejudiced through English misrepresentation. Full accounts of 
his adventures among the tribes reached Gov. St. Clair at Kaskas- 
kia in June, 1790. Being satisfied that there was no prospect of 
effecting a general peace with the Indians of Indiana, he resolved 
to visit Gen. Harmar at his headquarters at Fort Washington and 
consult with him on the means of carrying an expedition against 
the hostile Indians; but before leaving he intrusted Winthrop 
Sargent, the Secretary of the Territory, with the execution of the 
resolutions of Congress regarding the lands and settlers on the 
Wabash. He directed that officer to proceed to Vincennes, lay 
out a county there, establish the militia and appoint the necessary 
civil and military officers. Accordingly Mr. Sargent went to Vin- 
cennes and organized Camp Knox, appointed the officers, and noti- 
fied the inhabitants to present their claims to lands. In establish- 
ing these claims the settlers found great difficulty, and concerning 
this matter the Secretary in his report to the President wrote as 
follows: 

"Although the lands and lots which were awarded to the inhabi- 
tants appeared from very good oral testimony to belong to those 
persons to whom they were awarded, either by original grants, pur- 
chase or inheritance, yet there was scarcely one case in twenty 
where the title was complete, owing- to the desultory manner in 
which public business had been transacted and some other unfor- 
tunate causes. The original concessions by the French and British 
commandants were generally made upon a small scrap of paper, 
which it has been customary to lodge in the notary's office, who 
has seldom kept any book of record, but committed the most im- 
portant land concerns to loose sheets, which in process of time 
have come into possession of persons that have fraudulently de- 
stroyed them; or, unacquainted with their consequence, innocently 
lost or trifled them away. By French usage they are considered 
family inheritances, and often descend to women and children. In 
one instance, and during the government of St. A'.ige here, a ro} T al 
notary ran off with all the public papers in his possession, as by a 
certificate produced to me. And I am very sorry further to observe 
that in the office of Mr. Le Grand, which continued from 1777 to 
1787, and where should have been the vouchers for important land 
transactions, the records have been so falsified, and there is 6uch 
gross fraud and forgery, as to invalidate all evidence and informa- 
tion which I might have otherwise acquired from his papers." 



74 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

Mr. Sargent says there were about 150 French families at Vin- 
cennes in 1790. The heads of all these families had been at some 
time vested with certain tides to a portion of the soil ; and whiie 
the Secretary was busy in straightening out these claims, he re- 
ceived a petition signed by SO Americans, asking for the confirma- 
tion of grants of land ceded by the Court organized by Col. John 
Todd under the authority of Virginia. With reference to this 
cause, Congress, March 3, 1791, empowered the Territorial Governor, 
in cases where land had been actually improved and cultivated 
under a supposed grant for the same, to confirm to the persons who 
made such improvements the lands supposed to have been granted, 
not, however, exceeding the quantity of 400 acres to any one per- 
son. 

LIQUOR AND GAMING LAWS. 

The General Court in the summer of 1790, Acting Governor 
Sargent presiding, passed the following laws with reference to 
vending liquor among the Indians and others, and with reference 
to games of chance: 

1. An act to prohibit the giving or selling intoxicating liquors 
to Indians residing in or coining into the Territory of the United 
States northwest of the river Ohio, and for preventing foreigners 
from trading with Indians therein. 

2. An act prohibiting the sale of spirituous or other intoxicat- 
ing liquors to soldiers in the service of the United States, being 
within ten miles of any military post in the territory; and to pre- 
vent the selling or pawning of arms, ammunition, clothing or 
accoutrements. 

3. An act prohibiting every species of gaming for money or 
property, and for making void contracts and payments made in 
consequence thereof, and for restraining the disorderly practice 
of discharging arms at certain hours and places. 

Winthrop Sargent's administration was highly eulogized by the 
citizens at Vincennes, in a testimonial drawn up and signed by a 
committee of officers. He had conducted the investigation and 
settlement of laud claims to the entire satisfaction of the residents, 
had upheld the principles of free government in keeping with the 
animus of the American .Revolution, and had established in good 
order the machinery of a good and wise government. In the same 
address Major Hamtramck also received a fair share of praise for 
his judicious management of affairs. 



MILITARY HISTORY 1790-1800. 

EXPEDITIONS OF HARMAR, SCOTT AND WILKINSON. 

Gov. St. Clair, on his arrival at Fort Washington from Kas- 
kaskia, had a long conversation with Gen. Harinar, and concluded 
to send a powerful force to chastise the savages about the head- 
waters of the Wabash. He had been empowered by the President 
to call on Virginia for 1,000 troops and on Pennsylvania for 500, 
and he immediately availed himself of this resource, ordering 300 
of the Virginia militia to muster at Fort Steuben and march with 
the garrison of that fort to Vincennes, and join Maj. Hamtramck, 
who had orders to call for aid from the militia of Vincennes, march 
up the Wabash, and attack any of the Indian villages which he 
might think he could overcome. The remaining 1,200 of the mi- 
litia were ordered to rendezvous at Fort Washington, and to join 
the regular troops at that post under command of Gen. Harmar. 
At this time the United States troops in the West were estimated 
by Gen. Harmar at 400 effective men. These, with the militia, 
gave him a force of 1,450 men. With this army Gen. Harmar 
marched from Fort Washington Sept. 30, and arrived at the Mau- 
mee Oct. 17. They commenced the work of punishing the Indians, 
but were not very successful. The savages, it is true, received a 
severe scourging, but the militia behaved so badly as to be of little 
or no service. A detachment of 340 militia and GO regulars, under 
the command of Col. Hardin, were sorely defeated on the Maumee 
Oct. 22. The next day the army took up the line of march for 
Fort Washington, which place they reached Nov. 4, having lost in 
the expedition 1S3 killed and 31 wounded; the Indians lost about 
as many. During the progress of this expedition Maj. Hamtramck 
marched up the Wabash from Vincennes, as far as the Vermillion 
river, and destroyed several deserted villages, but without finding 
an enemy to oppose him. 

Although the savages seem to have been severely punished by 
these expeditions, yet they refused to sue for peace, and continued 
their hostilities. Thereupon the inhabitants of the frontier settle- 
ments of Virginia took alarm, and the delegates of Ohio, Monon- 

CT5) 



6 



76 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

gahela, Harrison, Randolph, Greenbrier, Kanawha and Mont- 
gomery counties sent a joint memorial to the Governor of Vir- 
ginia, saying that the defenseless condition of the counties, form- 
ing a line of nearly 400 miles along the Ohio river, exposed to the 
hostile invasion of their Indian enemies, destitute of every kind of 
support, was truly alarming; for, notwithstanding all the regula- 
tions of the General Government in that country, they have reason 
to lament that they have been up to that time ineffectual for their 
protection; nor indeed could it be otherwise, for the garrisons kept 
by the Continental troops on the Ohio river, if of any use at all, 
must protect only the Kentucky settlements, as they immediately 
covered that country. They further stated in their memorial: "We 
beg leave to observe that we have reason to fear that the conse- 
quences of the defeat of our army by the Indians in the late expe- 
dition will be severely felt on our frontiers, as there is no doubt 
that the Indians will, in their turn, being flushed with victory, in- 
vade our settlements and exercise all their horrid murder upon the 
inhabitants thereof whenever the weather will permit them to 
travel. Then is it not better to support us where we are, be the ex- 
pense what it may, than to oblige such a number of your brave 
citizens, who have so long supported, and still continue to support, 
a dangerous frontier (although thousands of their relatives in the 
flesh have in the prosecution thereof fallen a sacrifice to savage in- 
ventions) to quit the country, after all they have done and suffered, 
when you know that a frontier must be supported somewhere?" 

This memorial caused the Legislature of Virginia to authorize 
the Governor of that State to make any defensive operations neces- 
sary for the temporary defense of the frontiers, until the general 
Government could adopt and carry out measures to suppress the 
hostile Indians. The Governor at once called upon the military 
commanding officers in the western counties of Virginia to raise by 
the first of March, 1791, several small companies of rangers for this 
purpose. At the same time Charles Scott was appointed Brigadier- 
General of the Kentucky militia, with authority to raise 226 vol- 
unteers, to protect the most exposed portions of that district. A 
full report of the proceedings of the Virginia Legislature being 
transmitted to Congress, that body constituted a local Board of 
War for the district of Kentucky, consisting of five men. March 9, 
1791, Gen. Henry Knox, Secretary of War, sent a letter of instruc- 
tions to Gen. Scott, recommending an expedition of mounted men 
not exceeding 750, against the Wea towns on the Wabash. With 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. f 7 

this force Gen. Scott accordingly crossed the Ohio, May 23_ 1791, 
and reached the Wabash in about ten days. Many of the Indians, 
having discovered his approach, fled, but he succeeded in destroy- 
ing all the villages around Ouiatenon, together with several Kick- 
apoo towns, killing 32 warriors and taking 53 prisoners. He 
released a few of the most infirm prisoners, giving them a "talk," 
which they carried to the towns farther up the Wabash, and which 
the wretched condition of his horses prevented him from reaching. 

March 3, 1791, Congress provided for raising and equipping a 
regiment for the protection of the frontiers, and Gov. St. Clair was 
invested with the chief command of about 3,000 troops, to be raised 
and employed against the hostile Indians in the territory over 
which his jurisdiction extended. lie was instructed by the Secre- 
tary of War to march to the Miami village and establish a strong 
and permanent military post there; also such posts elsewhere along 
the Ohio as would be in communication with Fort Washington. 
The post at Miami village was intended to keep the savages in that 
vicinity in check, and was ordered to be strong enough in its gar- 
rison to afford a detachment of 500 or 600 men in case of emer- 
gency, either to chastise any of the Wabash or other hostile Indians 
or capture convoys of the enemy's provisions. The Secretary of 
War also urged Gov. St. Clair to establish that post as the first and 
most important part of the campaign. In case of a previous 
treaty the Indians were to be conciliated upon this point if possible; 
and he presumed good arguments might be offered to induce their 
accmiescence. Said he: "Having commenced your march upon the 
main expedition, and the Indians continuing hostile, you will use 
every possible exertion to make them feel the effects of your superi- 
ority; and, after having arrived at the Miami village and put your 
works in a defensible state, you will seek the enemy with the whole 
of your remaining force, and endeavor by all possible means to 
strike them with great severity. * * * * 

In order to avoid future wars, it might be proper to make the Wa- 
bash and thence over to the Maumee, and down the same to its 
mouth, at Lake Erie, the boundary between the people of the 
United States and the Indians (excepting so far as the same should 
relate to the Wyandots and Delawares), on the supposition of their 
continuing faithful to the treaties; but if they should join in the 
war against the United States, and your army be victorious, the 
said tribes ought to be removed without the boundary mentioned." 

Previous to marching a strong force to the Miami town, Gov. St. 



78 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

Clair, June 25, 1791, authorized Gen Wilkinson to conduct a second 
expedition, not exceeding 500 mounted men, against the Indian 
villages on the Wabash. Accordingly Gen. Wilkinson mustered 
his forces and was ready Ju*ly 20, to march with 525 mounted vol- 
unteers, well armed, and provided with 30 days' provisions, and 
with this force he reached the Ke-na-pa-com-a-qua village on the 
north hank of Eel river about six miles above its mouth, Aug. 7, 
where he killed six warriors and took 34 prisoners. This town, 
which was scattered along the river for three miles, was totally de- 
stroyed. Wilkinson encamped on the ruins of the town that night, 
and the next day he commenced his march for the Kickapoo town 
on the prairie, which he was unable to reach owing to the impassa- 
ble condition of the route which he adopted and the failing condi- 
tion of his horses. He reported the estimated results of the expe- 
dition as follows: "I have destroyed the chief town of the Ouiate- 
non nation, and have made prisoners of the sons and sisters of the 
king. I have burned a respectable Kickapoo village, and cut down 
at least 400 acres of corn, chiefly in the milk." 

EXPEDITIONS OF ST. CLAIR AND WAYNE. 

The Indians were greatly damaged by the expeditions of Harmar, 
Scott and Wilkinson, but were far from being subdued. They 
regarded the pclicy of the United States as calculated to extermi- 
nate them from the land; and, goaded on by the English of Detroit, 
enemies of the Americans, they were excited to desperation. At 
this time the British Government still supported garrisons at 
Niagara, Detroit and Michilimackinac, although it was declared by 
the second article of the definitive treaty of peace of 17S3, that 
the king of Great Britain would, " with all convenient speed, and 
without causing any destruction or carrying away any negroes or 
property of the American inhabitants, withdraw all his forces, 
garrisons and fleets from the United States, and from every post, 
place and harbor within the same." That treaty also provided that 
the creditors on either side should meet with no lawful impedi- 
ments to the recovery of the full value, in sterling money, of all 
bona fide debts previously contracted. The British Government 
claimed that the United States had broken faith in this particular 
understanding of the treaty, and in consequence refused to with- 
draw its forces frtm the territory. The British garrisons in the 
Lake Region wero a source of much annoyance to the Americans, 
as they afforded onctor to hostile Indians, encouraging them to 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 79 

make raids among the Americans. This state of affairs in the 
Territory Northwest of the Ohio continued from the commence- 
ment of the Revolutionary war to 1796, when under a second 
treaty all British soldiers were withdrawn from the country. 

In September, 1791, St. Clair moved from Fort Washington 
with about 2,000 men, and November 3, the main army, consisting 
of about 1,400 effective troops, moved forward to the head-waters 
of the Wabash, where Fort Recovery was afterward erected, and 
here the army encamped. About 1,200 Indians were secreted a few 
miles distant, awaiting a favorable opportunity to begin an attack, 
which they improved on the morning of Nov. 4, about half an hour 
before sunrise. The attack was first made upon the militia, which 
immediately gave way. St. Clair was defeated and he returned to 
Fort Washington with a broken and dispirited army, having lost 
39 officers killed, and 539 men killed and missing; 22 officers and 
232 men were wounded. Several pieces of artillery, and all the 
baggage, ammunition and provisions were left on the field of bat- 
tle and fell into the hands of the victorious Indians. The stores 
and other public property lost in the action were valued at $32,800. 
There were also 100 or more American women with the army of 
the whites, very few of whom escaped the cruel carnage of the sav- 
age Indians. The latter, characteristic of their brutal nature, 
proceeded in the flush of victory to perpetrate the most horrible 
acts of cruelty and brutality upon the bodies of the living and the 
dead Americans who fell into their hands. Believing that the 
whites had made war for many years merely to acquire land, the 
Indians crammed clay and sand iuto the eyes and down the throats 
of the dying and the dead! 

gen. watne's great victory. 

Although no particular blame was attached to Gov. St. Clair for 
the loss in this expedition, yet he resigned the office of Major-Gen- 
eral, and was succeeded by Anthony Wayne, a distinguished 
officer of the Revolutionary war. Early in 1792 provisions were 
made by the general Government for re-organizing the army, so 
that it should consist of an efficient degree of strength. Wayne 
arrived at Pittsburg in June, where the army was to rendezvous. 
Here he continued actively engaged in organizing and training his 
forces until October, 1793, when with an army of about 3,600 men 
he moved westward to Fort Washington. 

While Wayne was preparing for an offensive campaign, every 



SO HISTOEY OF INDIANA. 

possible means was employed to induce the hostile tribes of the 
Northwest to enter into a general treaty of peace with the Ameri- 
can Government; speeches were sent among them, and agents to 
make treaties were also sent, but little was accomplished. Major 
Hamtramck, who 6till remained at Vincennes, succeeded in con- 
cluding a general peace with the Wabash and Illinois Indians; but 
the tribes more immediately under the influence of the British 
refused to hear the sentiments of friendship that were sent among 
them, and tomahawked several of the messengers. Their courage 
had been aroused by St. Ck.ir's defeat, as well as by the unsuccess- 
ful expeditions which had preceded it, and they now felt quite pre- 
pared to meet a superior force under Gen. "Wayne. The Indians 
insisted on the Ohio river as the boundary line between their lands 
and the lands of the United States, and felt certain that they could 
maintain that boundary. 

Maj. Gen. Scott, with about 1,600 mounted volunteers from 
Kentucky, joined the regular troops under Gen. Wayne July 26, 
1794, and on the 2Sth the united forces began their march for the 
Indian towns on the Maumee river. Arriving at the mouth of 
the Auglaize, they erected Fort Defiance, and Aug. 15 the army 
advanced toward the British fort at the foot of the rapids of the 
Maumee, where, on the 20th, almost within reach of the British, 
the American army gained a decisive victory over the combined 
forces of the hostile Indians and a considerable number of the 
Detroit militia. The number of the enemy was estimated at 2,000, 
against about 900 American troops actually engaged. This horde 
of savages, as soon as the action began, abandoned themselves to 
flight and dispersed with terror and dismay, leaving Wayne's vic- 
torious army in full and quiet possession of the field. The Ameri- 
cans lost 33 killed and 100 wounded; loss of the enemy more than 
double this number. 

The army remained three days and nights on the banks of the 
Maumee, in front of the field of battle, during which time all the 
houses and cornfields w.?re consumed and destroyed for a considera- 
ble distance both above and below Fort Miami, as well as within 
pistol shot of the British garrison, who were compelled to remain 
idle spectators to this general devastation and conflagration, among 
which were the houses, stores and property of Col. McKee, the 
British Indian agent and " principal stimulator of the war then 
existing between the United States and savages." On the return 
march to Fort Defiance the villages and cornfields for about 50 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 81 

miles on each side of the Maumee were destroyed, as well as those 
for a considerable distance around that post. 

Sept. 14, 1791, the army under Gen. Wayne commenced its 
march toward the deserted Miami villages at the confluence of St. 
Joseph's and St. Mary's rivers, arriving Oct. 17, and on the follow- 
ing day the site of Fort Wayne was selected. The fort was com- 
pleted Nov. 2'i, and garrisoned by a strong detachment of infantry 
and artillery, under the command of Col. John F. Hamtramck, who 
gave to the new fort the name of Fort Wayne. In lSlla new fort 
was built on the site of this structure. The Kentucky volunteers 
returned to Fort Washington and were mustered out of service. 
Gen. Wayne, with the Federal troops, marched to Greenville and 
took up his headquarters during the winter. Here, in August, 
1795, after several months of active negotiation, this gallant officer 
succeeded in concluding a general treaty of peace with all the hos- 
tile tribes of the Northwestern Territory. This treaty opened the 
way for the flood of immigration for many years, and ultimately 
made the States and territories now constituting the mighty North- 
west. 

Up to the organization of the Indiana Territory there is but little 
history to record aside from those events connected with military 
affairs. In July, 1796, as before stated, after a treaty was con- 
cluded between the United States and Spain, the British garrisons, 
with their arms, artillery and stores, were withdrawn from the 
posts within the boundaries of the United States northwest of the 
Ohio river, and a detachment of American troops, consisting of 65 
men, under the command of Capt. Moses Porter, took possession 
of the evacuated post of Detroit in the same month. 

In the latter part of 1796 Winthrop Sargent went to Detroit and 
organized the county of Wayne, forming a part of the Indiana 
Territory until its division in 1805, when the Territory of Michigan 
was organized. 



TERRITORIAL HISTORY. 

ORGANIZATION OF INDIANA TERRITORY. 

Oil the final success of American arms and diplomacy in 1796, 
the principal town within the Territory, now the State, of Indiana 
was Vincennes, which at this time comprised about 50 houses, all 
presenting a thrifty and tidy appearance. Each house was sur- 
rounded by a garden fenced with poles, and peach and apple-trees 
grew in most of the enclosures. Garden vegetables of all kinds 
were cultivated with success, and corn, tobacco, wheat, barley and 
cotton grew in the fields around the village in abundance. During 
the last few years of the 18th century the condition of society at 
Vincennes improved wonderfully. 

Besides Vincennes there was a small settlement near where the 
town of Lawrenceburg now stands, in Dearborn county, and in the 
course of that year a small settlement was formed at "Armstrong's 
Station," on the Ohio, within the present limits of Clark county. 
There were of course several other smaller settlements and trading 
posts in the present limits of Indiana, and the number of civilized 
inhabitants comprised within the territory was estimated at 4,S75. 

The Territory of Indiana was organized by Act of Congress May 
7, 1800, the material parts of the ordinance of 1787 remaining in 
force; and the inhabitants were invested with all the rights, privi- 
leges and advantages granted and secured to the people by that 
ordinance. The seat of government was fixed at Vincennes. May 
13, 1800, Win. Henry Harrison, a native ot Virginia, was appoint- 
ed Governor of this new territory, and on the next day John Gib- 
son, a native of Pennsylvania and a distinguished Western pioneer, 
(to whom the Indian chief Logan delivered his celebrated speech in 
1774), was appointed Secretary of the Territory. Soon afterward 
Wm. Clark, Henry Vanderburgh and John Griffin were appointed 
territorial Judges. 

Secretary Gibson arrived at Vincennes in July, and commenced, 
in the absence of Gov. Harrison, the administration of government. 
Gov. Harrison did not arrive until Jan. 10, 1S01, when he imme- 
diately called together the Judges of the Territory, who proceeded 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 83 

to pass such laws as they deemed necessary for the present govern- 
ment of the Territory. This session began March 3, 1801. 

From this time to 1S10 the principal subjects which attracted the 
attention of the people of Indiana were land speculations, the 
adjustment of land titles, the question of negro slavery, the purchase 
of Indian lands by treaties, the organization of Territorial legis- 
latures, the extension of the right of suffrage, the division of 
Indiana Territory, the movements of Aaron Burr, and the hostile 
views and proceedings of the Shawanee chief, Tecumseh, and his 
brother, the Prophet. 

Up to this time the sixth article of the celebrated ordinance of 
1787, prohibiting slavery in the Northwestern Territory, had been 
somewhat neglected in the execution of the law, and many French 
settlers still held slaves in a manner. In some instances, according 
to rules prescribed by Territorial legislation, slaves agreed by 
indentures to remain in servitude under their masters for a certain 
number of years; but many slaves, with whom no such contracts 
were made, were removed from the Indiana Territory either to the 
west of the Mississippi or to some of the slaveholding States. 
Gov. Harrison convoked a session of delegates of the Territory, 
elected by a popular vote, who petitioned Congress to declare the 
sixth article of the ordinance of 1787, prohibiting slavery, suspend- 
ed; but Congress never consented to grant that petition, and many 
other petitions of a similar import. Soon afterward some of the 
citizens began to take colored persons out of the Territory for the 
purpose of selling them, and Gov. Harrison, by a proclamation 
April 6, 1804, forbade it, and called upon the authorities of the 
Territory to assist him in preventing such removal of persons 
of color. 

During the year 1804 all the country west of the Mississippi and 
north of 33° was attached to Indiana Territory by Congress, but in 
a few months was again detached and organized into a separate ter- 
ritory . 

"When it appeared from the result of a popular vote in the Terri- 
tory that a majority of 138 freeholders were in favor of organizing 
a General Assembly, Gov. Harrison, Sept. 11, 1804, issued a procla- 
mation declaring that the Territory had passed into thes^cond grade 
of government, as contemplated by the ordinance or^787, and 
fixed Thursday, Jan. 3, 1S05, as the time for holding an election in 
the several counties of the Territory, to choose members of a House 
of Representatives, who should meet at Vincennes Feb. 1 and 



84 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

adopt measures for the organization of a Territorial Council. These 
delegates were elected, and met according to the proclamation, and 
selected ten men from whom the President of the United States, 
Mr. Jefferson, should appoint five to be and constitute the Legisla- 
tive Council of the Territory, but he declining, requested Mr. Har- 
rison to make the selection, which was accordingly done. Before 
the first session of this Council, however, was held, Michigan Ter- 
ritory was set off, its south line being one drawn from the southern 
end of Lake Michigan directly east to Lake Erie. 

FIRST TERRITORIAL LEGISLATURE. 

The first General Assembly, or Legislature, of Indiana Territory 
met at Vincennes July 29, 1S05, in pursuance of a gubernatorial 
proclamation. The members of the House of Representatives were 
Jesse B. Thomas, of Dearborn county ; Davis Floyd. of Clark county; 
Benjamin Parke and John Johnson, of Knox county; Shadrach 
Bond and William Biggs, of St. Clair. county, and George Fisher, 
of Randolph county. July 30 the Governor delivered his first mes- 
sage to "the Legislative Council and House of Representatives of 
the Indiana Territory." Benjamin Parke was the first delegate 
elected to Congress. He had emigrated from New Jersey to In- 
diana in 1S01. 

THE "WESTERN SUN" 

was the first newspaper published in the Indiana Territory, now 
comprising the four great States of Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and 
Wisconsin, and the second in all that country once known as the 
''Northwestern Territory." It was commenced at Vincennes in 
1803, by Elihu Stout, of Kentucky, and first called the Indiana, 
Gazette, and July, 4, 1804, was changed to the Western Sun. Mr. 
Stout continued the paper until 1845, amid many discouragements, 
when he was appointed postmaster at the place, and he sold out 
the office. 

INDIANA in 1S10. 

The events which we have just been describing really constitute 
the initiatory steps to the great military campaign of Gen. Harrison 
which ended in the "battle of Tippecanoe;" but before proceeding 
to an account of that brilliant affair, let us take a glance at the re- 
sources and strength of Indiana Territory at this time, 1S10: 

Total population, 24,520; 33 grist mills: 14 saw mills; 3 horse 
mills; 18 tanneries; 28 distilleries; 3 powder mills; 1,256 looms; 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 85 

1,350 spinning wheels; value of manufactures — woolen, cotton 
hempen and flaxen cloths, $159,052; of cotton and wool spun in 
mills, $150,000; of nails, 30,000 pounds, $4,000; of leather tanned, 
$9,300; of distillery products, 35,950 gallons, $16,230; of gun- 
powder, 3,600 pounds, $1,S00; of wine from grapes, 96 barrels, 
$6,000, and 5 0,000 pounds of maple sugar. 

During the year 1810 a Board of Commissioners was established 
to straighten out the confused condition into which the land-title 
controversy had been carried by the various and conflicting admin- 
istrations that had previously exercised jurisdiction in this regard. 
This work was attended with much labor on the part of the Commis- 
sioners and great dissatisfaction on the part of a few designing specu- 
lators, who thought no extreme of perjury too hazardous in their 
mad attempts to obtain lands fraudulently. In closing their report 
the Commissioners used the following expressive language: " We 
close this melancholy picture of human depravity by rendering our 
devout acknowledgment that, in the 'awful alternative in which we 
have been placed, of either admitting perjured testimony in sup- 
port of the claims before us, or having it turned against our char- 
acters and lives, it has as yet pleased that divine providence which 
rules over the affairs of men, to preserve us, both from legal mur- 
der and private assassination." 

The question of dividing the Territory of Indiana was agitated 
from 1806 to 1S09, when Congress erected the Territory of Illinois, 
to comprise all that part of Indiana Territory lying west of the 
Wabash river and a direct line drawn from that river and Post 
Vincennes due north to the territorial line between the United 
States and Canada. This occasioned some confusion in the govern- 
ment of Indiana, but in due time the new elections were confirmed, 
and the new territory started off on a journey of prosperity which 
this section of the United States has ever since enjoyed. 

From the first settlement of Vincennes for nearly half a century 
there occurred nothing of importance to relate, at least so far as 
the records inform us. The place was too isolated to grow very 
fast, and we suppose there was a succession of priests and com- 
mandants, who governed the little world around them with almost 
infinite power and authority, from whose decisions there was no 
appeal, if indeed any was ever desired. The character of society 
in such a place would of course grow gradually different from the 
parent society, assimilating more or less with that of neighboring 
tribes. The whites lived in peace, with the Indians, each under- 



86 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

standing the other's peculiarities, which remained fixed long 
enough for both parties to study out and understand them. The 
government was a mixture of the military and the civil. There 
was little to incite to enterprise. Speculations in money and prop- 
erty, and their counterpart, beggary, were both unknown; the nec- 
essaries of life were easily procured, and beyond these there were 
but few wants to be supplied; hospitality was exercised by all, as 
there were no taverns; there seemed to be no use for law, judges 
or prisons; each district had its commandant, and the proceedings 
of a trial were singular. The complaining party obtained a notifi- 
cation from the commandant to his adversary, accompanied by a 
command to render justice. If this had no effect he was notified 
to appear before the commandant on a particular day and answer; 
and if the last notice was neglected, a sergeant and file of men 
were sent to bring him, — no sheriff and no costs. The convicted 
part} r would be fined and kept in prison until he rendered justice 
according to the decree; when extremely refractory the cat-o'-nine- 
tails brought him to a sense of justice. In such a state of society 
there was no demand for learning and science. Few could read, 
and still fewer write. Their disposition was nearly always to deal 
honestly, at least simply. Peltries were their standard of value. 
A brotherly love generally prevailed. But they were devoid of 
public spirit, enterprise or ingenuity. 




GOV. HARRISON AND THE INDIANS. 

Immediately after the organization of Indiana Territory Governor 
Harrison's attention was directed, by necessity as well as by in- 
structions from Congress, to settling affairs with those Indians who 
still held claims to lands. He entered into several treaties, by 
which at the close of 1805 the United States Government had ob- 
tained about 46,000 square miles of territory, including all the 
lands lying on the borders of the Ohio river between the mouth of 
the Wabash river and the State of Ohio. 

The levying of a tax, especially a poll tax, by the General Assem- 
bly, created considerable dissatisfaction among many of the inhabit- 
ants. At a meeting held Sunday, August 16, 1S07, a number of 
Frenchmen resolved to " withdraw their confidence and support 
forever from those men who advocated or in any manner promoted 
the second grade of government." 

In 1S07 the territorial statutes were revised and under the new 
code, treason, murder, arson and horse-stealing were each punish- 
able by death. The crime of manslaughter was punishable by the 
common law. Burglary and robbery were punishable by whip- 
ping, fine and in some cases by imprisonment not exceeding forty 
years. Hog stealing was punishable by fine and whipping. Bigamy 
was punishable by fine, whipping and disfranchisement, etc. 

In 1804 Congress established three land offices for the sale of 
lands in Indiana territory; one was located at Detroit, one at Vin- 
cennes and one at Kaskaskia. In 1807 a fourth one was opened at 
Jefferson ville, Clark county; this town was first laid out in 1802, 
agreeably to plans suggested by Mr. Jefferson then President of 
the United States. 

Governor Harrison, according to his message to the Legislature 
in 1806, seemed to think that the peace then existing between the 
whites and the Indians was permanent; but in the same document 
he referred to a matter that might be a source of trouble, which in- 
deed it proved to be, namely, the execution of white laws among 
the Indians — laws to which the latter had not been a party in their 
enactment. The trouble was aggravated by the partiality with 
which the laws seem always to have been executed; the Indian 

(87) 



88 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

•was nearly always the sufferer. All along from ISOo to 1810 the 
Indians complained bitterly against the encroachments of the white 
people upon the lands that belonged to them. The invasion pf their 
hunting grounds and the unjustifiable killing of many of their peo- 
ple were the sources of their discontent. An old chief, in laying 
the trouble of his people before Governor Harrison, said: "You 
call us children ; why do you not make us as happy as our fathers, 
the French, did? The}' never took from us our lands; indeed, the}' 
■were common between us. They planted where they pleased, and 
they cut wood where they pleased; and so did we; but now if a 
poor Indian attempts to take a little bark from a tree to cover him 
from the rain, up comes a white man and threatens to shoot him, 
claiming the tree as his own." 

The Indian truly had grounds for his complaint, and the state of 
feeling existing among the tribes at this time was well calculated 
to develop a patriotic leader who should carry them all forward to 
victory at arms, if certain concessions were not made to them by the 
whites. But this golden opportunity was seized by an unworthy 
■warrior. A brother of Tecumseh, a "prophet" named Law-le-was-i- 
kaw, but who assumed the name of Pems-quat-a-wah (Open Door), 
was the crafty Shawanee warrior who was enabled to work upon 
both the superstitions and the rational judgment of his fellow In- 
dians. He was a good orator, somewhat peculiar in his appearance 
and well calculated to win the attention and respect of the savages. 
He began by denouncing witchcraft, the use of intoxicating liquors, 
the custom of Indian women marrying white men, the dress of the 
whites and the practice of selling Indian lands to the United States. 
He also told the Indians that the commands of the Great Spirit re- 
quired them to punish with death those who practiced the arts of 
witchcraft and magic; that the Great Spirit had given him power 
to find out and expose such persons; that he had power to cure all 
diseases, to confound his enemies and to stay the arm of death in 
sickness and on the battle-field. His harangues aroused among 
some bands of Indians a high degree of superstitious excitement. 
An old Delaware chief named Ta-te-bock-o-she, through whose in- 
fluence a treaty had been made with the Delawares in 1804, was 
accused of witchcraft, tried, condemned and tomahawked, and 
his body consumed by fire. The old chief's wife, nephew 
("Billy Patterson ") and an aged Indian named Joshua were next 
accused of witchcraft and condemned to death. The two men were 
burned at the stake, but the wife of Ta-te-bock-o-she was saved from 




THE SHAWNEE PliOPflET. 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 91 

death by her brother, who suddenly approached her, took her by the 
hand, and, without meeting any opposition from the Indians present, 
led her out of the council- house. He then immediately returned and 
checked the growing influence of the Prophet by exclaiming in a 
strong, earnest voice, " The Evil Spirit has come among us and we 
are killing each other." — [Dillon's History of Indiana. 

When Gov. Harrison was made acquainted with these events he 
sent a special messenger to the Indians, strongly entreating them to 
renounce the Prophet and his works. This reallydestroyed to some 
extent the Prophet's influence; but in the spring of 1808, having 
aroused nearly all the tribes of the Lake Region, the Prophet with 
a large number of followers settled near the mouth of the Tippe- 
canoe river, at a place which afterward had the name of "Prophet's- 
Town." Taking advantage of his brother's influence, Tecumseh 
actively engaged himself in forming the various tribes into a con- 
federacy. He announced publicly to all the Indians that the 
treaties by which the United States had acquired lands northwest 
of the Ohio were not made in fairness, and should be considered 
void. He also said that no single tribe was invested with power to 
sell lands without the consent of all the other tribes, and that he 
and his brother, the Prophet, would oppose and resist all future 
attempts which the white people might make to extend their set- 
tlements in the lands that belonged to the Indians. 

Early in 1808, Gov. Harrison sent a speech to the Shawanees, 
in which was this sentence: " My children, this business must be 
stopped; I will no longer suffer it. You have called a number of 
men from the most distant tribes to listen to a fool, who speaks 
not the words of the Great Spirit but those of the devil and the 
British agents. My children, your conduct has much alarmed the 
white settlers near you. They desire that you will send away those 
people; and if they wish to have the impostor with them they can 
carry him along with them. Let him go to the lakes; he can hear 
the British more distinctly." This message wounded the pride of 
the Prophet, and he prevailed on the messenger to inform Gov. 
Harrison that he was not in league with the British, but was speak- 
ing truly the words of the Great Spirit. 

In the latter part of the summer of 1S0S, the Prophet spent sev- 
eral weeks at Vincennes, for the purpose of holding interviews 
with Gov. Harrison. At one time he told the Governor that he 
was a Christian and endeavored to persuade his people also to 
become Christians, abandon the use of liquor, be united in broth- 



92 UISTORT OF INDIANA. 

erly love, etc., making Mr. Harrison believe at least, that he was 
honest; but before long it was demonstrated that the '-Prophet" 
was designing, cunning >nd unreliable; that both he and Tecumseh 
were enemies of the United States, and friends of the English; and 
that in case of a war between the Americans and English, they 
would join the latter. The next year the Prophet again visited 
Vincennes, with assurances that he was not in sympatlvv with the 
English, but the Governor was not disposed to believe him; and in 
a letter to the Secretary of War, in Jiily, 1809, he said that he 
regarded the bands of Indians at Prophet's Town as a combination 
which had been produced by British intrigue and influence, in antic- 
ipation of a war between them and the United States. 

In direct opposition to Tecumseh and the prophet and in spite 
of all these difficulties, Gov. Harrison continued the work of extin- 
guishing Indian titles to lands, with very good success. By the 
close of 1S<»9, the total amount of land ceded to the United States, 
under treaties which had been effected by Mr. Harrison, exceeded 
3u.( ii)0,000 a res. 

From 1805 to 1807, the movements of Aaron Burr in the Ohio 
valley created considerable excitement in Indiana. It seemed that 
he intended to collect a force o[' men, invade Mexico and found a 
republic there, comprising all the country west of the Alleghany 
mountains. He gathered, however, but a few men, started south, 
and was soon arrested by the Federal authorities. But before his 
arrest he had abandoned his expedition and his followers had 
dispersed. 

Harrison's campaign. 

While the Indians were combining to prevent any further trans- 
fer of land to the whites, the British were using the advantage as a 
groundwork for a successful war upon the Americans. In the 
spring of 1810 the followers of the Prophet refused to receive their 
annuity of salt, and the officials who offered it were denounced as 
"American dogs," and otherwise treated in a disrespectful manner. 
Gov. Harrison, in July, attempted to gain the friendship of the 
Prophet by sending him a letter,offering to treat with him person- 
ally in the matter of his grievances, or to furnish means to send 
him, with three of his principal chiefs, to the President at Wash- 
ington; but the messenger was coldly received, and they returned 
word that they would visit Vincennes in a few days and interview 
the Governor. Accordingly, Aug. 12, 1810, the Shawanee chief 
with 70 of his principal warriors, marched up to the door of the 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 93 

Governor's house, and from that day until the 22d held daily inter- 
views with His Excellency. In all of his speeches Tecumseh was 
haughty, and sometimes arrogant. On the 20th he delivered that 
celebrated speech in which he gave the Governor the alternative of 
returning their lands or meeting them in battle. 

While the Governor was replying to this speech Tecumseh inter- 
rupted him with an angry exclamation, declaring that the United 
States, through Gov. Harrison, had "cheated and imposed on the 
Indians.'" When Tecumseh first rose, a number of his party also 
sprung to their feet, armed with clubs, tomahawks and spears, and 
made some threatening demonstrations. The Governor's guards, 
who stood a little way off, were marched up in haste, and the In- 
dians, awed by the presence of this small armed force, abandoned 
what seemed to be an intention to make an open attack on the Gov- 
ernor and his attendants. As soon as Tecumseh's remarks were 
interpreted, the Governor reproached him for his conduct, and com- 
manded him to depart instantly to his camp. 

On the following day Tecumseh repented of his rash act and re- 
quested the Governor to grant him another interview, and pro- 
tested against any intention of offense. The Governor consented, 
and the council was re-opened on the 21st, when the Shawanee 
chief addressed him in a respectful and dignified manner, but re- 
mained immovable in his policy. The Governor then requested 
Tecumseh to state plainly whether or not the surveyors who might 
be sent to survey the lauds purchased at the treaty of Fort Wayne 
in 1S09, would be molested by Indians. Tecumseh replied: 
"Brother, when you speak of annuities to me, I look at the laud 
and pity the women and children. I am authorized to say that they 
will not receive them. Brother, we want to save that piece of land. 
We do not wish you to take it. It is small enough for our purpose. 
If you do take it, you must blame yourself as the cause of the 
trouble between us and the tribes who sold it to you. I want the 
present boundary line to continue. Should you cross it, I assure 
you it will be productive of bad consequences." 

The next day the Governor, attended only by his interpreter, 
visited the camp of the great Shawanee, and in the course of a long 
interview told him that the President of the United States would 
not acknowledge his claims. "Well," replied the brave warrior, 
"as the great chief is to determine the matter, I hope the Great 
Spirit will put sense enough into his head to induce him to direct 
you to give up this land. It is true, he is so far off he will not be 



V 



l)± HISTORY OF IN'DIANA. 

injured by the war. He may sit still in Lis town and drink his 
wine, while you and I will have to fight it out." 

In his message to the new territorial Legislature in 1810 Gov. 
Harrison called attentioifto the dangerous views held byTecumseh 
and the Prophet, to the pernicious influence of alien enemies 
among the Indians, to the unsettled condition of the Indian trade 
and to the policy of extinguishing Indian titles to lands. The 
eastern settlements were separated from the western by a consider- 
able extent of Indian lands, and the most fertile tracts within the 
territory were still in the hands of the Indians. Almost entirely 
divested of the game from which they had drawn their subsistence, 
it had become of little use to them; and it was the intention of 
the Government to substitute for the precarious and scanty sup- 
plies of the chase the more certain and plentiful support of agri- 
culture and stock-raising. The old habit of the Indians to hunt 
so long as a deer could be found was so inveterate that they would 
not break it and resort to intelligent agriculture unless they were 
compelled to, and to this they would not be compelled unless they 
were confined to a limited extent of territory. The earnest lan- 
guage of the Governor's appeal was like this: "Are then those 
extinguishments of native title which are at once so beneficial to 
the Indian and the territory of the United States, to be suspended on 
account of the intrigues of a few individuals? Is one of the fair- 
est portions of the globe to remain in a state of nature, the haunt 
of a few wretched savages, when it seems destined by the Creator 
to give support to a large population, and to be the seat of civili- 
zation, of science and true religion?" 

In the same message the Governor also urged the establishment 
of a system of popular education. 

Among the acts passed by this session of the Legislature, one 
authorized the President and Directors of the Vincennes Public 
Library to raise §1,000 by lottery. Also, a petition was sent to 
Congress for a permanent seat of government for the Territory, and 
commissioners were appointed to select the site. 

With the beginning of the year 1811 the British agent for 
Indian affairs adopted measures calculated to secure the support of 
the savages in the war which at this time seemed almost inevitable. 
Meanwhile Gov. Harrison did all in his power to destroy the influ- 
ence of Tecnmseh and his brother and break up the Indian confed- 
eracy which was oeing organized in the interests of Great Britain. 
Pioneer settlers and the Indians naturally grew more and more 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 95 

aggressive and intolerant, committing depredations and murders, 
until the Governor felt compelled to send the following speech, 
substantially, to the two leaders of the Indian tribes: "This is the 
third year that all the white people in this country have been 
alarmed at your proceedings; you threaten us with war; you invite 
all the tribes north and west of you to join against us, while your 
warriors who have lately been here deny this. The tribes on the 
Mississippi have sent me word that you intended to murder me 
and then commence a war upon my people, and your seizing the salt 
I recently sent up the Wabash is also sufficient evidence of such 
intentions on your part. My warriors are preparing themselves, 
not to strike you, but to defend themselves and their women and 
children. You shall not surprise us, as you expect to do. Your 
intended act is a rash one: consider well of it. What can induce 
you to undertake such a thing when there is so little prospect of 
success? Do you really think that the handful of men you have 
about you are able to contend with the seventeen 'fires?' or even 
that the whole of the tribes united could contend against the Ken- 
tucky 'fire' alone? I am myself of the Long 'Knife fire.' As soon 
as they hear my voice you will see them pouring forth their swarms 
of hunting-shirt men as numerous as the musquitoes on the shores 
of the Wabash. Take care of their stings. It is not our wish to 
hurt you; if we did, we certainly have power to do it. 

" You have also insulted the Government of the United States, 
by seizing the salt that was intended for other tribes. Satisfaction 
must be given for that also. You talk of coming to see me, attend- 
ed by all of your young men; but this must not be. If your inten- 
tions are good, you have no need to bring but a few of your young 
men with you. I must be plain with you. I will not suffer you 
to come into our settlements with such a force. My advice is that 
you visit the President of the United States and lay your griev- 
ances before him. 

" With respect to the lands that were purchased last fall I can 
enter into no negotiations with you; the affair is with the Presi- 
dent. If yon wish to go and see him, I will supply you with the 
means. 

"The person who delivers this is one of my war officers, and is a 
man in whom I have entire confidence; whatever he says to you, 
although it may not be contained in this paper, you may believe 
comes from me. My friend Tecum sell, the bearer is a good man 
and a brave warrior; I hope you will treat him well. You are 



96 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

yourself a warrior, and all such should have esteem for each other." 

The bearer of this speech was politely received by Tecumseh, 
who replied to the Governor briefly that he should visit Vincennes 
in a few days. Accordingly he arrived July 27, 1811, bringing 
with him a considerable force of Indians, which created much 
alarm among the inhabitants. In view of an emergency Gov. 
Harrison reviewed his militia — about 750 armed men — and station- 
ed two companies and a detachment of dragoons on the borders of 
the town. At this interview Tecumseh held forth that he intended 
no war against the United States; that he would send messengers 
among the Indians to prevent murders and depredations on the 
white settlements; that the Indians, as well as the whites, who had 
committed murders, ought to be forgiven; that he had set the white 
people an example of forgiveness, which they ought to follow; 
that it was his wish to establish a union among all the Indian 
tribes; that the northern tribes were united; that he was going to 
visit the southern Indians, and then return to the Prophet's town. 
He said also that he would visit the President the next spring and 
settle all difficulties with him, and that he hoped no attempts would 
be made to make settlements on the lands which had been sold to 
the United States, at the treaty of Fort Wayne, because the Indians 
wanted to keep those grounds for hunting. 

Tecumseh then, with about 20 of his followers, left for the South, 
to induce the tribes in that direction to join his confederacy. 

By the way, a lawsuit was instituted by Gov. Harrison against a 
certain Win. Mcintosh, for asserting that the plaintiff had cheated 
the Indians out of their lands, and that, by so doing he had made 
them enemies to the United States. The defendant was a wealthy 
Scotch resident of Vincennes, well educated, and a man of influence 
among the people opposed to Gov. Harrison's land policy. The 
jury rendered a verdict in favor of Harrison, assessing the damages 
at $4,000. In execution of the decree of Court a large quantity of 
the defendant's land was sold in the absence of Gov. Harrison; 
but some time afterward Harrison caused about two-thirds of the 
land to be restored to Mr. Mcintosh, and the remainder was given 
to some orphan children. 

Harrison's first movement was to erect a new fort on the Wabash 
river and to break up the assemblage of hostile Indians at the 
Prophet's town. For this purpose he ordered Col. Boyd's regiment 
of infantry to move from the falls of Ohio to Vincennes. When 
the military expedition organized by Gov, Harrison was nearly 



4 
HISTORY OF INDIANA. 97 

ready to march to the Prophet's town, several Indian chiefs arrived 
at Vincennes Sept. 25, 1811, and declared that the Indians 
would comply with the demands of the Governor and disperse; but 
this did not check the military proceedings. The army under com- 
mand of Harrison moved from "Vincennes Sept. 26, and Oct. 3, en- 
countering no opposition from the enemy, encamped at the place 
where Fort Harrison was afterward built, and near where the city 
of Terre Haute now stands. On the night of the 11th a few hos- 
tile Indians approached the encampment and wounded one of the 
sentinels, which caused considerable excitement. The army was 
immediately drawn up in line of battle, and small detachments 
were sent in all directions; but the enemy could not be found. 
Then the Governor sent a message to Prophet's Town, requiring 
the Shawanees, "Winnebagoes, Pottawatomies and Kickapoos at 
that place to return to their respective tribes; he also required the 
Prophet to restore all the stolen horses in his possession, or to give 
satisfactory proof that such persons were not there, nor had lately 
been, under his control. To this message the Governor received 
no answer, unless that answer was delivered in the battle of Tip- 
pecanoe. 

The new fort on the "Wabash was finished Oct. 2S, and at the re- 
quest of all the subordinate officers it was called "Fort Harrison," 
near what is now Terre Haute. This fort was garrisoned with a 
small number of men under Lieutenant-Colonel Miller. On the 
29th the remainder of the army, consisting of 910 men, moved 
toward the Prophet's town; about 270 of the troops were mounted. 
The regular troops, 250 in number, were under the command of 
Col. Boyd. With this army the Governor marched to within a 
half mile of the Prophet's town, when a conference was opened 
with a distinguished chief, in high esteem with the Prophet, and 
he informed Harrison that the Indians were much surprised at the 
approach of the army, and had already dispatched a message to 
him by another route. Harrison replied that he would not attack 
them until he had satisfied himself that they would not comply 
with his demands; that he would continue his encampment on the 
"Wabash, and on the following morning would have an interview 
with the prophet. Harrison then resumed his march, and, after 
some difficulty, selected a place to encamp — a spot not very desir- 
able. It was a piece of dry oak land rising about ten feet above 
the marshy prairie in front toward the Indian town, and nearly 
twice that height above a similar prairie in the rear, through which 



98 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

and near this bank ran a small stream clothed with willow and 
brush wood. Toward the^ left flank this highland widened consid- 
erably, but became gradually narrower in the opposite direction, 
and at the distance of 150 yards terminated in an abrupt point. 
The two columns of infantry occupied the front and rear of this 
ground, about 150 yards from each other on the left, and a little 
inore thau half that distance on the right, flank. One flank was 
filled by two companies of mounted riflemen, 120 men, under com- 
mand of Major-General "Wells, of the Kentucky militia, and one 
by Spencer's company of mounted riflemen, numbering 80 men. 
The front line was composed of one battalion of United States in- 
fantry, under command of Major Floyd, flanked on the right by 
two companies of militia, and on the left by one company. The 
rear line was composed of a battalion of United States troops, 
under command of Capt. Bean, acting as Major, and four companies 
of militia infantry under Lieutenant-Colonel Decker. The regular 
troops of this line joined the mounted riflemen under Gen. Wells, 
on the left flank, and Col. Decker's battalion formed an angle with 
Spencer's company on the left. Two troops of dragoons, about 60 
men in all, were encamped in the rear of the left flank, and Capt. 
Parke's troop, which was larger than the other two, in rear of 
the right line. For a night attack the order of encampment was 
the order of battle, and each man slept opposite his post in the 
line. In the formation of the troops single file was adopted, in 
order to get as great an extension of the lines as possible. 

BATTLE OF TIPPECANOE. 

No attack was made by the enemy until about 4 o'clock on the 
morning of Nov. 7, just after the Governor had arisen. The 
attack was made on the left flank. Only a single gun was fired by the 
sentinels or by the guard in that direction, which made no resist- 
ance, abandoning their posts and fleeing into camp; and the first 
notice which the troops of that line had of the danger was the yell 
of the savages within a short distance of them. But the men 
were courageous and preserved good discipline. Such of them as 
were awake, or easily awakened, seized arms and took their stations; 
others, who were more tardy, had to contend with the enemy in 
the doors of their tents. The storm first fell upon Capt. Barton's 
company of the Fourth United States Regiment, and Capt. Geiger's 
company of mounted riflemen, which formed the left angle of the 
rear line. The fire from the Indians was exceedingly severe, and 



IIISTORr OF INDIANA. 99 

men in these companies suffered considerably before relief could be 
brought to them. Some few Indians passed into the encampment 
near the angle, and one or two penetrated to some distance before 
they were killed. All the companies formed for action before they 
were fired on, The morning was dark and cloudy, and the fires of 
the Americans afforded only a partial light, which gave greater 
advantage to the enemy than to the troops, and they were there- 
fore extinguished. 

As soon as the Governor could mount his horse he rode to the 
angle which was attacked, where he found that Barton's company had 
suffered severely, and the left of Geiger's entirely broken. He 
immediately ordered Cook's and Wentworth's companies to march 
up to the center of the rear line, where were stationed a small com- 
pany of IT. S. riflemen and the companies of Bean, Snelling and 
Prescott. As the General rode up he found Maj. Daviess forming 
the dragoons in the rear of these companies, and having ascertained 
that the heaviest fire proceeded from some trees 15 or 20 paces in 
front of these companies, he directed the Major to dislodge them 
with a part of the dragoons; but unfortunately the Major's gal- 
lantry caused him to undertake the execution of the order with a 
smaller force than was required, which enabled the enemy to avoid 
him in front and attack his flanks. He was mortally wounded and 
his men driven back. Capt. Snelling, however," with his company 
immediately dislodged those Indians. Capt. Spencer and his 1st 
and 2nd Lieutenants were killed, and Capt. Warwick mortally 
wounded. The soldiery remained brave. Spencer had too much 
ground originally, and Harrison re-enforced him with a company 
of riflemen which had been driven from their position on the left 
flank. 

Gen. Harrison's aim was to keep the lines entire, to prevent the 
enemy from breaking into the camp until daylight, which would 
enable him to make a general and effectual charge. With this view 
he had re-enforced every part of the line that had suffered much, 
and with the approach of morning he withdrew several companies 
from the front and rear lines and re-enforced the right and left 
flanks, foreseeing that at these points the enemy would make their 
last effort. Maj. Wells, who had commanded the left flank, charged 
upon the enemy and drove them at the point of the baj'onet into 
the marsh, where they could not be followed. Meanwhile Capt. 
Dook and Lieut. Larrabee marched their companies to the right 
flank and formed under tire of the euemy, and being there joined 



L.ofC. 



100 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

by tlie riflemen of that flank, charged upon the enemy, killing a 
number and putting the rest to a precipitate flight. 

Tims ended the famous battle of Tippecanoe, victoriously to the 
■whites and honorably to Gen. Harrison. 

In this battle Mr. Harrison had about 700 efficient men, -while 
the Indians had probably more than that. The loss of the Ameri- 
cans was 37 killed and 25 mortally wounded, and 126 wounded; the 
Indians lost 3S killed on the field of battle, and the number of the 
wounded was never known. Among the whites killed were Daviess, 
Spencer, Owen, Warwick, Randolph, Bean and "White. Standing on 
an eminence near by, the Prophet encouraged his warriors to battle 
by singing a favorite war-song. He told them that they would gain 
an easy victory, and that the bullets of their enemies would be made 
harmless by the Great Spirit. Being informed duringthe engagement 
that some of the Indians were killed, he said that his warriors must 
fight on and they would soon be victorious. Immediately after 
their defeat the surviving Indians lost faith in their great (?) Proph- 
et, returned to their respective tribes, and thus the confederacy 
was destroyed. The Prophet, with a very few followers, then took 
np his residence among a small band of Wyandots encamped on 
Wild-Cat creek. His famous town, with all its possessions, was 
destroyed the next day, Nov. 8. 

On the 18th the American army returned to Vincennes, where 
most of the troops were discharged. The Territorial Legislature, 
being in session, adopted resolutions complimentary to Gov. Harri- 
son and the officers and men under him, and made preparations for 
a reception and celebration. 

Capt. Logan, the eloquent Shawanee chief who assisted onr 
forces so materially, died in the latter part of November, lol2, 
from the effects of a wound received in a skirmish with a recon- 
noitering party of hostile Indians accompanied by a white man in 
the British service, Nov. 22. In that skirmish the white man was 
killed, and Winamac, a Pottawatomie chief of some distinction, 
fell by the rifle of Logan. The latter was mortally wounded, when 
he retreated with two warriors of his tribe, Capt. Johnny and 
Bright- Horn, to the camp of Gen. Winchester, where he soon after- 
ward died. He was buried witli the honors of war. 



WAR OF 1812 WITH GREAT BRITAIN. 

The victory recently gained by the Americans at the battle of 
Tippecanoe insured perfect peace for a time, but only a short time 
as the more extensive schemes of the British had so far ripened as 
to compel the United States again to declare war against them. 
Tecumseh had fled to Maiden, Canada, where, counseled by the 
English, he continued to excite the tribes against the Americans. 
As soon as this war with Great Britain was declared (June 18, 
1812), the Indians, as was expected, commenced again to commit 
depredations. During the summer of 1812 several points along 
the Lake Region succumbed to theBritish, as Detroit, under Gen. 
Hull, Fort Dearborn (now Chicago), commanded by Capt. Heald 
under Gen. Hull, the post at Mackinac, etc. 

In the early part of September, 1812, parties of hostile Indians 
began to assemble in considerable numbers in the vicinity of Forts 
"Wayne and Harrison, with a view to 'reducing them. Capt. Rhea, 
at this time, had command of Fort Wajme, but his drinking pro- 
pensities rather disqualified him for emergencies. For two weeks 
the fort was in great jeopardy. An express had been sent to Gen. 
Harrison for reinforcements, but many days passed without any 
tidings of expected assistance. At length, one day, Maj. Win. 
Oliver and four friendly Indians arrived at the fort on horseback. 
One of the Indians was the celebrated Logan. They had come in 
defiance of " 500 Indians," had "broken their ranks" and reached 
the fort in safety. Oliver reported that Harrison was aware of the 
situation and was raising'men for a re-enforcement. Ohio was also 
raising volunteers; 800 were then assembled at St. Mary's, Ohio, 
60 miles south of Fort Wayne, and would march to the relief of 
the fort in three or four days, or as soon as they were joined by re- 
enforcements from Kentucky. 

Oliver prepared a letter, announcing to Gen. Harrison his safe ar- 
rival at the besieged fort, and giving an account of its beleaguered 
situation, which he dispatched by his friendly Shawanees, while he 
concluded to take his chances at the fort. Brave Logan and his 
companions started with the message, but had scarcely left the fort 
when they were discovered and pursued by the hostile Indians, yet 
passing the Indian lines in safety, they were soon out of reach. 
The Indians now began a furious attack upon the fort; but the little 
garrison, with Oliver to cheer them on, bravely met the assault, re- 
pelling the attack day after day, until the army approached to their 
relief. During this siege the commanding officer, whose habits of 



aon 



102 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

intemperance rendered him unfit for the command, was confined in 
the " black hole," while the junior officer assumed charge. This 
course was approved by 4^he General, on his arrival, but Capt. Rhea 
received very little censure, probably on account of his valuable ser- 
vices in the Revolutionary war. 

Sept. 6, 1S12, Harrison moved forward with his army to the re- 
lief of Fort Wayne; the next day he reached a point within three 
miles of St. Mary's river; the next day he reached the river and 
was joined at evening by 200 mounted volunteers, under Col. Rich- 
ard M. Johnson; the next day at "Shane's Crossing" on the St. 
Mary's they were joined by 800 men from Ohio, under Cols. Adams 
and Hawkins. At this place Chief Logan and four other Indians 
offered their services as spies to Gen. Harrison, and were accepted. 
Logan was immediately disguised and sent forward. Passing 
through the lines of the hostile Indians,he ascertained their number 
to be about 1.500, and entering the fort, he encouraged the soldiers 
to hold out, as relief was at hand. Gen. Harrison's force at this 
time was about 3,500. 

After an early breakfast Friday morning they were under march- 
ing orders; it had rained and the guns were damp; they were dis- 
charged and reloaded; but that day only one Indian was encount- 
ered; preparations were made at night for an expected attack by 
the Indians, but no attack came; the next day, Sept. 10, they ex- 
pected to fight their way to Fort Wayne, but in that they were hap- 
pily disappointed; and "At the first grey of the morning," as Bryce 
eloquently observes, "the distant halloos of the disappointed sav- 
ages revealed to the anxious inmates of the fort the glorious news 
of the approach of the army. Great clouds of dust could be seen 
from the fort, rolling up in the distance, as the valiant soldiery 
under Gen. Harrison moved forward to the rescue of the garrison 
and the brave boys of Kentucky and Ohio." 

This siege of Fort Wayne of course* occasioned great loss to the 
few settlers who had gathered around the fort. At the time of its 
commencement quite a little village had clustered around the mili- 
tary works, but during the siege most of their improvements and 
crops were destroyed by the savages. Every building out of the reach, 
of the guns of the fort was leveled to the ground, and thus the in- 
fant settlement was destroyed. 

During this siege the garrison lost but three men, while the 
Indians lost 25. Gen. Harrison had all the Indian villages for 25 
miles around destroyed. Fort Wayne was nothing but a military 
post until about 1S19. 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 103 

Simultaneously with the attack on Fort Wayne the Indians also 
besieged Fort Harrison, which was commanded by Zachary Taylor. 
The Indians commenced firing upon the fort about 11 o'clock one 
night, when the garrison was in a rather poor plight for receiving 
them. The enemy succeeded in firing one of the block-houses, 
which contained whisky, and the whites had great difficulty in pre- 
venting the burning of all the barracks. The word " fire " seemed 
to have thrown all the men into confusion; soldiers' and citizens' 
wives, who had taken shelter within the fort, were crying; Indians 
were yelling; many of the garrison were sick and unable to be on 
duty; the men despaired and gave themselves up as lost; two of 
the strongest and apparently most reliable men jumped the pickets 
in the very midst of the emergency, etc., so that Capt. Taylor was 
at his wit's end what to do; but he gave directions as to the many 
details, rallied the men by a new scheme, and after about seven 
hours succeeded in saving themselves. The Indians drove up the 
horses belonging to the citizens, and as they could not catch th^m 
very readily, shot the whole of them in the sight of their owners, 
and also killed a number of the hogs belonging to the whites. 
They drove off all of the cattle, 65 in number, as well as the public 
oxen. 

Among many other depredations committed by the savages dur- 
ing this period, was the massacre of the Pigeon Roost settlement, 
consisting of one man, five women and 16 children; a few escaped. 
An unsuccessful effort was made to capture these Indians, but 
when the news of this massacre and the attack on Fort Harrison 
reached Vincennes, about 1,200 men, under the command of Col. 
Win. Russell, of the 7th U. S. Infantry, marched forth for the re- 
lief of the fort and to punish the Indians. On reaching the fort 
the Indians had retired from the vicinity; but on the 15th of Sep- 
tember a small detachment composed of 11 men, under Lieut. Rich- 
ardson, and acting as escort of provisions sent from Vincennes to 
Fort Harrison, was attacked by a party of Indians within the pres- 
ent limits of Sullivan county. It was reported that seven of these 
men were killed and one wounded. The provisions of course fell 
into the hands of the Indians. 

EXPEDITIONS AGAINST THE INDIANS. 

By the middle of August, through the disgraceful surrender of 
Gen. Hull, at Detroit, and the evacuation of Fort Dearborn and 
massacre of its garrison, the British and Indians were in possession 
of the whole Northwest. The savages, emboldened by their sue- 



104 HISTORY OF INDIANA.. 

cesses, penetrated deeper into the settlements, committing great 
depredations. The activity and success of the enemy aroused the 
people to a realization of the great danger their homes and families 
were in. Gov. Edwards collected a force of 350 men at Camp 
Russell, and Capt. Russell came from Vincennes with about 50 more. 
Being officered and equipped, they proceeded about the middle of 
October on horseback, carrying with them 20 day's rations, to 
Peoria. Capt. Craig was sent with two boats up the Illinois, with 
provisions and tools to build a fort. The little army proceeded to 
Peoria Lake, where was located a Pottawatomie village. They 
arrived late at night, within a few miles of the village, without 
their presence being known to the Indians. Four men were sent 
out that night to reconnoiter the position of the village. The four 
brave men who volunteered for this perilous service were Thomas 
Carlin (afterward Governor), and Robert, Stephen and Davis White- 
side. They proceeded to the village, and explored it and the ap- 
proaches to it thoroughly, without starting an Indian or provoking 
the bark of a dog. The low lands between the Indian village and 
the troops were covered with a rank growth of tall grass, so high 
and dense as to readily conceal an Indian on horseback, until within 
a few feet of him. The ground had become still more yielding by 
recent rains, rendering it almost impassable by mounted men. To 
prevent detection the soldiers had camped without lighting the 
usual camp-fires. The men lay down in their cold and cheerless 
camp, with many misgivings. They well remembered how the 
skulking savages fell upon Harrison's men at Tippecanoe during 
the night. To add to their fears, a gun in the hands of a soldier 
was carelessly discharged, raising great consternation in the camp. 
Through a dense fog which prevailed the following morning, the 
army took up its line of march for the Indian town, Capt. Judy 
with his corps of spies in advance. In the tall grass they came up 
with an Indian and his squaw, both mounted. The Indian wanted 
to surrender, but Judy observed that he " did not leave home to take 
prisoners," and instantly shot one of them. With the blood 
streaming from his mouth and nose, and in his agony " singing the 
death song," the dying Indian raised his gun, shot and mortally 
wounded a Mr. Wright, and in a few minutes expired! Many guns 
were immediately discbarged at the other Indian, not then known 
to be a squaw, all of which missed her. Badly scared, and her hus- 
band killed by her side, the agonizing wails of the squaw were 
heart-rending. She was taken prisoner, and afterward restored 
to her nation. 



HIST0KY OF INDIANA. 105 

On nearing the town a general charge was made, the Indians 
fleeing to the interior wilderness. Some of their warriors made a 
stand, when a sharp engagement occurred, but the Indians were 
routed. In their flight they left behind all their winter's store of 
provisions, which was taken, and their town burned. Some Indian 
children were found who had been left in the hurried flight, also 
some disabled adults, one of whom was in a starving condition, and 
with a voracious appetite partook of the bread given him. He is 
said to have been killed by a cowardly trooper straggling behind, 
after the main army had resumed its retrograde march, who wanted 
to be able to boast that he had killed an Indian. 

September 19, 1812, Gen. Harrison was put in command of the 
Northwestern army, then estimated at 10,000 men, with these 
orders: "Having provided for the protection of the western front- 
ier, you will retake Detroit; and, with a view to the conquest of 
upper Canada, you will penetrate that country as far as the force 
under your command will in your judgment justify." 

Although surrounded by many difficulties, the General began 
immediately to execute these instructions. In calling for volun- 
teers from Kentucky, however, more men offered than could be 
received. At this time there were about 2,000 mounted volunteers 
at Vincennes, under the command of Gen. Samuel Hopkins, of the 
Revolutionary war, who was under instructions to operate against 
the enemy along the Wabash and Illinois rivers. Accordingly, 
early in October, Gen. Hopkins moved from Vincennes towards the 
Kickapoo villages in the Illinois territory, with about 2,000 troops; 
but after four or five days' march the men and officers raised a 
mutiny which gradually succeeded in carrying all back to Vin- 
cennes. The cause of their discontent is not apparent. 

About the same time Col. Russell, with two small companies of 
U. S. rangers, commanded by Capts. Perry and Modrell, marched 
from the neighborhood of Vincennes to unite with a small force of 
mounted militia under the command of Gov. Edwards, of Illinois, 
and afterward to march with the united troops from Cahokia 
toward Lake Peoria, for the purpose of co operating with Gen. 
Hopkins against the Indian towns in that vicinity; but not find- 
ing the latter on the ground, was compelled to retire. 

Immediately after the discharge of the mutinous volunteers, 
Gen. Hopkins began to organize another force, mainly of infantry, 
to reduce the Indians up the Wabash as far as the Prophet's town. 
These troops consisted of three regiments of Kentucky militia, 



100 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

commanded by Cols. Barbour, Miller and Wilcox; a small company 
of regulars commanded by Capt. Zachary Taylor; a company of 
rangers commanded by Qapt. Beckes; and a company of scouts or 
spies under the command of Capt. Washburn. The main body of 
this army arrived at Fort Harrison Nov. 5; on the 11th it pro- 
ceeded up the east side of the Wabash into the heart of the Indian 
country, but found the villages generally deserted. Winter set- 
ting in severely, and the troops poorly clad, they had to return to 
Vincennes as rapidly as possible. With one exception the men 
behaved nobly, and did much damage to the enemy. That 
exception was the precipitate chase after an Indian by a detach- 
ment of men somewhat in liquor, until they found themselves sur- 
rounded by an overwhelming force of the enemy, and they had to 
retreat in disorder. 

At the close of this campaign Gen. Hopkins resigned his 
command. 

In the fall of 1812 Gen. Harrison assigned to Lieut. Col. John 
B. Campbell, of the 19th U. S. Inf., the duty of destroying the 
Miami villages on the Mississinewa river, with a detachment of 
about 600 men. Nov. 25, Lieut. Col. Campbell marched from 
Franklinton, according to orders, toward the scene of action, cau- 
tiously avoiding falling in with the Delawares, who had been ordered 
by Gen. Harrison to retire to the Shawanee establishment on the 
Auglaize river, and arriving on the Mississinewa Dec. 17, when 
they discovered an Indian town inhabited by Delawares and 
Miamis This and three other villages were destroyed. Soon 
after this, the supplies growing short and the troops in a suffering 
condition, Campbell began to consider the propriety of returning 
to Ohio; but just as he was*calling together his officers early one 
morning to deliberate on the proposition, an army of Indians 
rushed upon them with fury. The engagement lasted an hour, 
with a loss of eight killed and 42 wounded, besides about 150 horses 
killed. The whites, however, succeeded in defending themselves 
and taking a number of Indians prisoners, who proved to be Mun- 
sies, of Silver Heel's band. Campbell, hearing that a large force 
of Indians were assembled at Mississinewa village, under Tecum- 
seh, determined to return to Greenville. The privations of his 
troops and the severity of the cold compelled him to send to that 
place for re-enforcements and supplies. Seventeen of the men had 
to be carried on litters. They were met by the re-enforcement 
about 40 miles from Greenville. 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 107 

Lieut. Col. Campbell sent two messages to the Delawares, who 
lived on White river and who had been previously directed and 
requested to abandon their towns on that river and remove into 
Ohio. In these messages he expressed his regret at unfortunately 
killing some of their men, and urged them to move to the Shaw- 
anee settlement on the Auglaize river. He assured them that their 
people, in his power, would be compensated by the Government 
for their losses, if not found to be hostile; and the friends of those 
killed satisfied by presents, if such satisfaction would be received. 
This advice was heeded by the main body of the Delawares and a 
few Miamis. The Shawanee Prophet, and some of the principal 
chiefs of the Miamis, retired from the country of the Wabash, and, 
with their destitute and suffering bands, moved to Detroit, where 
they were received as the friends and allies of Great Britain. 

On the approach of Gen. Harrison with his army in September, 
1S13, the British evacuated Detroit, and the Ottawas, Chippewas, 
Pottawatomies, Miamis and Kickapoos sued for peace with the 
United States, which was granted temporarily by Brig. Gen. Mc- 
Arthur, on condition of their becoming allies of the United States 
in case of war. 

In June, 1813, an expedition composed of 137 men, under com- 
mand of Col. Joseph Bartholomew, moved from Valonia toward 
the Delaware towns on the west fork of White river, to surprise 
and punish some hostile Indians who were supposed to be lurking 
about those villages. Most of these places they found deserted; 
some of them burnt. They had been but temporarily occupied for 
the purpose of collecting and carrying away corn. Col. Bartholo- 
mew's forces succeeded in killing one or two Indians and destroy- 
ing considerable corn, and they returned to Valonia on the 21st of 
this month. 

July 1, 1813, Col. William Russell, of the 7th U. S., organized 
a force of 573 effective men at Valonia and marched to the Indian 
villages about the mouth of the Mississinewa. His experience was 
much like that of Col. Bartholomew, who had just preceded him. 
He had rainy weather, suffered many losses, found the villages de- 
serted, destroyed stores of corn, etc. The Colonel reported that he 
went to every place where he expected to find the enemy, but they 
nearly always seemed to have fled the country. The march from 
Valonia to the mouth of the Mississinewa and return was about 
250 miles. 

Several smaller expeditions helped to "checker" the surrounding 



108 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

country, and find that the Indians were very careful to keep them- 
selves out of sight, and thus closed this series of campaigns. 

CLOSE OF THE WAS. 

The war with England closed on the 24th of December, 1814, 
when a treaty of peace was signed at Ghent. The 9th article of 
the treaty required the United States to put an end to hostilities 
with all tribes or nations of Indians with whom they had been at 
war; to restore to such tribes or nations respectively all the rights 
and possessions to which they were entitled in 1811, before the 
war, on condition that such Indians should agree to desist from all 
hostilities against the United States. But in February, just before 
the treaty was sanctioned by our Government, there were signs of 
Indians accumulating arms and ammunition, and a cautionary 
order was therefore issued to have all the white forces in readiness 
for an attack by the Indians; but the attack was not made. During 
the ensuing summer and fall the United States Government ac- 
quainted the Indians with the provisions of the treaty, and entered 
into subordinate treaties of peace with the principal tribes. 

Just before the treaty of Spring Wells (near Detroit) was signed, 
the Shawanee Prophet retired to Canada, but declaring his resolu- 
tion to abide by any treaty which the chiefs might sign. Some 
time afterward he returned to the Shawanee settlement in Ohio, and 
lastly to the west of the Mississippi, where he died, in 1S34. The 
British Government allowed him a pension from 1S13 until his 
death. llis brother Tecumseh was killed at the battle of the 
Thames, Oct. 5, 1813, by a Mr. Wheatty, as we are positively in- 
formed by Mr. A. J. James, now a resident of La Harpe township, 
Hancock county, 111., whose father-in-law, John Pigman, of Co- 
shocton county, Ohio, was an eye witness. Gen. Johnson has gener- 
ally had the credit of killing Tecumseh. 




XECUHSEH. 



' 



TECUMSEH. 

If one should inquire who has been the greatest Indian, the most 
noted, the "principal Indian " in North America since its discov- 
ery by Columbus, we would be obliged to answer, Tecumseh. For 
all those qualities which elevate a man far above his race; for talent, 
tact, skill and bravery as a warrior; for high-minded, honorable and 
chivalrous bearing as a man; in a word, for all those elements of 
greatness which place him a long way above his fellows in savage 
life, the name and fame of Tecnmseh will go down to posterity in 
the West as one of the most celebrated of the aborigines of this 
continent, — as one who had no equal among the tribes that dwelt 
in the country drained by the Mississippi. Born to command him- 
self, he used all the appliances that would stimulate the courage 
and nerve the valor of his followers. Always in the front rank of 
battle, his followers blindly followed his lead, and as his war-cry 
rang clear above the din and noise of the battle-field, the Shawnee 
warriors, as they rushed on to victory or the grave, rallied around 
him, foemen worthy of the steel of the most gallant commander 
that ever entered the lists in defense of his altar or his home. 

The tribe to winch Tecumseh, or Tecumtha, as some write it, be- 
longed, was the Shawnee, or Shawanee. The tradition of the nation 
held that they originally came from the Gulf of Mexico; that they 
wended their way up the Mississippi and the Ohio, and settled at 
or near the present site of Shawneetown, 111., whence they removed 
to the upper Wabash. In the latter place, at any rate, they were 
found early in the 18th century, and were known as the "bravest 
of the brave." This tribe has uniformly been the bitter enemy of 
the white man, and in every contest with our people has exhibited 
a degree of skill and strategy that should characterize the most 
dangerous foe. 

Tecumseh's notoriety and that of his brother, the Prophet, mutu- 
ally served to establish and strengthen each other. While the 
Prophet had unlimited power, spiritual and temporal, he distributed 
his greatness in all the departments of Indian life with a kind of 
fanaticism that- magnetically aroused the religious and superstitious 

passions, not only of his own followers, but also of all the tribes in 

(ill) 



112 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

this part of the country; but Tecuraseh concentrated his greatness 
upon tbe more practical and business affairs of military conquest. 
It is doubted whether ht^was really a sincere believer in the preten- 
sions of his fanatic brother; if he did not believe in the pretentious 
feature of them he had the shrewdness to keep his unbelief to him- 
self, knowing that religious fanaticism was ODe of the strongest im- 
pulses to reckless bravery. 

During his sojourn in the North western Territory, it was Tecum- 
seh's uppermost desire of life to confederate all the Indian tribes of 
the country together against the whites, to maintain their choice 
hunting-grounds. All his public policy converged toward this sin- 
gle end. In his vast scheme he comprised even all the Indians in 
the Gulf country, — all in America west of the Alleghany moun- 
tains. He held, as a subordinate principle, that the Great Spirit 
had given the Indian race all these hunting-grounds to keep in 
common, and that no Indian or tribe could cede any portion of the 
land to the whites without the consent of all the tribes. Hence, in 
all his councils with the whites he ever maintained that the treaties 
were null and void. 

When he met Harrison at Vincennes in council the last time, 
and, as he was invited by that General to take a seat with him on 
the platform, he hesitated; Harrison insisted, saying that it was the 
"wish of their Great Father, the President of the United States, 
that he should do so." The chief paused a moment, raised his tall 
and commanding form to its greatest height, surveyed the troops 
and crowd around him, fixed his keen e} r es upon Gov. Harrison, 
and then turning them to the sky above, and pointing toward 
heaven with his sinewy arm in a manner indicative of supreme 
contempt for the paternity assigned him, said in clarion tones: " My 
father? The sun is my father, the earth is my mother, and on her 
bosom I will recline." He then stretched himself, with his war- 
riors, on the green sward. The effect was electrical, and for some 
moments there was perfect silence. 

The Governor, then, through an interpreter, told him that he un- 
derstood he had some complaints to make and redress to ask, etc., 
and that he wished to investigate the matter and make restitution 
wherever it might be decided it should be done. As soon as the 
Governor was through with this introductory speech, the stately 
warrior arose, tall, athletic, manly, dignified and graceful, and with 
a voice at first low, but distinct and musical, commenced a reply. 
As he warmed up with his subject his clear tones might be heard, 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 113 

as if " trumpet-tongued," to the utmost limits of the assembly. 
The most perfect silence prevailed, except when his warriors gave 
their guttural assent to some eloquent recital of the red man's 
wrong and the white man's injustice. Tecumseh recited the wrongs 
which his race had suffered from che time of the massacre of the 
Moravian Indians to the present; said he did not know how he 
could ever again be the friend of the white man; that the Great 
Spirit had given to the Indian all the land from the Miami to the 
Mississippi, and from the lakes to the Ohio, as a common property 
to all the tribes in these borders, and that the land could not and 
should not be sold without the consent of all; that all the tribes on 
the continent formed but one nation; that if the United States 
would not give up the lands they had bought of the Miamis and 
the other tribes, those united with him were determined to annihi- 
late those tribes; that they were determined to have no more chiefs, 
but in future to be governed by their warriors; that unless the 
whites ceased their encroachments upon Indian lands, the fate of 
the Indians was sealed; they had been driven from the banks of 
the Delaware across the Alleghanies, and their possessions on the 
Wabash and the Illinois were now to be taken from them; that in 
a few years they would not have ground enough to bury their war- 
riors on this side of the "Father of Waters;" that all would perish, 
all their possessions taken from them by fraud or force, unless they 
stopped the progress of the white man westward; that it must be 
a war of races in which one or the other must perish; that their 
xribes had been driven toward the setting sun like a galloping 
horse (ne-kat a-kusk-e ka-top-o-lin-to). 

The Shawnee language, in which this most eminent Indian states- 
man spoke, excelled all other aboriginal tongues in its musical ar- 
ticulation; and the effect of Tecumseh's oratory on this occasion 
can be more easily imagined than described. Gov. Harrison, 
although as brave a soldier and General as any American, was over- 
come by this speech. He well knew Tecumseh's power and influ- 
ence among all the tribes, knew his bravery, courage and determi- 
nation, and knew that he meant what he said. When Tecumseh 
was done speaking there was a stillness throughout the assembly 
which was really painful ; not a whisper was heard, and all eyes were 
turned from the speaker toward Gov. Harrison, who after a few 
moments came to himself, and recollecting many of the absurd 
statements of the great Indian orator, began a reply which was 
more logical, if not so eloquent. The Shawnees were attentive un- 



Hi HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

til Harrison's interpreter began to translate his speech to the Mia- 
mis and Pottawatomies, when Tecumseh and his warriors sprang 
to their feet, brandishing^ their war-clubs and tomahawks. "Tell 
him," said Tecumseh, addressing the interpreter in Shawnee, " he 
lies." The interpreter undertook to convey this message to the 
Governor in smoother language, but Tecumseh noticed the effort 
and remonstrated, " No, no; tell him belies." The warriors began 
to grow more excited, when Secretary Gibson ordered the Ameri- 
can troops in arms to advance. This allayed the rising storm, and 
as soon as Tecumseh's " He lies " was literally interpreted to the 
Governor, the latter told Tecumseh through the interpreter to tell 
Tecumseh he would hold no further council with him. 

Thus the assembly was broken up, and one can hardly imagine a 
more exciting scene. It would constitute the finest subject for a 
historical painting to adorn the rotunda of the capitol. The next 
day Tecumseh requested another interview with the Governor, 
which was granted on condition that he should make an apology to 
the Governor for his language the day before. This be made 
through the interpreter. Measures for defense and protection were 
taken, however, lest there should be another outbreak. Two com- 
panies of militia were ordered from the country, and the one in 
town added to them, while the Governor and his friends went into 
council fully armed and prepared for any contingency. On this oc- 
casion the conduct of Tecumseh was entirely different from that of 
the day before. Firm and intrepid, showing not the slightest fear 
or alarm, surrounded with a military force four times his own, he 
preserved the utmost composure and equanimity. No one would 
have supposed that he could have been the principal actor in the 
thrilling scene of the previous day. He claimed that half the 
Americans were in sympathy with him. He also said that whites 
had informed him that Gov. Harrison had purchased land from the 
Indians without any authority from the Government; that he, 
Harrison, had but two years more to remain in office, and that if 
he, Tecumseh, could prevail upon the Indians who sold the lands 
not to receive their annuities for that time, and the present Gover- 
nor displaced by a good man as his successor, the latter would re- 
store to the Indians all the lands purchased from them. 

The Wyandots, Kickapoos, Pottawatomies, Ottawas and the "Wm- 
nebagoes, through their respective spokesmen, declared their 
adherence to the great Shawnee warrior and statesman. Gov. Harri- 
son then told them that he would send Tecumseh's speech to thePresi- 



IIISTOETOF INDIANA. 115 

dent of the United States and return the answer to the Indians as soon 
as it was received. Tecnmseh then declared that he and his allies were 
determined that the old boundary line should continue; and that 
if the whites crossed it, it would be at their peril. Gov. Harrison re- 
plied that he would be equally plain with him and state that the 
President would never allow that the lands on the Wabash were the 
property of any other tribes than those who had occupied them 
since the white people first came to America; and as the title to 
the lands lately purchased was derived from those tribes by a fair 
purchase, he might rest assured that the right of the United States 
would be supported by the sword. " So be it," was the stern and 
haughty reply of the Shawnee chieftan, as he and his braves took 
leave of the Governor and wended their way in Indian file to their 
camping ground. 

Thus ended the last conference on earth between the chivalrous 
Tecumseh and the hero of the battle of Tippecanoe. The bones of 
the first lie bleaching on the battle-field of the Thames, and those 
of the last in a mausoleum on the banks of the Ohio; each strug- 
gled for the mastery of his race, apd each no doubt was equally 
honest and patriotic in his purposes. The weak yielded to the 
strong, the defenseless to the powerful, and the hunting-ground of 
the Shawnee is all occupied by his enemy. 

Tecumseh, with four of his braves, immediately embarked in a 
birch canoe, descended the Wabash, and went on to the South to 
unite the tribes of that country in a general system of self-defense 
against the encroachment of the whites. His emblem was a dis- 
jointed snake, with the motto, "Join or die!" In union alone was 
strength. 

Before Tecumseh left the Prophet's town at the mouth of the 
Tippecanoe river, on his excursion to the South, he had a definite 
understanding with his brother and the chieftains of the other tribes 
in the Wabash country, that they should preserve perfect peace 
with the whites until his arrangements were completed for a con- 
federacy of the tribes on both sides of the Ohio and on the Missis- 
sippi river; but it seems that while he was in the South engaged 
in his work of uniting the tribes of that country some of the North- 
ern tribes showed signs of fight and precipitated Harrison into that 
campaign which ended in the battle of Tippecanoe and the total 
route of the Indians. Tecumseh, on his return from the South, 
learning what had happened, was overcome with chagrin, disappoint- 
ment and anger, and accused his brother of duplicity and coward- 



116 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

ice; indeed, it is said that he never forgave him to the day of his 
death. A short time afterward, on the breaking out of the war of 
Great Britain, he joineti Proctor, at Maiden, with a party of his 
warriors, and finally suffered the fate mentioned on page 108. 

CIVIL MATTERS lS12-'5. 

Owing to the absence of Gov. Harrison on military duty, John 
Gibson, the Secretary of the Territory, acted in the administration 
of civil affairs. In his message to the Legislature convening on the 
1st of February, 1813, he said, substantially: 

"Did I possess the abilities of Cicero or Demosthenes, I could 
not portray in more glowing colors our foreign and domestic politi- 
cal situation than it is already experienced within our own breasts. 
The United States have been compelled, by frequent acts of injus- 
tice, to declare war against England. For a detail of the causes of 
this war I would refer to the message of President Madison; it 
does honor to his head and heart. Although not au admirer of 
war, I am glad to see our little but inimitable navy riding triumph- 
ant on the seas, but chagrined to find that our armies by land are 
so little successful. The spirit of '76 appears to have fled from our 
continent, or, if not fled, is at least asleep, for it appears not to 
pervade our armies generally. At your last assemblage our politi- 
cal horizon seemed clear, and our infant Territory bid fair for rapid 
and rising grandeur; but, alas, the scene has changed; and whether 
this change, as respects our Territory, has been owing to an over 
anxiety in us to extend our dominions, or to a wish for retaliation 
by our foes, or to a foreign influence, I shall not say. The Indians, 
our former neighbors and friends, have become our most inveterate 
foes. Our former frontiers are now our wilds, and our inner settle- 
ments have become frontiers. Some of our best citizens, and old 
men worn down with age, and helpless women and innocent 
babes, have fallen victims to savage cruelty. I have done my duty 
as well as I can, and hope that the interposition of Providence will 
protect us." 

The many complaints made about the Territorial Government 
Mr. Gibson said, were caused more by default of officers than of the 
law. Said he: "It is an old and, I believe, correct adage, that 
* good officers make good soldiers.' This evil having taken root, I do 
not know how it can be eradicated; but it may be remedied. In 
place of men searching after and accepting commissions before they 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 117 

are even tolerably qualified, thereby subjecting themselves to ridi- 
cule and their country to ruin, barely for the name of the thing, I 
think may be remedied by a previous examination." 

During this session of the Legislature the seat of the Territorial 
Government was declared to be at Corydon, and immediately acting 
Governor Gibson prorogued the Legislature to meet at that place, 
the first Monday of December, 1813. During this 3 r ear the Terri- 
tory was almost defenseless; Indian outrages were of common 
occurrence, but no general outbreak was made. The militia-men 
were armed with rifles and long knives, and many of the rangers 
carried tomahawks. 

In 1813 Thomas Posey, who was at that time a Senator in Con- 
gress from Tennessee, and who had been officer of the army of the 
Revolution, was appointed Governor of Indiana Territory, to suc- 
ceed Gen. Harrison. He arrived in Vincennes and entered upon 
the discharge of his duties May 25, 1813. During this year several 
expeditions against the Indian settlements were set on foot. 

In his first message to the Legislature the following December, 
at Corydon, Gov. Posey said: "The present crisis is awful, and big 
with great events. Our land and nation is involved in the common 
calamity of war; but we are under the protecting care of the benefi- 
cent Being, who has on a former occasion brought us safely through 
an arduous struggle and placed us on a foundation of independence, 
freedom and happiness. He will not suffer to be taken from us 
what He, in His great wisdom has thought proper to confer and 
bless us with, if we make a wise and virtuous use of His good 
gifts. * * * Although our affairs, at the commencement of 
the war, wore a gloomy aspect, they have brightened, and promise 
a certainty of success, if properly directed and conducted, of which 
I have no doubt, as the President and heads of departments of the 
general Government are men of undoubted patriotism, talents and 
experience, and who have grown old in the service of their country. 
* * * It must be obvious to every thinking man that we were 
forced into the war. Every measure consistent with honor, both 
before and since the declaration of war, has tried to be on amicable 
terms with our enemy, * * * You who reside in various parts 
of the Territory have it in your power to understand what will tend 
to its local and general advantage. The judiciary system would 
require a revisal and amendment. The militia law is very defective 
and requires your immediate attention. It is necessary to have 



IIS HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

good roads and highways in as many directions through the Terri- 
tory as the circumstances and situation of the inhabitants will 
admit; it would contribute very much to promote the settlement 
and improvement of the Territory. Attention to education is highly 
necessary. There is an appropriation made by Congress, in lands, 
for the purpose of establishing public schools. It conies now with- 
in your province to carry into operation the design of the appro- 
priation." 

This Legislature passed several very necessary laws for the wel- 
fare of the settlements, and the following year, as Gen. Harrison 
was generally successful in his military campaigns in the North- 
west, the settlements in Indiana began to increase and improve. 
The fear of danger from Indians had in a great measure subsided, 
and the tide of immigration began again to flow. In January, 
1814, about a thousand Miamis assembled at Fort Wayne for the 
purpose of obtaining food to prevent starvation. They met with 
ample hospitality, and their example was speedily followed by 
others. These, with other acts of kindness, won the lasting friend- 
ship of the Indians, many of whom had fought in the interests of 
Great Britain. General treaties between the United States and the 
Northwestern tribes were subsequently concluded, and the way 
was fully opened for the improvement and settlement of the lands. 

population in 1815. 

The population of the Territory of Indiana, as given in the 
official returns to the Legislature of 1815, was as follows, by 
counties: 

COUNTIES. White males of 21 and over. TOTAL." 

Wayne 1,225 6,407 

Franklin 1,430 7.370 

Dearborn 902 4,424 

Switzerland 377 1,833 

Jefferson-" 874 .. 4,270 

Clark 1,387 7,150 

Washington 1,420 7,317 

Harrison 1,056 6,975 

Knox 1,391 , ■ 8 

Gibson 1.100 5.3 o 

Posey 320 1,619 

Warrick 280 1.415 

Perry 350 1.720 

Grand Totals 12,112 63.897 

GENERAL VIEW. 

The well-known ordinance of 1 1ST conferred many " rights and 
privileges " upon the inhabitants of the Northwestern Territory, and 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 119 

consequently upon the people of Indiana Territory, but after all it 
came far short of conferring as many privileges as are enjoyed at 
the present day by our Territories. They did not have a full form 
of Republican government. A freehold estate in 500 acres of land 
was one of the necessary qualifications of each member of the legis- 
lative council of the Territory ; every member of the Territorial House 
of Representatives was required to hold, in his own right, 200 acres 
of land; and the privilege of voting for members of the House 
of Representatives was restricted to those inhabitants who, in addi- 
tion to other qualifications, owned severally at least 50 acres of 
land. The Governor of the the Territory was invested with the 
power of appointing officers of the Territorial militia, Judges of the 
inferior Courts, Clerks of the Courts, Justices of the Peace, Sheriffs, 
Coroners, County Treasurers and County Surveyors. He was also 
authorized to divide the Territory into districts; to apportion 
among the several counties the members of the House of Represent- 
atives; to prevent the passage of any Territorial law; and to con- 
vene and dissolve the General Assemblv whenever he thought best. 
None of the Governors, however, ever exercised these extraordinary 
powers arbitrarily. Nevertheless, the people were constantly agi- 
tating the question of extending the right of suffrage. Five years 
after the organization of the Territory, the Legislative Council, in 
reply to the Governor's Message, said: ''Although we are not as 
completely independent in our legislative capacity as we would 
wish to be, yet we are sensible that we must wait with patience for 
that period of time when our population will burst the trammels 
of a Territorial government, and we shall assume the character more 
consonant to Republicanism. * * * The confidence which our 
fellow citizens have uniformly had in your administration has been 
such that they have hitherto had no reason to be jealous of the un- 
limited power which you possess over our legislative proceedings. 
"We, however, cannot help regretting that such powers have 
been lodged in the hands of any one, especially when it is recol- 
lected to what dangerous lengths the exercise of those powers may 
be extended." 

After repeated petitions the people of Indiana were empowered 
by Congress to elect the members of the Legislative Council by popu- 
lar vote. This act was passed in 1S09, and defined what was known 
as the property qualification of voters. These qualifications were 
abolished by Congress in 1811, which extended the right of voting 
for members of the General Assembly and for a Territorial delegate 



120 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

to Congress to every free white male person who had attained the 
age of twenty -one years, and who, having paid a county or Terri- 
torial tax, was a resident of the Territory and had resided in it for 
a year. In 1S11 the voting qualification in Indiana was defined by 
Congress, " to every free white male person having a freehold in 
the Territory, and being a resident of the same." The House of 
Representatives was authorized by Congress to lay off the Territory 
into five districts, in each of which the qualified voters were em- 
powered to electa member of the Legislative Council. The division 
was made, one to two counties in each district. 

At the session in August, 1814, the Territory was also divided 
into three judicial circuits, and provisions were made for holding 
courts in the same. The Governor was empowered to appoint a 
presiding Judge in each circuit, and two Associate Judges of the 
circuit court in each county. Their compensation was fixed at 
$700 per annum. 

The same year the General Assembly granted charters to two 
banking institutions, the Farmers' and Mechanics' Bank of Madi- 
son and the Bank of Vincennes. The first was authorized to raise 
a capital of $750,000, and the other $500,000. On the organization 
of the State these banks were merged into the State Bank and its 
branches. 

Here we close the history of the Territory of Indiana. 




ORGANIZATION OF THE STATE. 

The last regular session of the Territorial Legislature was held at 
Corydon, convening in December, 1815. The message of Governor 
Posey congratulated the people of the Territory upon the general 
success of the settlements and the great increase of immigration, 
recommended light taxes and a careful attention to the promotion 
of education and the improvement of the State roads and highways. 
He also recommended a revision of the territorial laws and an 
amendment of the militia system. Several laws were passed pre- 
paratory to a State Government, and December 14, IS 15, a me- 
morial to Congress was adopted praying for the authority to adopt 
a constitution and State Government. Mr. Jennings,the Territorial 
delegate, laid this memorial before Congress on the 28th, and April 
19, 1816, the President approved the bill creating the State of In- 
diana. Accordingly, May 30 following, a general election was held 
for a constitutional convention, which met at Corydon June 10 to 
29, Jonathan Jennings presiding and Wm. Hendricks acting as 
Secretary. 

"The convention that formed the first constitution of the State 
of Indiana was composed mainly of clear-minded, unpretending 
men of common sense, whose patriotism was unquestionable and 
whose morals were fair. Their familiarity with the theories of the 
Declaration of American Independence, their Territorial experience 
under the provisions of the ordinance of 17S7, and their knowledge of 
the principles of the constitution of the United States were sufficient, 
when combined, to lighten materially their labors in the great work 
of forming a constitution for a new State. With such landmarks 
in view, the labors of similar conventions in other States and Ter- 
ritories have been rendered comparatively light. In the clearness 
and conciseness of its style, in the comprehensive and just pro- 
visions which it made for the maintainance of civil and religious 
liberty, in its mandates, which were designed to protect the rights 
of the people collectively and individually, and to provide for the 
public welfare, the constitution that was formed for Indiana in 1816 
was not inferior to any of the State constitutions which were in ex- 
istence at that time." — Dillon' 's History of Indiana. 

(121) 



122 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

The first State election took place on the first ^Monday of August, 
1816, and Jonathan Jennings was elected Governor, and Christo- 
pher Harrison, LienY Governor. Wm. Hendricks was elected to 
represent the new State in the House of Representatives of the 
United States. 

The first General Assembly elected under the new constitution 
began its session at Corydon, Nov. 4, 1816. John Paul was called 
to the chair of the Senate pro tern., and Isaac Blackford was elected 
Speaker of the House of Representatives. 

Among other things in the new Governor's message were the 
following remarks: "The result of your deliberation will be con- 
sidered as indicative of its future character as well as of the future 
happiness and prosperity of its citizens. In the commencement 
of the State government the shackles of the colonial should be for- 
gotten in our exertions to prove, by happy experience, that a uni- 
form adherence to the first principles of our Government and a 
virtuous exercise of its powers will best secure efficiency to its 
measures and stability to its character. Without a frequent recur- 
rence to those principles, the administration of the Government 
will imperceptibly become more and more arduous, until the sim- 
plicity of our Republican institutions may eventually be lost in 
dangerous expedients and political design. Under every free gov- 
ernment the happiness of the citizens must be identified with their 
morals; and while a constitutional exercise of their rights shall 
continue to have its due weight in discharge of the duties required 
of the constituted authorities of the State, too much attention can- 
not be bestowed to the encouragement and promotion of every 
moral virtue, and to the enactment of laws calculated to restrain 
the vicious, and prescribe punishment for every crime commensu- 
rate with its enormity. In measuring, however, to each crime its 
adequate punishment, it will be well to recollect that the certainty 
of punishment has generally the surest effect to prevent crime; 
while punishments unnecessarily severe too often produce the ac- 
quittal of the guilty and disappoint one of the greatest objects of 
legislation and good government * * * The dissemination of 
'useful knowledge will be indispensably necessary as a support to 
morals aud as a restraint to vice; and on this subject it will only 
be necessary to direct your attention to the plau of education as 
prescribed by the constitution. * * * I recommend to your 
consideration the propriety of providing by law, to prevent more 
effectually any unlawful attempts to seize and carry into bondage 




OPENING AN INDIANA FOKEST. 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 125 

persons of color legally entitled to their freedom; and at the same 
time, as far as practicable, to prevent those who rightfully owe ser- 
vice to the citizens of any other State or Territory from seeking 
within the limits of this State a refuge from the possession of their 
lawful owners. Such a measure will tend to secure those who are 
free from any unlawful attempts (to enslave them) and secures the 
rights of the citizens of the other States and Territories as far as 
ought reasonably to be expected." 

This session of the Legislature elected James Noble and Waller 
Taylor to the Senate of the United States; Kobert A. New was 
elected Secretary of State; W. H. Lilley, Auditor of State; and 
Daniel C. Lane, Treasurer of State. The session adjourned Janu- 
ary 3, 1817. 

As the history of the State of Indiana from this time forward is 
best given by topics, we will proceed to give them in the chronolog- 
ical order of their origin. 

The happy close of the war with Great Britain in 1814 was fol- 
lowed by a great rush of immigrants to the great Territory of the 
Northwest, including the new States, all now recently cleared of 
the enemy; and by 1820 the State of Indiana had more than 
doubled her population, having at this time 147,178, and by 1S25 
nearly doubled this again, that is to say, a round quarter of a mil- 
lion, — a growth more rapid probably than that of any other section 
in this country since the days of Columbus. 

The period 1325-'30 was a prosperous time for the young State. 
Immigration continued to be rapid, the crops were generally good 
and the hopes of the people raised higher than they had ever been 
before. Accompanying this immigration, however, were paupers 
and indolent people, who threatened to be so numerous as to 
become a serious burden. On this subject Governor Ray called for 
legislative action, but the Legislature scarcely knew what to do 
and they deferred action. 



BLACK HAWK WAR. 

la 1830 there still lingered within the bounds of the State two 
tribes of Indians, whose growing indolence, intemperate habits, 
dependence upon their neighbors for the bread of life, diminished 
prospects of living by the chase, continued perpetration of murders 
and other outrages of dangerous precedent, primitive igno- 
rance and unrestrained exhibitions of savage customs before the 
children of the settlers, combined to make them subjects for a more 
rigid government. The removal of the Indians west of the Missis- 
sippi was a melancholy but necessary duty. The time having 
arrived for the emigration of the Pottawatomies, according to the 
stipulations contained in their treaty with the United States, they 
evinced that reluctance common among aboriginal tribes on leav- 
ing the homes of their childhood and the graves of their ancestors. 
Love of country is a principle planted in the bosoms of all man- 
kind. The Laplander and the Esquimaux of the frozen north, 
who feed on seals, moose and the meat of the polar bear, would not 
exchange their country for the sunny clime of "Araby the blest." 
Color and shades of complexion have nothing to do with the 
heart's best, warmest emotions. Then we should not wonder that the 
Pottawatomie, on leaving his home on the Wabash, felt as sad as 
JEschines did when ostracised from his native land, laved by the 
waters of the classic Scamander; and the noble and eloquent Xas- 
waw-kay, on leaving tbe encampment on Crooked creek, felt his 
banishment as keenly as Cicero when thrust from the bosom of his 
beloved Pome, for which he had spent the best efforts of his life, 
and for which he died. 

On Sunday morning, May 18, 1832, the people on the west side 

of the Wabash were thrown into a state of great consternation, on 

account of a report that a large body of hostile Indians had 

approached within 15 miles of Lafayette and killed two men. The 

alarm soon spread throughout Tippecanoe, Warren, Vermillion, 

Fountain, Montgomery, and adjoining counties. Several brave 

commandants of companies on the west side of the Wabash in 

Tippecanoe county, raised troops to go and meet the enemy, and 

dispatched an express to Gen. Walker with a request that he should 

(186) 



IIISTOKY OF INDIANA. 127 

make a call upon the militia of the county to equip themselves 
instantly and march to the aid of their bleeding countrymen. 
Thereupon Gen. Walker, Col. Davis, Lieut-Col. Jenners, Capt. 
Brown, of the artillery, and various other gallant spirits mounted 
their war steeds and proceeded to the army, and thence upon a 
scout to the Grand Prairie to discover, if possible, the number, 
intention and situation of the Indians. Over 300 old men, women 
and children nocked precipitately to Lafayette and the surrounding 
country east of the Wabash. A remarkable event occurred in this 
stampede, as follows: 

A man, wife and seven children resided on the edge of the 
Grand Prairie, west of Lafayette, in a locality considered particu- 
larly dangerous. On hearing of this alarm he made hurried 
preparations to fly with his family to Lafayette for safety. Imag- 
ine his surprise and chagrin when his wife told him she would not 
go one step; that she did not believe in being scared at trifles, and 
in her opinion there was not an Indian within 100 miles of them. 
Importunity proved unavailing, and the disconsolate and frightened 
husband and father took all the children except the youngest, bade 
his wife and babe a long and solemn farewell, never expecting to 
see them again, unless perhaps he might find their mangled re- 
mains, minus their scalps. On arriving at Lafayette, his acquaint- 
ances rallied and berated him for abandoning his wife and child in 
that way, but he met their jibes with a stoical indifference, avowing 
that he should not be held responsible for their obstinacy. 

As the shades of the first evening drew on, the wife felt lonely; 
and the chirping of the frogs and the notes of the whippoorwill only 
intensified her loneliness, until she half wished she had accom- 
panied the rest of the family in their flight. She remained in the 
house a .ew hours without striking a light, and then concluded 
that " discretion was the better part of valor," took her babe and 
some bed-clothes, fastened the cabin door, and hastened to a sink- 
hole in the woods, in which she afterward said that she and her 
babe slept soundly until sunrise next morning. 

Lafayette literally boiled over with people and patriotism. A 
meeting was held at the court-house, speeches were made by 
patriotic individuals, and to allay the fears of the women an armed 
police was immediately ordered, to be called the " Lafaj - ette Guards." 
Thos. T. Benbridge was elected Captain, and John Cox, Lieutenant. 
Capt. Benbridge yielded the active drill of his guards to the 
Lieutenant, who had served two years in the war of 1812. After 



128 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

the meeting adjourned, the guards were paraded on the green 
where Purdue's block now stands, and put through sundry evolu- 
tions by Lieut. Cox, who proved to be an expert drill officer, and 
whose clear, shrill voice runs' out on the nisrht air as he marched 
and counter-marched the troops from where the paper-mill stands 
to Main street ferry, and over the suburbs, generally. Every old 
gun and sword that could be found was brought into requisition, 
with a new shine on them. 

Gen. Walker, Colonels Davis and Jenners, and other officers 
joined in a call of the people of Tippecanoe county for volunteers to 
march to the frontier settlements. A large meeting of the citizens 
assembled in the public square in the town, and over 300 volunteers 
mostly mounted men, left for the scene of action, with an alacrity 
that would have done credit to veterans. 

The first night they camped nine miles west of Lafayette, near 
Grand Prairie. They placed sentinels for the night and retired to 
rest. A few of the subaltern officers very injudiciously concluded 
to try what effect a false alarm would have upon the sleeping sol- 
diers, and a few of them withdrew to a neighboring thicket, and 
thence made a charge upon the picket guards, who, after hailing 
them and receiving no countersign, fired off their guns and ran for 
the Colonel's marquee in the center of the encampment. The aroused 
Colonels and staff sprang to their feet, shouting "To arms! to arms!" 
and the obedient, though panic-stricken soldiers seized their guns 
and demanded to be led against the invading foe. A wild scene of 
disorder ensued, and amid the din of arms and loud commands of 
the officers the raw militia felt that they had already got into the 
red jaws of battle. One of the alarm sentinels, in running to the 
center of the encampment, leaped over a blazing camp fire, and 
alighted full upon the breast and stomach of a sleeping lawyer, who 
was, no doubt, at that moment dreaming of vested and contingent 
remainders, rich clients and good fees, which in legal parlance was 
suddenly estopped by the hob-nails in the stogas of the scared 
sentinel. As soon as the counselor's vitality and consciousness 
sufficiently returned, ho put in some strong demurrers to the con- 
duct of the affrighted picket men, averring that he would greatly 
prefer being wounded by the enemy to being run over by a cowardly 
booby. Next morning the organizers of the ruse were severely 
reprimanded. 

May 28, 1S32, Governor Noble ordered General Walker to call 
out his whole command, if necessary, and supply arms, horses and 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 129 

provisions, even though it be necessary to seize them. The next 
day four baggage wagons, loaded with camp equipments, stores, 
provisions and other articles, were seat to the little army, who were 
thus provided for a campaign of five or six weeks. The following 
Thursday a squad of cavalry, under Colonel Sigler, passed through 
Lafayette on the way to the hostile region ; and on the 13th of June 
Colonel Russell, commandant of the 40th Regiment, Indiana Militia, 
passed through Lafayette with 340 mounted volunteers from the 
counties of Marion, Hendricks and Johnson. Also, several com- 
panies of volunteers from Montgomery, Fountain and Warren 
counties, hastened to the relief of the frontier settlers. The troops 
from Lafayette marched to Sugar creek, and after a short time, 
there being no probability of finding any of the enemy, were 
ordered to return, They all did so except about 45 horsemen, who 
volunteered to cross Hickory creek, where the Indians had com- 
mitted their depredations. They organized a company by electing 
Samuel McGeorge, a soldier of the war of 1812, Captain, and Amos 
Allen and Andrew W. Ingraham, Lieutenants. 

Crossing Hickory creek, they marched as far as O'Plein river 
without meeting with opposition. Finding no enemy here they 
concluded to return. On the first night of their march home they 
encamped on the open prairie, posting sentinels, as usual. About 
ten o'clock it began to rain, and it was with difficulty that the sen- 
tinels kept their guns dry. Capt. I. H. Cox and a man named Fox 
had been posted as sentinels within 15 or 20 paces of each other. 
Cox drew the skirt of his overcoat over his gun-lock to keep it dry; 
Fox, perceiving this motion, and in the darkness taking him for an 
Indian, fired npon him and fractured his thigh-bone. Several sol- 
diers immediately ran toward the place where the flash of the gun 
had been seen; but when they cocked and leveled their guns on the 
figure which had fired at Cox, the wounded man caused them to 
desist by crying, " Don't shoot him, it was a sentinel who shot me." 
The next day the wounded man was left behind the company in 
care of four men, who, as soon as possible, removed him on a litter 
to Col. Moore's company of Illinois militia, then enoamped on the 
O'Plein, where Joliet now stands. 

Although the main body returned to Lafayette in eight or nine 
days, yet the alarm among the people was so great that they could 
not be induced to return to their farms for some time. The pres- 
ence of the hostiles was hourly expected by the frontier settlements 
of Indiana, from Vinceunes to La Porte. In Clinton county the 



130 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

inhabitants gathered within the forts and prepared for a regular 
siege, while our neighbors at Crawfordsville were suddenly 
astounded by the arrival of a courier at full speed with the announce- 
ment that the Indians, more than a thousand in number, were then 
crossing the Nine-Mile prairie about twelve miles north of town, 
killing and scalping all. The strongest houses were immediately 
put in a condition of defense, and sentinels were placed at the prin- 
cipal points in the direction of the enemy. Scouts were sent out to 
reconnoitre, and messengers were dispatched in different directions 
to announce the danger to the farmers, and to urge them to hasten 
with their families into town, and to assist in fighting the moment- 
aril)' expected savages. At night-fall the scouts brought in the 
news that the Indians had not crossed the Wabash, but were hourly 
expected at Lafayette. The citizens of Warren, Fountain and Ver- 
million counties were alike terrified bv exaggerated stories of Indian 
massacres, and immediately prepared for defense. It turned out 
that the Indians were not within 100 miles of these temporary 
forts; but this by no means proved a want of courage in the citizens. 

After some time had elapsed, a portion of the troops were 
marched back into Tippecanoe county and honorably discharged; 
but the settlers were still loth for a long time to return to their 
farms. Assured by published reports that the Miamis and Potta- 
watomies did not intend to join the hostiles, the people by degrees 
recovered from the panic and*began to attend to their neglected 
crops. 

During this time there was actual war in Illinois. Black Hawk 
and his warriors, well nigh surrounded by a well-disciplined foe, 
attempted to cross to the west bank of the Mississippi, but after 
being chased up into Wisconsin and to the Mississippi again, he 
was in a final battle taken captive. A few years after his liberation, 
about 1837 or 1838, he died, on the banks of the Des Moines river, 
in Iowa, in what is now the county of Davis, where his remains 
were deposited above ground, in the usual Indian style. His re- 
mains were afterward stolen and carried away, but they were re- 
covered by the Governor of Iowa and placed in the museum of the 
Historical Society at Burlington, where they were finally destroyed 
by fire. 



LAST EXODUS OF THE INDIANS. 

In July, 1S37, Col. Abel C. Pepper convened the Pottawatomie 
nation of Indians at Lake Ke-waw-nay for the purpose of remov- 
ing them west of the Mississippi. That fall a small party of some 
80 or 90 Pottawatomies was conducted west of the Mississippi 
river by George Proffit, Esq. Among the number were Ke-waw- 
nay, Nebash, Nas-waw-kay, Pash-po-ho and many other leading 
men of the nation. The regular emigration of these poor Indians, 
about 1,000 in number, took place under Col. Pepper and Gen. Tip- 
ton in the summer of 1838. 

It was a sad and mournful spectacle to witness these children of 
the forest slowly retiring from the home of their childhood, that 
contained not only the graves of their revered ancestors, but also 
many endearing scenes to which their memories would ever recur 
as sunny spots along their pathway through the wilderness. They 
felt that they were bidding farewell to the hills, valleys and streams 
of their infancy; the more exciting hunting-grounds of their ad- 
vanced youth, as well as the stern and bloody battle-fields where 
they had contended in riper manhood, on which they had received 
wounds, aWd where many of their friends and loved relatives had 
fallen covered with gore and with glory. All these they were leav- 
ing behind them, to be desecrated by the plowshare of the white 
man. As they cast mournful glances back toward these loved 
scenes that were rapidly fading in the distance, tears fell from the 
cheek of the downcast warrior, old men trembled, matrons wept, 
the swarthy maiden's cheek turned pale, and sighs and half-sup- 
pressed sobs escaped from the motley groups as they passed along, 
some on foot, some on horseback, and others in wagons, — sad as a 
funeral procession. Several of the aged warriors were seen to cast 
glances toward the sky, as if they were imploring aid from the 
spirits of their departed heroes, who were looking down upon them 
from the clouds, or from the Great Spirit, who would ultimately 
redress the wrongs of the red man, whose broken bow had fallen 
from his hand, and whose sad heart was bleeding within him. 
Ever and anon one of the party would start out into the brush and 
break back to their old encampments on Eel river and on the Tippe- 

(131) 



132 nisTORr of Indiana. 

canoe, declaring that they would rather die than be banished from 
their country. Thus, scores of discontented emigrants returned 
from different points on their journey; and it was several years 
before they could be induced to join their countrymen west of the 
Mississippi. 

Several years after the removal of the Pottawatomies the Miami 
nation was removed to their Western home, by coercive means, un- 
der an escort of United States troops. They were a proud and 
once powerful nation, but at the time of their removal were far 
inferior, in point of numbers, to the Pottawatomie guests whom 
they had permitted to settle and hunt upon their lands, and fish in 
their lakes and rivers after they had been driven southward by 
powerful and warlike tribes who inhabited the shores of the North- 
ern lakes. 

INDIAN TITLES. 

In 1S31 a joint resolution of the Legislature of Indiana, request- 
ing an appropriation by Congress for the extinguishment of the 
Indian title to lands within the State, was forwarded to that body* 
which granted the request. The Secretary of "War, by authority, 
appointed a committee of three citizens to carry into effect the pro- 
visions of the recent law. The Miamis were surrounded on all 
sides by American settlers, and were situated almost in the heart 
of the State on the line of the canal then being made. The chiefs 
were called to a council for the purpose of making a treaty; they 
promptly came, but peremptorily refused to go westward or sell 
the remainder of their land. The Pottawatomies sold about 
6,000,000 acres in Indiana, Illinois and Michigan, including all 
their claim in this State. 

In 1838 a treaty was concluded with the Miami Indians through 
the good offices of Col. A. C. Pepper, the Indian agent, by which 
a considerable of the most desirable portion of their reserve was 
ceded to the United States. 



LAND SALES. 

As an example of the manner in which land speculators were 
treated by the early Indianians, we cite the following instances 
from Cox's " Recollections of the "Wabash Valley." 

At Crawfordsville, Dec. 2±, 1S24, many parties were present 
from the eastern and southern portions of the State, as well as from 
Ohio, Kentucky, Tennessee and even Pennsylvania, to attend a 
land sale. There was but little bidding against each other. The 
settlers, or " squatters," as they were called by the speculators, had 
arranged matters among themselves to their general satisfaction. 
If, upon comparing numbers, it appeared that two were after the 
same tract of land, one would ask the other what he would take 
not to bid against him; if neither would consent to be bought off 
they would retire and cast lots, and the lucky one would enter the 
tract at Congress price, $1.25 an acre, and the other would enter the 
second choice on his list. If a speculator made a bid, or showed a 
disposition to take a settler's claim from him, he soon saw the 
white of a score of eyes glaring at him, and he would "crawfish" 
out of the crowd at the first opportunity. 

The settlers made it definitely known to foreign capitalists that 
they would enter the tracts of land they had settled upon before 
allowing the latter to come in with their speculations. The land 
was sold in tiers of townships, beginning at the southern part of 
the district and continuing north until all had been offered at 
public sale. This plan was persisted in, although it kept many on 
the ground for several days waiting, who desired to purchase land 
in the northern part of the district. 

In 1827 a regular Indian scare was gotten up to keep specu- 
lators away for a short time. A man who owned a claim on Tippe- 
canoe river, near Pretty prairie, fearing that some one of the 
numerous land hunters constantly scouring the country might 
enter the land he had settled upon before he could raise the money 
to buy it, and seeing one day a cavalcade of land hunters riding 
toward where his land lay, mounted his horse and darted off at 
full speed to meet them, swinging his hat and shouting at the top 

of his voice, " Indians! Indians! the woods are full of Indians, 

(133) 



134 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

murdering and scalping all before them!" They paused a moment, 
bnt as the terrified horseman still urged his jaded animal and cried, 
"Help! Longlois, Cicots, help!" they turned and fled like a troop of 
retreating cavalry, hastening to the thickest settlements and giving 
the alarm, which spread like fire among stubble until the whole 
frontier region was shocked with the startling cry. The squatter 
who fabricated the story and started this false alarm took a cir- 
cuitous route home that evening, and while others were busy 
building temporary block-houses and rubbing up their guns to 
meet the Indians, he was quietly gathering up money and slipped 
down to Crawfordsville and entered his land, chuckling to himself, 
"There's a Yankee trick for you, done up by a Hoosier." 

HARMONY COMMUNITY. 

In 1814 a society of Germans under Frederick Rappe, who had 
originally come from Wirtemberg, Germain', and more recently 
from Pennsylvania, founded a settlement on the Wabash about 50 
miles above its mouth. They were industrious, frugal and honest 
Lutherans. They purchased a large quantity of land and laid off 
a town, to which they gave the name of " Harmony," afterward 
called "New Harmony." They erected a church and a public 
school-house, opened farms, planted orchards and vineyards, built 
flouring mills, established a house of public entertainment, a public 
store, and carried on all the arts of peace with skill and regularity. 
Their property was " in common," according to the custom of an- 
cient Christians at Jerusalem, but the governing power, both tem- 
poral and spiritual, was vested in Frederick Rappe, the elder, who 
was regarded as the founder of the society. By the year 1821 the 
society numbered about 900. Every individual of proper age con- 
tributed his proper share of labor. There were neither spendthrifts, 
idlers nor drunkards, and during the whole 17 years of their sojourn 
in America there was not a single lawsuit among them. Every 
controversy arising among them was settled by arbitration, expla- 
nation and compromise before sunset of the day, literally according 
to the injunction of the apostle of the New Testament. 

About 1825 the town of Harmony and a considerable quantity 
of land adjoining was sold to Robert Owen, father of David Dale 
Owen, the State Geologist, and of Robert Dale Owen, of later 
notoriety. He was a radical philosopher from Scotland, who had 
become distinguished for his philanthropy and opposition to 



HISTORT OF INDIANA. 135 

Christianity. He charged the latter with teaching false notions 
regarding human responsibility — notions which have since been 
clothed in the language of physiology, mental philosophy, etc. 
Said he: 

"That which has hitherto been called wickedness in our fellow 
men has proceeded from one of two distinct causes, or from some 
combination of those causes. They are what are termed bad or 
wicked, 

" 1. Because they are born with faculties or propensities which 
render them more liable, under the same circumstances, than other 
men, to commit such actions as are usually denominated wicked; 
or, 

" 2. Because they have been placed by birth or other events in 
particular countries, — have been influenced from infancy by par- 
ents, playmates and others, and have been surrounded by those 
circumstances which gradually and necessarily trained them in the 
habits and sentiments called wicked; or, 

"3. They have become wicked in consequence of some particu- 
lar combination of these causes. 

" If it should be asked, Whence then has wickedness pro- 
ceeded? I reply, Solely from the ignorance of our forefathers. 

" Every society which exists at present, as well as every society 
which history records, has been formed and governed on a belief 
in the following notions, assumed as first principles: 

" 1. That it is in the power of every individual to form his own 
character. Hence the various systems called by the name of religion, 
codes of law, and punishments; hence, also, the angry passions 
entertained by individuals and nations toward each other. 

" 2. That the affections are at the command of the individual. 
Hence insincerity and degradation of character; hence the miseries 
of domestic life, and more than one-half of all the crimes of man- 
kind. 

" 3. That it is necessary a large portion of mankind should ex- 
ist in ignorance and poverty in order to secure to the remaining part 
such a degree of happiness as they now enjoy. Hence a system of 
counteraction in the pursuits of men, a general opposition among 
individuals to the interests of each other, and the necessary effects 
of such a system, — ignorance, poverty and vice. 



I 



THE MEXICAN WAR 

During the administration of Gov. "Whitcomb the war with 
Mexico occurred, which resulted in annexing to the United States 
vast tracts of land in the south and west. Indiana contributed her 
full ratio to the troops in that war, and with a remarkable spirit of 
promptness and patriotism adopted all measures to sustain the gen- 
eral Government. These new acquisitions of territory re-opened 
the discussion of the slavery question, and Governor Whitcomb 
expressed his opposition to a further extension of the " national 
sin." 

The causes which led to a declaration of war against Mexico in 
1S46, must be sought for as far back as the year 1830, when the 
present State of Texas formed a province of New and Independent 
Mexico. During the years immediately preceding 1830, Moses 
Austin, of Connecticut, obtained a liberal grant of lands from the 
established Government, and on his death his son was treated in an 
equally liberal manner. The glowing accounts rendered by Aus- 
tin; and the vivid picture of Elysian fields drawn by visiting jour- 
nalists, soon resulted in the influx of a large tide of immigrants, 
nor did the movement to the Southwest cease until 1830. The 
Mexican province held a prosperous population, comprising 10,000 
American citizens. The rapacious Government of the Mexicans 
looked with greed and jealousy upon their eastern province, and, 
under the presidency of Gen. Santa Anna, enacted such measures, 
both unjust and oppressive, as would meet their design of goading 
the people of Texas on to revolution, and thus afford an opportu- 
nity for the infliction of punishment upon subjects whose only 
crime was industry and its accompaniment, prosperity. Precisely 
in keeping with the course pursued by the British toward the col- 
onists of the Eastern States in the last century, Santa Anna's 
Government met the remonstrances of the colonists of Texas with 
threats; and they, secure in their consciousness of right quietly 
issued their declaration of independence, and proved its literal 
meaning on the field of Gonzales in 1835, having with a force ol 

(136) 



HISTOEV OF INDIANA. 137 

500 men forced the Mexican army of 1,000 to fly for refuge to their 
strongholds. Battle after battle followed, bringing victory always 
to the Colonists, and ultimately resulting in the total rout of the 
Mexican army and the evacuation of Texas. The routed army 
after a short term of rest reorganized, and reappeared in the Terri- 
tory, 8,000 strong. On April 21, a division of this large force 
under Santa Anna encountered the Texans under General Samuel 
Houston on the banks of the San Jacinto, and though Houston 
could only oppose 800 men to the Mexican legions, the latter were 
driven from the field,nor could they reform their scattered ranks until 
their General was captured next day and forced to sign the declaration 
of 1835. The signature of Santa Anna, though ignored by the 
Congress of the Mexican Republic, and consequently left unratified 
on the part of Mexico, was effected in so much, that after the sec- 
ond defeat of the army of that Republic all the hostilities of an 
important nature ceased, the Republic of Texas was recognized by 
the powers, and subsequently became an integral part of the United 
States, July 4, 1846. At this period General Herrera was pres- 
ident of Mexico. He was a man of peace, of common sense, and 
very patriotic; and he thus entertained, or pretended to enter- 
tain, the great neighboring Republic in high esteem. For this 
reason he grew unpopular with his people, and General Paredes 
was called to the presidential chair, which he continued to occupy 
until the breaking out of actual hostilities with the United States, 
when Gen. Santa Anna was elected thereto. 

President Polk, aware of the state of feeling in Mexico, ordered 
Gen. Zachary Taylor, in command of the troops in the Southwest, to 
proceed to Texas, and post himself as near to the Mexican border 
as he deemed prudent. At the same time an American squadron was 
dispatched to the vicinity, in the Gulf of Mexico. In November, 
General Taylor had taken his position at Corpus Christi, a Texan 
settlement on a bay of the same name, with about 4,000 men. On 
the 13th of January, 1846, the President ordered him to advance 
with his forces to the Rio Grande; accordingly he proceeded, and 
in March stationed himself on the north bank of that river, with- 
in cannon-shot of the Mexican town of Matamoras. Here he 
hastily erected a fortress, called Fort Brown. The territory ly- 
ing between the river Nueces and the Rio Grande river, about 
120 miles in width, was claimed both by Texas and Mexico; ac- 
cording to the latter, therefore, General Taylor had actually 
invaded her Territory, and had thus committed an open 



13S HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

act of war. On the 26th of April, the. Mexican General, Ampudia, 
gave notice to this effect to General Taylor, and on the same day a 
party of American dragoons, sixty-three in number, being on the 
north side of the Rio Grande, were attacked, and, after the loss of 
sixteen men killed and wounded, were forced to surrender. Their 
commander, Captain Thornton, only escaped. The Mexican forces 
had now crossed the river above Matamoras and were supposed to 
meditate an attack on Point Isabel, where Taylor had established a 
depot of supplies for his army. On the 1st of May, this officer left 
a small number of troops at Fort Brown, and marched with his 
chief forces, twenty-three hundred men, to the defense of Point 
Isabel. Having garrisoned this place, he set out on his return. 
On the Sth of May, about noon, he met the Mexican army, six 
thousand strong, drawn up in battle array, on the prairie near Palo 
Alto. The Americans at once advanced to the attack, and, after an 
action of five hours, in which their artillery was very effective, 
drove the enemy before them, and encamped upon the field. The 
Mexican loss was about one hundred killed; that ot the Americans, 
four killed and forty wounded. Major Ringgold, of the artillery, 
an officer of great merit, was mortally wounded. The next day, as 
the Americans advanced, they again met the enemy in a strong 
position near Resaca de la Palma, three miles from Fort Brown. 
An action commenced, and was fiercely contested, the artillerj' on 
both sides being served with great vigor. At last the Mexicans 
gave way, and fled in confusion, General de la Vega having fallen 
into the hands of the Americaus. They also abandoned their guns 
and a large quantity of ammunition to the victors. The remain- 
ing Mexican soldiers speedily crossed the Rio Grande, and the next 
day the Americans took up their position at Fort Brown. This 
little fort, in the absence of General Taylor, had gallantly sustained 
an almost uninterrupted attack of several days from the Mexican 
batteries of Matamoras. 

When the news of the capture of Captain Thornton's party was 
spread over the United States, it produced great excitement. The 
President addressed a message to Congress, then in session, declar- 
ing " that war with Mexico existed by her own act;" and that body, 
May, 1S46, placed ten millions of dollars at the President's dispo- 
sal, and authorized him to accept the services of fifty thousand 
volunteers. A great part of the summer of 1S46 was spent in prep- 
aration for the war, it being resolved to invade Mexico at several 
points. In pursuance of this plan, General Taylor, who had taken 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 139 

possession of Matamoras, abandoned by the enemy in May, marched 
northward in the enemy's country in August, and on the 19th of 
September he appeared before Monterey, capital of the Mexican 
State of New Leon. His army, after having garrisoned several 
places along his route, amounted to six thousand men. The attack 
began on the 21st, and after a succession of assaults, during the 
period of four days, the Mexicans capitulated, leaving the town 
in possession of the Americans. In October, General Taylor 
terminated an armistice into which he had entered with the 
Mexican General, and again commenced offensive operations. 
Various towns and fortresses of the enemy now rapidly fell into 
our possession. In November, Saltillo, the capital of the State 
of Coahuila was occupied by the division of General Worth; 
in December, General Patterson took possession of Victoria, 
the capital of Tamaulipas, and nearly at the same period, 
Commodore Perry captured the fort of Tampico. Santa Fe, 
the capital of New Mexico, with the whole territory of the State 
had been subjugated by General Harney, after a march of one 
thousand miles through the wilderness. Events of a startling char- 
acter had taken place at still earlier dates along the Pacific coast. On 
the 4th of July, Captain Fremott, having repeatedly defeated su- 
perior Mexican forces with the small band under his command, de- 
clared California independent of Mexico. Other important places 
in this region had yielded to the American naval force, and in Au- 
gust, 1846, the whole of California was in the undisputed occupa- 
tion of the Americans. 

The year 1847 opened with still more brilliant victories on the 
part of our armies. By the drawing off of a large part of 
General Taylor's troops for a meditated attack on Vera Cruz, he 
was left with a comparatively small force to meet the great body of 
Mexican troops, now marching upon him, under command of the 
celebrated Santa Anna, who had again become President of Mexico. 

Ascertaining the advance of this powerful army, twenty thou- 
sand strong, and consisting of the best of the Mexican soldiers, 
General Taylor took up his position at Buena Vista, a valley a few 
miles from Saltillo. His whole troops numbered only four thousand 
seven hundred and fifty-nine, and here, on the 23d of February, he 
was vigorously attacked by the Mexicans. The battle was very 
severe, and continued nearly the whole day, when the Mexicans fled 
from the field in disorder, with a loss of nearly two thousand men. 
Santa Anna speedily withdrew, and thus abandoned the region of 



I 



140 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

the Rio Grande to the complete occupation of our troops. This left 
our forces at liberty to prosecute the grand enterprise of the cam- 
paign, the capture of the strong town of Vera Cruz, with its re- 
nowned castle of San Juan d'Ulloa. On the 9th of March, 1847, 
General Scott landed near the city with an army of twelve thousand 
men, and on the 18th commenced an attack. For four days and 
nights an almost incessant shower of shot and shells was poured 
upon the devoted town, while the batteries of the castle and the city 
replied with terrible energy. At last, as the Americans were pre- 
paring for an assault, the Governor of the city offered to surrender, 
and on the 26th the American flag floated triumphantly from the 
walls of the castle and the city. General Scott now prepared to 
march upon the city of Mexico, the capital of the country, situated 
two hundred miles in the interior, and approached only through a 
series of rugged passes and mountain fastnesses, rendered still more 
formidable by several strong fortresses. On the 8th of April the 
army commenced their march. At Oerro Gordo, Santa Anna had 
posted himself with fifteen thousand men. On the 18th the Amer- 
icans began the daring attack, and by midday every intrenchment 
of the enemy had been carried. The loss of the Mexicans in this 
remarkable battle, besides one thousand killed and wounded, was 
three thousand prisoners, forty-three pieces of cannon, five 
thousand stand of arms, and all their amunitions and mate- 
rials of war. The loss of the Americans was four hundred 
and thirty-one in killed and wounded. The next day our forces 
advanced, and, capturing fortress after fortress, came on the 
ISth of August within ten miles of Mexico, a city of two hun- 
dred thousand inhabitants, and situated in one of the most 
beautiful valleys in the world. On the 20th they attacked and 
carried the strong batteries of Contreras, garrisoned by 7,000 men, 
in an impetuous assault, which lasted but seventeen minutes. On 
the same day an attack was made by the Americans on the fortified 
post of Churubusco, four miles northeast of Contreras. Here 
nearly the entire Mexican army — more than 20,000 in number — 
were posted; but they were defeated at every point, and obliged to 
seek a retreat in the ci ty, or the still remaining fortress of Chapul- 
tepec. While preparations were being made on the 21st by Gen- 
eral Scott, to level his batteries against the city, prior to summon- 
ing it to surrender, he received propositions from the enemy, which 
terminated in an armistice. This ceased on the 7th of September. 
On the Sth the outer defense of Chapultepec was successfully 






HISTORY OF INDIANA. Ill 

stormed by General "Worth, though he lost one-fourth of his men 
in the desperate struggle. The castle of Chapultepec, situated on 
an abrupt and rocky eminence, 150 feet above the surrounding 
country, presented a most formidable object of attack. On the 
12th, however, the batteries were opened against it, and on the 
next day the citadel was carried by storm. The Mexicans still strug- 
gled along the great causeway leading to the city, as the Americans 
advanced, but before nightt'al a part of our army was within the 
gates of the city. Santa Anna and the officers of the Government 
fled, and the next morning, at seven o'clock, the flag of the Ameri- 
cans floated from the national palace of Mexico. This conquest of 
the capital was the great and final achievement of the war. The 
Mexican republic was in fact prostrate, her sea-coast and chief 
cities being in the occupation of our troops. On the 2d of Feb- 
ruary, 1848, terms of peace were agreed upon by the American 
commissioner and the Mexican Government, this treaty being rati- 
fied by the Mexican Congress on the 30th of May following, and 
by the United States soon after. President Polk proclaimed peace 
on the 4th of July, 1S4S. In the preceding sketch we have given 
only a mere outline of the war with Mexico. We have necessarily 
passed over many interesting events, and have not even named 
many of our soldiers who performed gallant and important ser- 
vices. General Taylor's successful operations in the region of the 
Rio Grande were duly honored by the people of the United States, 
by bestowing upon him the Presidency. General Scott's campaign, 
from the attack on Vera Cruz, to the surrender of the city of 
Mexico, was far more remarkable, and, in a military point of view, 
must be considered as one of the most brilliant of modern times. It 
is true the Mexicans are not to be ranked with the great nations of 
the earth; with a population of seven or eight millions, they have 
little more than a million of the white race, the rest being half-civ- 
ilized Indians and mestizos, that is, those of mixed blood. Their 
government is inefficient, and the people divided among them- 
selves. Their soldiers often fought bravely, but they were badly 
officered. While, therefore, we may consider the conquest of so 
extensive and populous a country, in so short a time, and attended 
with such constant superiority even to the greater numbers of the 
enemy, as highly gratifying evidence of the courage and capacity 
of our army, still we must not, in judging of our achievements, fail 
to consider the real weakness of the nation whom we vanquished. 



I 



142 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

One thing we may certainly dwell upon with satisfaction — the ad- 
mirable example, not only as a soldier, but as a man, set by our com- 
mander, Gen. Scott, who seems, in the midst of war and the ordinary 
license of the camp, always to have preserved the virtue, kindness, 
and humanity belonging to a state of peace. These qualities 
secured to him the respect, confidence and good-will even of the 
enemy he had conquered. Among the Generals who effectually 
aided General Scott in this remarkable campaign, we must not 
omit to mention the names of Generals Wool, Twiggs, Shields, 
"Worth, Smith, and Quitman, who generally added to the high 
qualities of soldiers the still more estimable characteristics of 
good men. The treaty of Guadalupe-Hidalgo stipulated that the 
disputed territory between the Nueces and the Rio Grande should 
belong to the United States, and it now forms a part of Texas, as 
has been already stated; that the United States should assume and 
pay the debts due from Mexico to American citizens, to the amount 
of $3,500,000; and that, in consideration of the sum of $15,000,000 
to be paid by the United States to Mexico, the latter should 
relinquish to the former the whole of New Mexico and Upper 
California. 

The soldiers of Indiana who served in this war were formed into 
five regiments of volunteers, numbered respectively, 1st, 2d, 3rd, 
4th and 5th. The fact that companies of the three first-named reg- 
iments served at times with the men of Illinois, the New York 
volunteers, the Palmettos of South Carolina, and United States 
marines, under Gen. James Shields, makes for them a history; be- 
cause the campaigns of the Rio Grande and Chihuahua, the siege 
of Vera Cruz, the desperate encounter at Cerro Gordo, the tragic 
contests in the valley, at Contreras and Churubusco, the storming 
of Chapultepec, and the planting of the stars and stripes upon 
every turret and spire within the conquered city of Mexico, were 
all carried out by the gallant troops under the favorite old General, 
and consequently each of them shared with him in the glories at- 
tached to such exploits. The other regiments under Cols. Gorman 
and Lane participated in the contests of the period under other com- 
manders. The 4th Regiment of Indiana Volunteers, comprising 
ten companies, was formally organized at Jeffersonville, Indiana, 
by Capt. R. C. Gatlin, June 15, 1S47, and on the 16th elected 
Major Willis A. Gorman, of the 3rd Regiment, to the Colonelcy; 
Ebenezer Dumont, Lieutenant-Colonel, and W. McCoy, Major. On 
the 27th of June the regiment left Jeffersonville for the front, and 



HISTOKY OF INDIANA. 143 

subsequently was assigned to Brigadier-General Lane's command, 
which then comprised a battery of five pieces from the 3rd Regi- 
ment U. S. Artillery; a battery of two pieces from the 2nd Regiment 
U. S. Rrtillery, the 4th Regiment of Indiana Volunteers and the 4th 
Regiment of Ohio, with a squadron of mounted Louisianians and 
detachments of recruits for the U. S. army. The troops of this 
brigade won signal honors at Basso de Ovegas, August 10, 1847; 
National Bridge, on the 12th; Cerro Gordo, on the 15th; Las Ani- 
mas, on the 19th, under Maj. F. T. Lally, of General Lane's staff, 
and afterward under Lane, directly, took a very prominent part in 
the siege of Pnebla, which began on the 15th of September and 
terminated on the 12th of October. At Atlixco, October 19th; 
Tlascala, November 10th; Matamoras and Pass Galajara, Novem- 
ber 23rd and 24th; Guerrilla Ranehe, December 5th; Napaloncan, 
December 10th, the Indiana volunteers of the 4th Regiment per- 
formed gallant service, and carried the campaign into the following 
year, representing their State at St. Martin's, February 27, 1848; 
Cholula, March 26th; Matacordera, February 19th; Sequalteplan, 
February 25th; and on the cessation of hostilities reported at 
Madison, Indiana, for discharge, July 11, 1848; while the 5th In- 
diana Regiment, under Col. J. H. Lane, underwent a similar round 
of duty during its service with other brigades, and gained some 
celebrity at Vera Cruz, Churubusco and with the troops of Illinois 
under Gen. Shields at Chapultepec. 

This war cost the people of the United States sixty-six millions 
of dollars. This very large amount was not paid away for the at- 
tainment of mere glory ; there was something else at stake, and 
this something proved to be a country larger and more fertile than 
the France of the Napoleons, and more steady and sensible than 
the France of the Republic. It was the defense of the great Lone 
Star State, the humiliation and chastisement of a quarrelsome 
neighbor. 



SLAVERY. 

We have already referred to the prohibition of slavery in the 
Northwestern Territory, and Indiana Territory by the ordinance of 
17S7; to the imperfection in the execution of this ordinance and the 
troubles which the authorities encountered; and the complete estab- 
lishment of the principles of freedom on the organization of the State. 
Tbe next item of significance in this connection is the following Ian- 
guage in the message of Gov. Hay to the Legislature of 1S28: "Since 
our last separation, while we have witnessed with anxious solicitude 
the belligerent operations of another hemisphere, tLe cross contend- 
ing against the crescent, and the prospect of a general rupture among 
the legitimates of other quarters of the globe, our attention has 
been arrested by proceedings in our own country truly dangerous 
to liberty, seriously premeditated, and disgraceful to its authors 
if agitated only to tamper with the American people. If such ex- 
periments as we see attempted in certain deluded quarters do not 
fall with a burst of thunder upon the heads of their seditious pro- 
jectors, then indeed the Republic has begun to experience the days 
of its degeneracy. The union of these States is the people's only 
sure charter for their liberties and independence. Dissolve it and 
each State will soon be in a condition as deplorable as Alexander's 
conquered countries after they were divided amongst his victorious 
military captains." 

In pursuance of a joint resolution of the Legislature of 1S50, a 
block of native marble was procured and forwarded to Washington, 
to be placed in the monument then in the course of erection at the 
National Capital in memory of George Washington. In the 
absence of any legislative instruction concerning the inscription 
npon this emblem of Indiana's loyalty, Gov. Wright ordered the 
following words to be inscribed upon it: Indiana Knows No 
North, No South, Nothing but the Union. Within a dozen 
years thereafter this noble State demonstrated to the world her loy- 
alty to the Union and the principles of freedom by the sacrifice of 
blood and treasure which she made. In keeping with this senti- 
ment Gov. Wright indorsed the compromise measures of Congress 
on the slavery question, remarking in his message that " Indiana 
takes her stand in the ranks, not of Southern destiny, nor yet of 

(144) 










SCENE ON THE WABASH RIVER. 



HISTOET OF INDIANA. 147 

Northern destiny: she plants herself on the basis of the Consti- 
tution and takes her stand in the ranks of American destiny." 

FIFTEENTH AMENDMENT. 

At the session of the Legislature in January, 18G9, the subject 
of ratifying the fifteenth amendment to the Federal Constitution, 
allowing negro suffrage, came up with such persistency that neither 
party dared to undertake any other business lest it be checkmated 
in some way, and being at a dead lock on this matter, they adjourn- 
ed in March without having done much important business. The 
Democrats, as well as a portion of the conservative Republicans, 
opposed its consideration strongly on the ground that it would be 
unfair to vote on the question until the people of the State had had 
an opportunity of expressing their views at the polls; but most of 
the Republicans resolved to push the measure through, while the 
Democrats resolved to resign in a bodv and leave the Legislature 
without a quorum. Accordingly, on March 4, 17 Senators and 36 
Representatives resigned, leaving both houses without a quorum. 

As the early adjournment of the Legislature left the benevolent 
institutions of the State unprovided for, the Governor convened 
that body in extra session as soon as possible, and after the neces- 
sary appropriations were made, on the 19th of May the fifteenth 
amendment came up; but in anticipation of this the Democratic 
members had all resigned and claimed that there was no quorum 
present. There was a quorum, however, of Senators in office, 
though some of them refused to vote, declaring that they were no 
longer Senators; but the president of that body decided that as he 
had not been informed of their resignation by the Governor, they 
were still members. A vote was taken and the ratifying resolution 
was adopted. When the resolution came up in the House, the 
chair decided that, although the Democratic members had resigned 
there was a quorum of the de-facto members present, and the 
House proceeded to pass the resolution. This decision of the chair 
was afterward sustained by the Supreme Court. 

At the next regular session of the Legislature, in 1871, the 
Democrats undertook to repeal the ratification, and the Republican 
members resigned to prevent it. The Democrats, as the Republi- 
cans did on the previous occasion, proceeded to pass their resolu- 
tion of repeal; but while the process was under way, before the 
House Committee had time to report on the matter, 34 Republican 
members resigned, thereby preventing its passage and putting a 
stop to further legislation. 



INDIANA IN THE WAR. 

The events of the earlier years of this State have been reviewed 
down to that period in the nation's history when the Republic de- 
manded a first sacrifice from the newly erected States: to the time 
when the very safety of the glorious heritage, bequeathed by the 
fathers as a rich legacy, was threatened with a fate worse than death 
— a life under laws that harbored the slave — a civil defiance of the 
first principles of the Constitution. 

Indiana was among the first to respond to the summons of patri- 
otism, and register itself on the national roll ot honor, even as she 
was among the first to join in that song of joy which greeted a Re- 
public made doubly glorious within a century by the dual victory 
which won liberty for itself, and next bestowed the precious boon 
upon the colored slave. 

The fall of Fort Sumter was a signal for the uprising of the State. 
The news of the calamity was flashed to Indianapolis on the 11th of 
April, 1861, and early the next morning the electric wire brought 
the welcome message to Washington: — 

Executive Department of Indiana, ) 
Indianapolis, April 15, 1801. ) 
To Abraham Lincoln, President of the United States: — On behalf of the State 
of Indiana, I tender to you for the defense of the Nation, and to uphold the au- 
thority of the Government, ten thousand men. 

OLIVER P. MORTON, 
Governor of Indiana. 

This may be considered the first official act of Governor Morton, 
who had just entered on the duties of his exalted position. The 
State was in an almost helpless condition, and yet the faith of the 
" War Governor " was prophetic, when, after a short consultation 
with the members of the Executive Council, he relied on the fidelity 
of ten thousand men and promised their services to the Protectorate 
at Washington. This will be more apparent when the military 
condition of the State at the beginning of 1S61 is considered. At 
that time the armories contained less than five hundred stand of 
serviceable small arms, eight pieces of cannon which might be use- 
ful in a museum of antiquities, with sundry weapons which would 
merely do credit to the aborigines of one hundred years ago. The 
financial condition of the State was even worse than the military. 

(US) 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 1^9 

The sum of $10,3GS.5S in trust funds was the amount of cash in the 
hands of the Treasurer, and tliis was, to all intents and purposes 
unavailable to meet the emergency, since it could not be devoted 
to the military requirements of the day. This state of affairs was 
dispiriting in the extreme, and would doubtless have militated 
against the ultimate success of any other man than Morton; yet 
he overleaped every difficulty, nor did the fearful realization of 
Floyd's treason, discovered during his visit to Washington, damp 
his indomitable courage and energy, but with rare persistence he 
urged the claims of his State, and for his exertions was requited 
with an order for five thousand muskets. The order was not exe- 
cuted until hostilities were actually entered upon, and consequently 
for some days succeeding the publication of the President's procla- 
mation the people labored under a feeling of terrible anxiety min- 
gled with uncertainty, amid the confusion which followed the crim- 
inal negligence that permitted the disbandment of the magnificent 
corps oV armee (51,000 men) of 1832 two years later in 1S34, Great 
numbers of the people maintained their equanamity with the result 
of beholding within a brief space of time every square mile of their 
State represented by soldiers prepared to fight to the bitter end in. 
defense of cherished institutions, and for the extension of the prin- 
ciple of human liberty to all States and classes within the limits of 
the threatened Union. This, their zeal, was not animated by hos- 
tility to the slave holders of the Southern States, but rather by a 
fraternal spirit, akin to that which ur^es the eldest brother to cor- 
rect the persistent follies of his juniors, and thus lead them from, 
crime to the maintenance of family honor; in this correction, to 
draw them away from all that was cruel, diabolical and inhuman in 
the Republic, to all that is gentle, holy and sublime therein. Many 
of the raw troops were not only unimated by a patriotic feeling, 
but also by that beautiful idealization of the poet, who in his un- 
conscious Republicanism, said: 

" I would not have a slave to till my ground, 

To carry me, to fan me while I sleep, 

And tremble when I wake, for all the wealth 

That sinews bought and sold have ever earned 

No : dear as freedom is — and, in my heart's 

Just estimation, prized above all price — 

I had much rather be myself the slave, 

And wear the bonds, than fasten them on him." 

Thus animated, it is not a matter for surprise to find the first 
call to arms issued by the President, and calling for 75,000 men, 






150 HISTOEY OF INDIANA. 

answered nobly by the people of Indiana. The quota of troops to 
be furnished by the State on the first call was 4,6S3 men for three 
years' service from April 15, I860. On the 16th of April, Gov- 
ernor Morton issued his proclamation calling on all citizens of the 
State, who had the welfare of the Republic at heart, to organize 
themselves into six regiments in defense of their rights, and in 
opposition to the varied acts of rebellion, charged by him against 
the Southern Confederates. To this end, the Hon. Lewis Wallace, 
a soldier of the Mexican campaign was appointed Adjutant- General, 
Col. Thomas A. Morris of the United States Military Academy, 
Quartermaster-General, and Isaiah Mansur, a merchant of Indian- 
apolis, Commissary-General. These general officers converted the 
grounds and buildings of the State Board of Agriculture into a 
military headquarters, and designated the position Camp Morton, 
as the beginning of the many honors which were to follow the pop- 
ular Governor throughout his future career. Now the people, im- 
bued with confidence in their Government and leaders, rose to the 
grandeur of American freemen, and with an enthusiasm never 
equaled hitherto, flocked to the standard of the nation; so that 
within a few days (19th April) 2,400 men were ranked beneath 
their regimental banners, until as the official report testifies, the 
anxious question, passing from mouth to mouth, was, " "Which of 
us will be allowed to go? " It seemed as if Indiana was about to 
monopolize the honors of the period, and place the 75.000 men 
demanded of the Union by the President, at his disposition. Even 
now under the genial sway of guaranteed peace, the features of 
Indiana's veterans flush with righteous pride when these days — re- 
membrances of heroic sacrifice — are named, and freemen, still un- 
born, will read their history only to be blessed and glorified in the 
possession of such truly, noble progenitors. Nor were the ladies 
of the State unmindful of their duties. Everywhere they partook 
of the general enthusiasm, and made it practical so far as in their 
power, by embroidering and presenting standards and regimental 
colors, organizing aid and relief societies, and by many other acts 
of patriotism and humanity inherent in the high nature of woman. 
During the days set apart by the military authorities for the or- 
ganization of the regiments, the financiers of the State were en- 
gaged in the reception of munificent grants of money from pri- 
vate citizens, while the money merchants within and without the 
State offered large loans to the recognized Legislature without even 
imposing a condition of payment. This most practical generosity 



HISTOET OF IXDIANA. 151 

strengthened the hands of the Executive, and within a very few days 
Indiana had passed the crucial test, recovered some of her military 
prestige lost in 1S31, and so was prepared to vie with the other 
and wealthier States in making sacrifices for the public welfare. 

On the 20th of April, Messrs, I. S. Dobbs and Alvis D. Gall re- 
ceived their appointments as Medical Inspectors of the Division, 
while Major T. J. Wood arrived at headquarters from Washington 
to receive the newly organized regiments into the service of the 
Union. At the moment this formal proceeding took place, Morton, 
unable to restrain the patriotic ardor of the people, telegraphed to 
the capitol that he could place six regiments of infantry at the dis- 
posal of the General Government within six days, if such a pro- 
ceeding were acceptable; but in consequence of the wires being cut 
between the State and Federal capitols, no answer came. Taking 
advantage of the little doubt which may have had existence in re- 
gard to future action in the matter and in the absence of general 
orders, he gave expression to an intention of placing the volunteers 
in camp, and in his message to the Legislature, who assembled three 
days later, he clearly laid down the principle of immediate action 
and strong measures, recommending a uote of $1,000,000 for there- 
organization of the volunteers, for the purchase of arms and supplies, 
and for the punishment of treason. The message was received most 
enthusiastically. The assembly recognized the great points made 
by the Governor, and not only yielded to them in toto, but also made 
the following grand appropriations: 

CSeneral military purposes $1,000,000 

Purchase of arms 500,000 

Contingent military expenses 100,000 

Organization and support of militia for two years 140,000 

These appropriations, together with the laws enacted during the 
session of the Assembly, speak for the men of Indiana. The celerity 
with which these laws were put in force, the diligince and economy 
exercised by the officers, entrusted with their administration, and 
that systematic genius, uuder which all the machinery of Govern- 
ment seemed to work in harmony, — all, all, tended to make for the 
State a spring-time of noble deeds, when seeds might be cast along 
her fertile fields and in the streets of her villages of industry to 
grow up at once and blossom in the ray of fame, and after to bloom 
throughout the ages. Within three days after the opening of the 
extra session of the Legislature (27th April) six new regiments were 
organized, an<4 commissioned for three months' service. These reg- 



151 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 



iments, notwithstanding the tact that the first six regiments were 
already mustered into the general service, were known as ''The 
First Brigade, Indiana Volunteers," and with the simple object of 
making the way of the future student of a brilliant history clear, 
were numbered respectively 

Sixth Regiment, commanded by Col. T. T. Crittenden. 

Seventh " " " " Ebenezer Dumont. 

Eighth " " " " W. P. Benton. 

Nintk " " " " R. H. Milroy. 

Tenth " " " " T. T. Reynolds. 

Eleventh " " " " Lewis Wallace. 

The idea of these numbers was suggested by the fact that the 
military representation of Indiana in the Mexican Campaign was 
one brigade of five regiments, and to observe consecutiveness the 
regiments comprised in the first division of volunteers were thus 
numbered, and the entire force placed under Brigadier General T. 
A. Morris, with the following staff: John Love, Major; Cyrus C- 
Hines, Aid-de-camp; and J. A. Stein, Assistant Adjutant General. 
To follow the fortunes of these volunteers through all the vicissi- 
tudes of war would prove a special work; yet their valor and endur- 
ance during their first term of service deserved a notice of even more 
value than that of the historian, since a commander's opinion has 
to be taken as the basis upon which the chronicler may expatiate. 
Therefore the following dispatch, dated from the headquarters of the 
Army of Occupation, Beverly Camp, W. Virginia, July 21, 1861, 
must be taken as one of the first evidences of their utility and 
valor : — 

"Governor O. P. Morton, Indianapolis, Indiana 

Governor: — I have directed the three months' regiments from Indiana to 
move to Indianapolis, there to be mustered out and reorganized for three years' 
service. 

I cannot permit them to return to you without again expressing my high 
appreciation of the distinguished valor and endurance of the Indiana troops, and 
my hope that but a short time will elapse before I have the pleasure of knowing 
that they are again ready for the field. ******* 

I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 
George B. McC'lell.vn, 
MajoT-Oeneral, V. S. A, 

On the return of the troops to Indianapolis, July 29, Brigadier 
Morris issued a lengthy, logical and well-deserved congratulatory 
address, from which one paragraph may be extracted to characterize 






HISTORY OF INDIANA. 153 

the whole. After passing a glowing eulogium on their military 
qualities and on that unexcelled gallantry displayed at Laurel Hill, 
Phillipi and Carrick's Ford, he says: — 

" Soldiers! You have now returned to the friends whose prayers went with you 
to the field of strife. They welcome you with pride aud exultation. Your State 
and country acknowledge the value of your labors. May your future career be as 
your past has been, — honorable to yourselves and serviceable to your country.'' 

The six regiments forming Morris' brigade, together with one 
composed of the surplus volunteers, for whom there was no regi- 
ment in April, now formed a division of seven regiments, all reor- 
ganized for three years' service, between the 20th August and 20th 
September, with the exception of the new or 12th, which was ac- 
cepted for one year's service from May 11th, under command of 
Colonel John M. Wallace, and reorganized May 17, 1862, for three 
years' service under Col. W. H. Link, who, with 172 officers and 
men, received their mortal wounds during the Richmond (Ken- 
tucky) engagement, three months after its reorganization. 

The 13tu Regiment, under Col. Jeremiah Sullivan, was mus- 
tered into the United States in 1861 and joined Gen. McClellan's 
command at Rich Mountain on the 10th July. The day following it 
was present under Gen. Rosencrans and lost eight men killed; three 
successive days it was engaged under Gen. I. I. Reynolds, and won 
its laurels at Cheat Mountain summit, where it participated in the 
decisive victory over Gen. Lee. 

The 11th Regiment, organized in 1S61 for one year's service, and 
reorganized on the 7th of June at Terre Haute for three years' ser- 
vice. Commanded by Col. Kimball and showing a muster roll of 
1,131 men, it was one of the finest, as it was the first, three years' 
regiment organized in the State, with varying fortunes attached to 
its never ending round of duty from Cheat Mountain, September, 
1861, to Morton's Ford in 1861, and during the movement South in 
May of that year to the last of its labors, the battle of Cold Har- 
bor. 

The 15th Regiment, reorganized at La Fayette 14th June, 1861, 
under Col. G. D. Wagner, moved on Rich Mountain on the lltb 
of July in time to participate in the complete rout of the enemy. 
On the promotion of Col. Wagner, Lieutenant-Col. G. A. Wood 
became Colonel of the regiment, November, 1862, and during the 
first days of January 7 , 1863, took a distinguished part in the severe 
action of Stone River. From this period down to the battle of Mis- 
sion Ridge it was in a series of destructive engagements, and was, 



154 DISTORT OF INDIANA. 

after enduring terrible hardships, ordered to Chattanooga, and 
thence to Indianapolis, where it was mustered out the 18th June, 
1^64. — four days after the expiration of its term of service. 

The 16th Regiment, organized under Col. P. A. Hackleman at 
Richmond for one year's service, after participating in many minor 
military events, was mustered out at "Washington, D.C., on the 14th 
of May, ^62. Col. Hackleman was killed at the battle of Inka, 
and Lieutenant-Col. Thomas I. Lucas succeeded to the command. 
It was reorganized at Indianapolis for three years' service, May 27, 
1862, and took a conspicuous part in all the brilliant engagements 
of the war down to June, 1865, when it was mustered out at New 
Orleans. The survivors, numbering 365 rank and file, returned to 
Indianapolis the 10th of July amid the rejoicing of the populace. 

The 17th Regiment was mustered into service at Indianapolis 
the 12th of June, 1861, for three years, under Col. Hascall, who 
on being promoted Brigadier General in March, 1S62, left the 
Colonelcy to devolve on Lieutenant Colonel John T. Wilder. This 
regiment participated in the many exploits of Gen. Reynold's army 
from Green Brier in 1S62, to Macon in 1S65, under Gen. Wilson. 
Returning to Indianapolis the 16th of August, in possession of a 
brilliant record, the regiment was disbanded. 

The ISth Regiment, under Colonel Thomas Pattison, was organ- 
ized at Indianapolis, and mustered into service on the 16th of 
August, 1861. Under Gen. Pope it gained some distinction at 
Blackwater, and succeeded in retaining a reputation made there, 
by its gallantry at Pea Ridge, February, 1862, down to the moment 
when it planted the regimental flag on the arsenal of Augusta, 
Georgia, where it was disbanded August 28, 1S65. 

The 19th Regiment, mustered into three years' service at the 
State capital July 29, ls61, wa3 ordered to join the army of the 
Potomac, and reported its arrival at "Washington, August 9. Two 
days later it took part in the battle of Lewinsville, under Colonel 
Solomon Meredith. Occupying Falls Church in September, 1861, 
it continued to maintain a most enviable place of honor on the 
military roll until its consolidation with the 20th Regiment, October, 
1S64, under Colonel "William Orr, formerly its Lieutenant Colonel. 

The 20th Regiment of La Fayette was organized in July, 1S61, 
mustered into three years' service at Indianapolis on the 22d of the 
same month, and reached the front at Cockeysville, Maryland, 
twelve days later. Throughout &lL its orilliant actions from Hat- 
teras Bank, on the 4th of October, to Clover Hill, 9th of Aprii, 1S65, 



HISTOET OF INDIANA. 155 

including the saving of the United States ship Congress, at New- 
port News, it added daily some new name to its escutcheon. This 
regiment was mustered out at Louisville in July, 1S65, and return- 
ing to Indianapolis was welcomed by the great war Governor of 
their State. 

The 21st Regiment was mustered into service under Colonel I. 
"W". McMillan, July 24, 1861, and reported at the front the third 
day of August. It was the first regiment to enter New Orleans. 
The fortunes of this regiment were as varied as its services, so that 
its name and fame, grown from the blood shed by its members, are 
destined to live and nourish. In December, 1863, the regiment 
was reorganized, and on the 19th February, 1864, many of its 
veterans returned to their State, where Morton received them with 
that spirit of proud gratitude which he was capable of showing to 
those who deserve honor for honors won. 

The 22d Regiment, under Colonel Jeff. C. Davis, left Indian- 
apolis the 15th of August, and was attached to Fremont's Corps at 
St. Louis on the 17th. From the day it moved to the support of 
Colonel Mulligan at Lexington, to the last victory, won under 
General Sherman at Bentonville, on the 19th of March, 1865, it 
gained a high military reputation. After the fall of Johnston's 
southern army, this regiment was mustered out, and arrived at 
Indianapolis on the 16th June. 

The 23d Battalion, commanded by Colonel W. L. Sanderson, 
was mustered in at New Albany, the 29th July, 1861, and moved 
to the front early in August. From its unfortunate marine ex- 
periences before Fort Henry to Bentonville it won unusual honors, 
and after its disbandment at Louisville, returned to Indianapolis 
July 24, 1865, where Governor Morton and General Sherman 
reviewed and complimented the gallant survivors. 

The 24th Battalion, under Colonel Alvin P. Hovey, was 
mustered at Vincennes the 31st of July, 1861. Proceeding imme- 
diately to the front it joined Fremont's command, and participated 
under many Generals in important affairs during the war. Three 
hundred and ten men and officers returned to their State in August, 
1865, and were received with marked honors by the people and 
Executive. 

The 25th Regiment, of Evansville mustered into service there 
for three years under Col. J. C. Veatch, arrived at St. Louis on the 
26th of August, 1S61. During the war this regiment was present 
at 18 battles and skirmishes, sustaining therein a loss of 352 men 



156 BISTORT OF INDIANA. 

and officers. Mustered out at Louisville, July 17, 1S65, it returned 
to Indianapolis on the 21st amid universal rejoicing. 

The 26th Battalion, under W. M. Wheatley, left Indianapolis 
for the front the 7th of September, 1S61, and after a brilliant cam- 
paign under Fremont, Grant, Heron and Smith, may be said to 
disband the 18th of September, 1865, when the non-veterans and 
recruits were reviewed by Morton at the State capital. 

The 27th Regiment, uuder Col. Silas Colgrove, moved from 
Indianapolis to Washington City, September 15th, 1861, and in 
October was allied to Gen. Banks' army. From Winchester 
Heights, the 9th of March 1S62, through all the affairs of General 
Sherman's campaign, it acted a gallant and faithful part, and was 
disbanded immediately after returning to their State. 

The 28th or 1st Cavalry was mustered into service at Evans- 
ville on the 20th of August, 1S61, under Col. Conrad Baker. From 
the skirmish at Iron ton, on the 12th of September, wherein three 
companies under Col. Gavin captured a position held by a 
few rebels, to the battle of the Wilderness, the First Cavalry per- 
formed prodigies of valor. In June and July, 1865, the troops 
were mustered out at Indianapolis. 

The 29th Battalion of La Porte, under Col. J. F. Miller, left 
on the 5th of October, 1861, and reaching Camp Nevin, Kentucky, 
on the 9th, was allied to RoBseau's Brigade, serving with McCook's 
division at Shiloh, with Buell's army in Alabama, Tennessee and 
Kentucky, with Roseucrans at Murfreesboro, at Decatur, Alabama, 
and at Dalton, Georgia. The Twenty-ninth won many laurels, 
and had its Colonel promoted to the rank of Brigadier General. 
This officer was succeeded in the command by Lieutenant-Col. 
I). M. Dunn. 

The 30th Regiment of Fort Wayne, under Col. Sion S. Bass, 
proceeded to the front via Indianapolis, and joined General Rosseau 
at Camp Nevin on the 9th of October, 1861. At Shiloh, Col. 
Bass received a mortal wound, and died a few days later at 
Paducah, leaving the Colonelcy to devolve upon Lieuteuant-Col. J. 
B. Dodge. In October 1865, it formed a battalion of General Sheri- 
dan's army of observation in Texas. 

The 31st Regiment, organized at Terre Haute, under Col. Charles 
Cruft, in September 1861, was mustered in, and left in a few days 
for Kentucky. Present at the reduction of Fort Douelson on the 
13th, 11th, and 15th of February, 1S62, its list of killed and 
wounded proves its desperate fighting qualities. The organization 



HISTOET OF INDIANA. 157 

was subjected to many changes, but in all its phases maintained a 
fair fame won on many battle fields. Like the former regiment, 
it passed into Gen. Sheridan's Army of Observation, and held the 
district of Green Lake. Texas. 

The 32d Regiment of German Infantby, under Col. August 
A\ T illieh. organized at Indianapolis, mustered on the 24th of August, 

1861, served with distinction throughout the campaign. Col. 
"Willich was promoted to the rank of Brigadier-General, andLieut.- 
Col. Henry Von Trebra commissioned to act, under whose com- 
mand the regiment passed into General Sheridan's Arm}', hold- 
ing the post of Salado Creek, until the withdrawal of the corps of 
observation in Texas. 

The 33d Regiment of Indianapolis possesses a military history 
of no small proportions. The mere facts that it was mustered in 
under Col. John Coburn, the 16th of September, won a series of 
distinctions throughout the war district and was mustered out at 
Louisville, July 21, 1S05, taken with its name as one of the most 
powerful regiments engaged in the war, are sufficient here. 

The 34tii Battalion, organized at Anderson on the 16th Sep- 
tember, 1861, under Col. Ashbury Steele, appeared among the in- 
vesting battalions before New Madrid on the 30th of March, 1S62. 
From the distinguished part it took in that siege, down to the 
13th of May, 1S65, when at Palmetto Ranche, near Palo Alto, it 
fought for hours against fearful odds the last battle of the war for 
the Union. Afterwards it marched 250 miles up the Rio Grande, 
and was the first regiment to reoccupy the position, so long in 
Southern hands, of Ringold barracks. In 1865 it garrisoned Bea- 
consville as part of the Army of Observation. 

The 35th or First Irish Regiment, was organized at Indian- 
apolis, and mustered into service on the 11th of December, 1861, 
under Col. John C. Walker. At Nashville, on the 22d of May, 

1862, it was joined by the organized portion of the Sixty-first or 
Second Irish Regiment, and unassigned recruits. Col. Mullen now 
became Lieut.-Colonel of the 35th, and shortly after, its Colonel. 
From the pursuit of Gen. Bragg through Kentucky and the affair 
at Perryville on the 8th of October, 1862, to the terrible hand to 
hand combat at Kenesaw mountain, on the night of the 20th of 
June, 1861, and again from the conclusion of the Atlanta campaign 
to September, 1865, with Gen. Sheridan's army, when it was mus- 
tered out, it won for itself a name of reckless daring and unsur- 
passed gallantry. 



158 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

The 36th Regiment, of Richmond, Ind., under Col. William 
Grose, mustered into service for three years on the 16th of Sep- 
tember, 1861, went immediately to the front, and shared the for- 
tunes of the Army of the Ohio until the 27th of February, 1862, 
when a forward movement led to its presence on the battle-field of 
Shiloh. Following up the honors won at Shiloh, it participated in 
some of the most important actions of the war, and was, in October, 
1S65, transferred to Gen. Sheridan's army. Col. Grose was pro- 
moted in 1864 to the position of Brigadier-General, and the 
Colonelcy devolved on Oliver II. P. Carey, formerly Lieut.-Colonel 
of the regiment. 

The 37th Battaeion, of Lawrenceburg, commanded by Col. 
Geo. W. Hazzard, organized the 18th of September, 1861, left for 
the seat of war early in October. From the eventful battle of 
Stone river, in December, 1S62, to its participation in Sherman's 
march through Georgia, it gained for itself a splendid reputation. 
This regiment returned to, and was present at, Indianapolis, on the 
30th of July, 1865, where a public reception was tendered to men 
and officers on the grounds of the Capitol. 

The 38th Regiment, under Col. Benjamin F. Scribner, was mus- 
tered in at New Albany, on the 18th of September, 1861, and 
in a few days were en route for the front. To follow its continual 
round of duty, is without the limits of this sketch ; therefore, it 
will suffice to say, that on every well-fought field, at least from 
February, 1S62, until its dissolution, on the 15th of July, 1865, it 
earned an enviable renown, and drew from Gov. Morton, on return- 
ing to Indianapolis the 18th of the same mouth, a congratulatory 
address couched in the highest terms of praise. 

The 39th Regiment, ok Eighth Cavalry, was mustered in as 
an infantry regiment, under Col. T. J. Harrison, on the 28th of 
August, 1S61, at the State capital. Leaving immediately for the 
front it took a conspicuous part in all the engagements up to April, 
1S63, when it was reorganized as a cavalry regiment. The record of 
this organization sparkles with great deeds which men will extol 
while language lives; its services to the Union cannot be over esti- 
mated, or the memory of its daring deeds be forgotten by the un- 
happy people who raised the tumult, which culminated in their 
second shame. 

The 40tii Regiment, of Lafayette, under Col. W. C. Wilson, 
subsequently commanded by Col. J. W. Blake, and again by Col. 
Henry Learning, was organized on the 30th of December, 1861, and 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 15J 

at once proceeded to the front,where some time was necessarily spent 
in the Camp of Instruction at Bardstown, Kentucky. In February, 
1862, it joined in Buell's forward movement. During the war the 
regiment shared in all its hardships, participated in all its honors, 
and like many other brave commands took service under Gen. 
Sheridan in his Army of Occupation, holding the post of Port 
Lavaca, Texas, until peace brooded over the land. 

The 41st Regiment or Second Cavalry, the first complete regi- 
ment of horse ever raised in the State, was organized on the 3d of 
September, 18G1, at Indianapolis, under Col. John A. Bridgland, 
and December 16 moved to the front. Its first war experience was 
gained en route to Corinth on the 9th of April, 1862, and at Pea 
Ridge on the 15th. Gallatin, Vinegar Hill, and Perryville, and 
Talbot Station followed in succession, each battle bringing to the 
cavalry untold honors. In May, 1S64, it entered upon a glorious 
career under Gen. Sherman in his Atlanta campaign, and again 
under Gen. Wilson in the raid through Alabama during April, 
1865. On the 22d of July, after a brilliant career, the regiment was 
mustered out at Nashville, and returned at once to Indianapolis for 
discharge. 

The 42d, under Col J. G. Jones, mustered into service at Evans- 
ville, October 9, 1861, and having participated in the principal 
military affairs of the period, Wartrace, Mission Ridge, Altoona, 
Kenesaw, Savannah, Charlestown and Bentonville, was discharged 
at Indianapolis on the 25th of July, 1865. 

The 43d Battalion was mustered in on the 27th of September, 
1861, under Col. George K. Steele, and left Terre Haute enrbute to 
the front within a few days. Later it was al'ied to Gen. Pope's 
corps, and afterwards served with Commodore Foote's marines in 
the reduction of Fort Pillow. It was the first Union regiment to 
enter Memphis. From that period until the close of the war it was 
distinguished for its unexcelled qualifications as a military body, 
and fully deserved the encomiums passed upon it on its return to 
Indianapolis in March, 1865. 

The 44th or the Regiment of the 10th Congressional District 
was organized at Fort Wayne on the 24th of October, 1861, under 
Col. Hugh B. Reed. Two months later it was ordered to the front, 
and arriving in Kentucky, was attached to Gen. Craft's Brigade, 
then quartered at Calhoun. After years of faithful service it was 
mustered out at Chattanooga, the 14th of September, 1S65. 

The 45th, or Third Cavalry, comprised ten companies 



1C.0 HISTOBY OF INiHAXA. 

organized at different periods and for varied services in 1861- 
'62, under Colonel Scott Carter and George H. Chapman. The 
distinguished name won by the Third Cavalry is established in 
every village within the State. Let it suffice to add that after its 
brilliant participation in Gen. Sheridan's raid down the James' 
river canal, it was mustered out at Indianapolis on the 7th of Au- 
gust. 1865. 

The 46th Regiment, organized at Logansport under Colonel 
Graham N. Fitch, arrived in Kentucky the 16th of February, 1862, 
and a little later became attached to Gen. Pope's army, then quar- 
tered at Commerce. The capture of Fort Pillow, and its career 
under Generals Curtis, Palmer, Hovey, Gorman, Grant, Sherman, 
Banks and Burbridge are as truly worthy of applause as ever fell to 
the lot of a regiment. The command was mustered out at Louis- 
ville on the 4th of September, 1S65. 

The 47th was organized at Anderson, under Col. I. P. Slack, early 
in October, 1S62. Arriving at Bardstown, Kentucky, on the 21st 
of December, it was attached to Gen. Buell's army; but within two 
months was assigned to Gen. Pope, under whom it proved the first 
regiment to enter Fort Thompson near New Madrid. In 1864 the 
command visited Indianapolis on veteran furlough and was enthu- 
siastically received by Governor Morton and the people. Return- 
ing to the front it engaged heartily in Gen. Banks' company. In 
December, Col. Slack received his commission as Brigadier-General, 
and was succeeded on the regimental command by Col. J. A. Mc- 
Laughton ; at Shreveport under General Heron it received the sub- 
mission of General Price and his army, and there also was it mus- 
tered out of service on the 23d of October, 1865. 

The 4Sth Regiment, organized at Goshen the 6th of December, 
1861, under Col. Norman Eddy, entered on its duties during the 
siege of Corinth in May, and again in October, 1862. The record 
of this battalion may be said to be unsurpassed in its every feature, 
so that the grand ovation extended to the returned soldiers in 
1865 at Indianapolis, is not a matter for surprise. 

The 49th Regiment, organized at Jeffersonville, under Col. J. "W. 
Ray, and mustered in on the 21st of November, 1861, for service, 
left en route for the camp at Bardstown. A month later it arrived 
at the unfortunate camp-ground of Cumberland Ford, where dis- 
ease carried off a number of gallant soldiers. The regiment, how- 
ever, survived the dreadful scourge and won its laurels on many 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 16X 

a -well-fought field until September, 1865, when it was mustered out 
at Louisville. 

The 50th Eegiment, under Col. Cyrus L. Dunham, organized 
during the month of September, 1861, at Seymour, left en route to 
Bardstown for a course of military instruction. On the 20th of 
August, 1862, a detachment of the 50th, under Capt. Atkinson, was 
attacked by Morgan's Cavalry near Edgefield Junction ; but the 
gallant few repulsed their oft-repeated onsets and finally drove 
them from the field. The regiment underwent many changes in 
organization, and may be said to muster out on the 10th of Septem- 
ber, 1S65. 

TheSlsT Eegiment, under Col. Abel. D. Streight, left Indianap- 
olis on the 11th of December, 1S61, for the South. After a short 
course of instruction at Bardstown, the regiment joined General 
Buell's and acted with great effect during the campaign in Ken- 
tucky and Tennessee. Ultimately it became a participator in the 
work of the Fourth Corps, or Army of Occupation, and held the post 
of San Antonio until peace was doubly assured. 

The 52d Regiment was partially raised at Rushville, and the 
organization completed at Indianapolis, where it was consolidated 
with the Railway Brigade, or 56th Regiment, on the 2d of Feb- 
ruary, 1S62. Going to the front immediately after, it served with 
marked distinction throughout the war, and was mustered out at 
Montgomery on the 10th of September, 1865. Returning to Indian- 
apolis six days later, it was welcomed by Gov. Morton and a most 
enthusiastic reception accorded to it. 

The 53rd Battalion was raised at New Albany, and with the 
addition of recruits raised at Rockport formed a standard regi- 
ment, under command of Col. W. Q. Gresham. Its first duty was 
that of guarding the rebels confined on Camp Morton, but on 
going to the front it made for itself an endurable name. It was mus- 
tered out in July, 1865, and returned to Indiananoplis on the 25th 
of the same month. 

The 51th Regiment was raised at Indianapolis on the 10th of 
June, 1862, for three months' service under Col. D.G.Rose. The 
succeeding two months saw it in charge of the prisoners at Camp 
Morton, and in August it was pushed forward to aid in the defense 
of Kentucky against the Confederate General, Kirby Smith. The 
remainder of its short term of service was given to the cause. On the 
muster out of the three months' service regiment it was reorgan- 



162 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

ized for one year's service and gained some distinction, after which 
it was mustered out in 1S63 at New Orleans. 

The 55th Regiment, organized for three months' service, retains 
the brief history applicable to the first organization of the 54th. 
It was mustered in on the 16th of June, 1S62, under Col. J. R. 
Mahon, disbanded on the expiration of its term and was not reor- 
ganized. 

The 5Gth Regiment, referred to in the sketch of the 52nd, was 
designed to be composed of railroad men, marshalled under J. JVI. 
Smith as Colonel, but owing to the fact that many railroaders had 
already volunteered into other regiments, Col. Smith's volunteers 
were incorporated with the 52nd, and this number left blank in the 
army list. 

The 57th Battalion, actually organized by two ministers of the 
gospel,— the Rev. I. W. T. McMullen and Rev. F. A. Hardin, of 
Richmond, Ind., mustered into service on the ISth of Novem- 
ber, 1861, under the former named reverend gentleman as Colonel, 
who was, however, succeeded by Col. Cyrus C. Haynes, and he in 
turn by G. W. Leonard, "WillisBlanch and John S. McGrath, the 
latter holding command until the conclusion of the war. The 
history of this battalion is extensive, and if participation in a num- 
ber of battles with the display of rare gallantry wins fame, the 57th 
may rest assured of its possession of this fragile yet coveted prize. 
Like many other regiments it concluded its military labors in the 
service of General Sheridan, and held the post of Port Lavaca in 
conjunction with another regiment until peace dwelt in the land. 

The 58th Regiment, of Princeton, was organized there early in 
October, 1861, and was mustered into service under the Colonelcy 
of Henry M. Carr. In December it was ordered to join Gen- 
eral Buell's army, after which it took a share in the various 
actions of the war, and was mustered out on the 25th of July, 18C5, 
at Louisville, having gained a place on the roll of honor. 

The 59th Battalion was raised under a commission issued by 
Gov. Morton to Jesse I. Alexander, creating him Colonel. Owing 
to the peculiarities hampering its organization, Col. Alexander could 
not succeed in having his regiment prepared to muster in before 
the 17th of February, 1862. However, on that day the equipment 
was complete, and on the 18th it left en route to Commerce, where 
on its arrival, it was incorporated under General Pope's command. 
The list of its casualties speaks a history, — no less than 703 men 
were lost during the campaign. The regiment, after a term char- 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 163 

acterized "by distinguished service, was mustered out at Louisville 
on the 17th of July, 1865. 

The 60th Regiment was partially organized under Lieut. -Col. 
Richard Owen at Evansville during November 1861, and perfected 
at Camp Morton during March, 1862. Its first experience was its 
gallant resistance to Bragg's army investing Munfordsville, which 
culminated in the unconditional surrender of its first seven com- 
panies on the 14th of September. An exchange of prisoners took 
place in November, which enabled it to joine the remaining com- 
panies in the field. The subsequent record is excellent, and forms, 
as it were, a monument to their fidelity and heroism. The main 
portion of this battalion was mustered out at Indianapolis, on the 
21st of March, 1S65. 

The 61st was partially organized in December, 1S61, under Col. 
B. F. Mullen. The failure of thorough organization on the 22d of 
May, 1862, led the men and officers to agree to incorporation with 
the 35th Regiment of Volunteers. 

The 62d Battalion, raised under a commission issued to Wil- 
liam Jones, of Rockport, authorizing him to organize this regiment 
in the First Congressional District was so unsuccessful that consoli- 
dation with the 53d Regiment was resolved upon. 

The 63d Regiment, of Covington, under James McManomy, 
Commandant ot Camp, and J. S. Williams, Adjutant, was partially 
organized on the 31st of December, 1861, and may be considered 
on dut}- from its ven' formation. After guarding prisoners at 
Camp Morton and Lafayette, and engaging in battle on Manassas 
Plains on the 30th of August following, the few companies sent 
out in February, 1862, returned to Indianapolis to find six new 
companies raised under the call of July, 1862, ready to embrace 
the fortunes of the 63d. So strengthened, the regiment went forth 
to battle, and continued to lead in the paths of honor and fidelity 
until mustered out in May and June, 1865. 

The 64th Regiment failed in organization as an artillery corps; 
but orders received from the War Department prohibiting the con- 
solidation of independent batteries, put a stop to any further move 
in the matter. However, an infantry regiment bearing the same 
number was afterward organized. 

The 65ru was mustered in at Princeton and Evansville, in July 
and August, 1S62, under Col. J. W. Foster, and left at once en 
route for the front. The record of this battalion is creditable, not 
only to its members, but also to the State which claimed it. Its 






164 DISTORT OF INDIANA. 

last action during the war was on the lSth and 20th of February, 
1865, at Fort Anderson and Town creek, after which, on the 22d 
June, it was disbanded at Greensboro. 

The 66th Regiment partially organized at New Albany, under 
Commandant Roger Martin, was ordered to leave for Kentucky on 
the 19th of August, 1S62, for the defense of that State against the 
incursions of Kirby Smith. After a brilliant career it was mus- 
tered out at Washington on the 3d of June, 1865, after which it 
returned to Indianapolis to receive the thanks of a grateful people. 

The 67th Regiment was organized within the Third Congressional 
District under Col. Frank Emerson, and was ordered to Louisville 
on the 20th of August, 1S62, whence it marched to Munfordville, 
only to share the same fate with the other gallant regiments en- 
gaged against Gen. Bragg's advance. Its roll of honor extends 
down the years of civil disturbance, — always adding garlands, un- 
til Peace called a truce in the fascinating race after fame, and insured 
a term of rest, wherein its memberscould think on comrades forever 
vanished, and temper the sad thought with the sublime mem- 
ories born of that chivalrous fight for the maintenance and integri- 
ty of a great Republic. At Galveston on the 19th of July, 1865, the 
gallant 67th Regiment was mustered out, and returning within a 
lew days to its State received the enthusiastic ovations of her citi- 
zens. 

The 6Sth Regiment, organized at Greensburg under Major Ben- 
jamin C. Shaw, was accepted for general service the 19th of August, 
1862, under Col. Edward A. King, with Major Shaw as Lieutenant 
Colonel; on the 25th its arrival at Lebanon was reported and with- 
in a few days it appeared at the defense of Munfordville; but shar- 
ing in the fate of all the defenders, it surrendered unconditionally to 
Gen. Bragg and did not participate further in the actions of that 
year, nor until after the exchange of prisoners in 1S63. From this 
period it may lay claim to an enviable history extending to the end 
of the war, when it was disembodied. 

The 69th Regiment, of Richmond, Ind., under Col. A. Bickle, 
left for the front on the 20th of August, 1S62, and ten days later 
made a very brilliant 6tand at Richmond, Kentucky, against 
the advance of Gen. Kirby Smith, lusing in the engagement two 
hundred and eighteen men and officers together with its liberty. 
After an exchange of prisoners the regiment was reorganized under 
Col. T. W. Bennett and took the field in December, 1862, under 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 165 

Generals Sheldon, Morgan and Sherman of Grant's army. Chick- 
asaw, Vicksburg, Blakely and many other names testify to the valor 
of the 69th. The remnant of the regiment was in January, 1865, 
formed into a battalion under Oran Perry, and was mustered out in 
July following. 

The 70th Regiment was organized at Indianapolis on the 12th of 
August, 1802, under Col. B. Harrison, and leaving for Louisville on 
the 13th, shared in the honors of Bruce's division at Franklin 
and Russellville. The record of the regiment is brimful of honor. 
It was mustered out at Washington, June 8, 1S65, and received at 
Indianapolis with public honors. 

The 71st ok Sixth Cavalky was organized as an infantry regi- 
ment, at Terre Haute, and mustered into general service at Indian- 
apolis on the 18th of August, 1862, under Lieut. -Col. Melville D. 
Topping. Twelve days later it was engaged outside Richmond, 
Kentucky, losing two hundred and fifteen officers and men, includ- 
ing Col. Topping and Major Conklin, together with three hundred 
and forty-seven prisoners, only 225 escaping death and capture. 
After an exchange of prisoners the regiment was re-formed under 
Col. I. Bittle, but on the 28th of December it surrendered to Gen. 
J. H. Morgan, who attacked its position atMuldraugh's Hill with a 
force of 1,000 Confederates. During September and October, 1863, 
it was organized as a cavalry regiment, won distinction throughout 
its career, and was mustered out the 15th of September, 1S65, at 
Murfreesboro. 

The 77th Regiment was organized at Lafayette, and left en route 
to Lebanon, Kentucky, on the 17th of August, 1862. Under Col. 
Miller it won a series of honors, and mustered out at Nashville on 
the 26th of June, 1S65. 

The 73rd Regiment, under Col. Gilbert Hathaway, was mustered 
in at South Bend on the 16th of August, 1882, and proceeded im- 
mediately to the front. Day's Gap, Crooked Creek, and the high 
eulogies of Generals Rosencrans and Granger speak its long and 
brilliant history, nor were the welcoming shouts of a great people 
and the congratulations of Gov. Morton, tendered to the regiment 
on its return home, in July, 1865, necessary to sustain its well won 
reputation. 

The 74th Regiment, partially organized at Fort Wayne and made 
almost complete at Indianapolis, left for the seat of war on the 22d 
of August, 1862, under Col. Charles W. Chapman. The desperate 
opposition to Gen. Bragg, and the magnificent defeat of Morgan, 



166 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

together with the battles of Dallas, Chattahoochie river, Kenesaw 
and Atlanta, where Lieut. Col. JMyron Baker was killed, all bear evi- 
dence of its never surpassed gallantry. It was mustered out of ser- 
vice on the 9th of June, 1S65, at Washington. On the return of the 
regiment to Indianapolis, the war Governor and people tendered it 
special honors, and gave expression to the admiration and regard 
in which it was held. 

The 75th Eegiment was organized within the Eleventh Congress- 
ional District, and left Wabash, on the 21st of August, 1862, for the 
front, under Col. I. W. Petit. It was the first regiment to enter 
Tullahoma, and one of the last engaged in the battles of the Repub- 
lic. After the submission of Gen. Johnson's army, it was mustered 
out at Washington, on the 8th of June 1865. 

The 76m Battalion was solely organized for thirty days' service 
under Colonel James Gavin, for the purpose of pursuing the rebel 
gnerrilas, who plundered Newburg on the 13th July, 1862. It was 
organized and equipped within forty-eight hours, and during its 
term of service gained the name, " The Avengers of Newburg." 

The 77th, or Fourth Cavalry, was organized at the State capi- 
tal in August, 1S62, under Colonel Isaac P. (Tray. It carved its 
way to fame over twenty battlefields, and retired from service at 
Edgefield, on the 29th June, 1865. 

The 79th Regiment was mustered in at Indianapolis on the 2nd 
September, 1S62, under Colonel Fred Knefler. Its history may be 
termed a record of battles, as the great numbers of battles, from 
1862 to the conclusion of hostilities, were participated in by it. 
The regiment received its discharge on the 11th June, 1865, at 
Indianapolis. During its continued round of field duty it captured 
eighteen guns and over one thousand prisoners. 

The 80th Regiment was organized within the First Congress- 
ional District under Col. C. Denb}'-, and equipped at Indianapolis, 
when, on the 8th of September, 1S62, it left for the front. During 
its term it lost only two prisoners; but its list of casualties sums 
up 325 men and officers killed and wounded. The regiment may 
be said to muster out on the 22nd of June, 1865, at Saulsbury. 

The 81st Regiment, of New Albany, under Colonel W. W. 
Caldwell, was organized on the 29th August, 1862, and proceeded 
at once to join BuelPs headquarters, and join in the pursuit of 
General Bragg. Throughout the terrific actions of the war its 
influence was felt, nor did its labors cease until it aided in driving 
the rebels across the Tennessee. It was disembodied at Nashville 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 167 

on the 13th June, 1S65, and returned to Indianapolis on the 15th, 
to receive the well-merited congratulations of Governor Morton 
and the people. 

The 82nd Regiment, under Colonel Morton C. Hunter, was 
mustered in at Madison, Ind., on the 30th August, 1S62, and 
leaving immediately for the seat of war, participated in many of 
the great battles down to the return of peace. It was mustered out 
at Washington on the 9th June, 1S65, and soon returned to its 
State to receive a grand recognition of its faithful service. 

The 83rd Regiment, of Lawrenceburg, under Colonel Ben. J. 
Spooner, was organized in September, 1862, and soon left en route 
to the Mississippi. Its subsequent history, the fact of its being 
under fire for a total term of 4,800 hours, and its wanderings over 
6,285 miles, leave nothing to be said in its defense. Master of a 
thousand honors, it was mustered out at Louisville, on the 15th 
July, 1S65, and returned home to enjoy a well-merited repose. 

The 84th Regiment was mustered in at Richmond, Ind., on the 
8th September, 1862, under Colonel Nelson Trusler. Its first 
military duty was on the defenses of Covington, in Kentucky, and 
Cincinnati; but after a short time its labors became more con- 
genial, and tended to the great disadvantage of the slaveholding 
enemy on many well-contested fields. This, like the other State 
regiments, won many distinctions, and retired from the service on 
the 14th of June, 1865, at Nashville. 

The 85th Regiment was mustered at Terre Haute, under Colonel 
John P. Bayard, on the 2d September, 1862. On the 4th March, 
1S63, it shared in the unfortunate affair at Thompson's Station, 
when in common with the other regiments forming' Coburn's Bri- 
gade, it surrendered to the overpowering forces of the rebel 
General, Forrest. In June, 1S63, after an exchange, it again took 
the field, and won a large portion of that renown accorded to 
Indiana. It was mustered out on the 12th of June, 1865. 

The 86th Regiment, of La Fayette, left for Kentucky on the 26th 
August, 1S62, lander Colonel OrvilleS. Hamilton, and shared in the 
duties assigned to the 84th. Its record is very creditable, particu- 
larly that portion dealing with the battles of Nashville on the 15th 
and 16th December, 1S64. It was mustered out on the 6th of June, 
1S65, and reported within a few days at Indianapolis for discharge. 

The S7th Regiment, organized at South Bend, under Colonels 
Kline G. Sherlock and N. Gleason, was accepted at Indianapolis 
on the 31st of August, 1862, and left on the same day en route to 



16S HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

the front. From Springfield and Perryville on the 6th and Sth of 
October, 1862, to Mission Ridge, on the 25th of November, 1S63, 
thence through the Atlanta campaign to the surrender of the South- 
ern armies, it upheld a gallant name, and met with a true and en- 
thusiastic welcome - home on the 21st of June, 1865, with a list of 
absent comrades aggregating 451. 

The 8Sth Regiment, organized within the Fourth Congressional 
District, under Col. Geo. Humphrey, entered the service on the 
29th of August, 1862, and presently was found among the front 
ranks in war. It passed through the campaign in brilliant form 
down to the time of Gen. Johnson's surrender to Gen. Grant, after 
which, on the 7th of June, 1865, it was mustered out at Washing- 
ton. 

The 89th Regiment, formed from the material of the 
Eleventh Congressional District, was mustered in at Indianapolis, 
on the 28th of August, 1862, under Col. Chas. D. Murray, and 
after an exceedingly brilliant campaign was discharged by Gov. 
Morton on the 4th of August, 1865. 

The 90th Regiment, or Fifth Cavalry, was organized at 
Indianapolis under the Colonelcy of Felix W. Graham, between 
August and November, 1862. The different companies, joining 
headquarters at Louisville on the 11th of March, 1863, engaged in 
observing the movements of the enemy in the vicinity of Cumber- 
land river until the 19th of April, when a first and successful 
brush was had with the rebels. The regiment had been in 22 en- 
gagements during the term of service, captured 640 prisoners, and 
claimed a list of casualties mounting up to the number of 829. 
It was mustered out on the 16th of June, 1S65, at Pulaski. 

The 91st Battalion, of seven companies, was mustered into 
service at Evansville, the 1st of October, 1S62, under Lieut.-Colonel 
John Mehringer, and in ten days later left for the front. In 
1863 the regiment was completed, and thenceforth took a very 
prominent position in the prosecution of the war. During its ser- 
vice it lost 81 men, and retired from the field on the 26th of June, 
1865. 

The 92d Regiment failed in organizing. 

The 93d Regiment was mustered in at Madison, Ind., on the 
20th of October, 1S62, under Col. De Witt C. Thomas and Lieut.- 
Col. Geo. W. Carr. On the 9th of November it began a move- 
ment south, and ultimately allied itself to Buckland's Brigade of 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 169 

Gen. Sherman's. On the 14th of May it was among the first regi- 
ments to enter Jackson, the capital of Mississippi; was next pres- 
ent at the assault on Vicksburg, and made a stirring campaign 
down to the storming of Fort Blakely on the 9th of April, 1865. 
It was discharged on the 11th of August, that year, at Indianapo- 
lis, after receiving a public ovation. 

The 94th and 95th Regiments, authorized to be formed within 
the Fourth and Firth Congressional Districts, respectively, were 
only partially organized, and so the few companies that could be 
mustered were incorporated with other regiments. 

The 96th Regiment could only bring together three companies, 
in the Sixth Congressional District, and these becoming incorDO- 
rated with the 99th then in process of formation at South Bend, the 
number was left blank. 

The 97th Regiment, raised in the Seventh Congressional Dis- 
trict, was mustered into service at Terre Haute, on the 20th of 
September, 1861, under Col. Robert F. Catterson. Reaching the 
front within a few days, it was assigned a position near Memphis, 
and subsequently joined in Gen. Grant's movement on Vicksburg, 
by overland route. After a succession of great exploits with the 
several armies to which it was attached, it completed its list of 
battles at Bentonville, on the 21st of March, 1S65, and was dis- 
embodied at Washington on the 9th of June following. During its 
term of service the regiment lost 341 men, including the three 
Ensigns killed during the assaults on rebel positions along the 
Augusta Railway, from the loth to the 27th of June, 1864. 

The 98th Regiment, authorized to be raised within the Eighth 
Congressional District, failed in its organization, and the number 
was left blank in the army list. The two companies answering to 
the call of July, 1862, were consolidated with the 100th Regiment 
then being organized at Fort Wayne. 

The 99th Battalion, recruited within the Ninth Congressional 
District, completed its muster on the 21st of October, 1862, under 
.Col. Alex. Fawler, and reported for service a few days later at 
Memphis, where it was assigned to the 16th Army Corps. The va- 
ried vicissitudes through which this regiment passed and its remark- 
able gallantry upon all occasions, have gained for it a fair fame. 
It was disembodied on the 5th of June, 1S65, at Washington, and 
returned to Indianapolis on the 11th of the same month. 

The 100th Regiment, recruited from the Eighth and Tenth 
Congressional Districts, under Col. Sandford J. Stoughton, mustered 



170 



BISTORT OF INDIANA. 



into the service on the 10th of September, left for the front on the 
11th of November, and became attached to the Army of Tennessee 
on the 26th of that month, 1862. The regiment participated in 
twenty-five battles, together with skirmishing during fully one-third 
of its term of service, and claimed a list of casualties mounting up 
to four hundred and sixty-four. It was mustered out of the ser- 
vice at Washington on the 9th of June, and reported at Indianapolis 
for discharge on the 14th of June, 1S65. 

The 101st Regiment was mustered into service at "Wabash on 
the 7th of September, 1862, under Col. "William Garver, and pro- 
ceeded immediately to Covington, Kentucky. Its early experiences 
were gained in the pursuit ofBragg's army and John Morgan's 
cavalry, and these experiences tendered to render the regiment one 
of the most valuable in the war for the Republic. From the defeat 
of John Morgan at Milton on the 18th of March, 1863, to the fall 
of Savannah on the 23rd of September, 1863, the regiment won 
many honors, and retired from the service on the 25th of June, 
1865, at Indianapolis. 

THE MORGAN RAID REGIMENTS — MINUTE MEM. 

The 102d Regiment, organized under Col. Benjamin M. Gregory 
from companies of the Indiana Legion, and numbering six hun- 
dred and twenty-three men and officers, left Indianapolis for the 
front early in July, and reported at North Vernon on the 12th of 
July, 1S63, and having completed a round of duty, returned to In- 
dianapolis on the 17th to be discharged. 

The 103d, comprising seven companies from Hendricks county, 
two from Marion and one from "Wayne counties, numbering 681 
men and officers, under Col. Lawrence S. Shuler, was contemporary 
with the 102d Regiment, varying only in its service by being mus- 
tered out one day before, or on the 16th of July, 1S63. 

The 104th Regiment of Minute Men was recruited from mem- 
bers of the Legion of Decatur, La Fayette, Madison, Marion and Rush 
counties. It comprised 714 men and officers under the command 
of Col. James Gavin, and was organized within forty hours after the 
issue of Governor Morton's call for minute men to protect Indiana 
and Kentucky against the raids of Gen. John H. Morgan's rebel 
forces. After Morgan's escape into Ohio the command returned 
and was mustered out on the ISth of July, 1863. 

The 105th Regiment consisted of seven companies of the Legion 
and three of Minute Men, furnished by Hancock, Union, Randolph, 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 171 

Putnam, Wayne, Clinton and Madison counties. The command 
numbered seven hundred and thirteen men and officers, under Col. 
Sherlock, and took a leading part in the pursuit of Morgan. Re- 
turning on the 18th of July to Indianapolis it was mustered out. 

The 106th Regiment, under Col. Isaac P. Gray, consisted of 
one company of the Legion and nine companies of Minute Men, 
aggregating seven hundred and ninety-two men and officers. The 
counties of Wayne, Randolph, Hancock, Howard, and Marion were 
represented in its rauk and file. Like the other regiments organized 
to repel Morgan, it was disembodied in July, 1863. 

The 107th Regiment, under Col. De Witt C. Rugg, was organ- 
ized in the city of Indianapolis from the companies' Legion, or 
Ward Guards. The successes of this promptly organized regiment 
were unquestioned. 

The 108th Regiment comprised five companies of Minute Men, 
from Tippecanoe county, two from Hancock, and one from each of 
the counties known as Carroll, Montgomery and Wayne, aggregat- 
ing 710 men and officers, and all under the command of Col. W. C. 
Wilson. After performing the only duties presented, it returned 
from Cincinnati on the 18th of July, and was mustered out. 

The 109th Regiment, composed of Minute Men from Coles 
county, 111., La Porte, Hamilton, Miami and Randolph counties, 
Ind., showed a roster of 709 officers and men, under Col. J. R. 
Mahon. Morgan having escaped from Ohio, its duties were at an 
end, and returning to Indianapolis was mustered out on the 17th 
of July, 1863, after seven days' service. 

The 110th Regiment of Minute Men comprised volunteers from 
Henry, Madison, Delaware, Cass, and Monroe counties. The men 
were ready and willing, if not really anxious to go to the front. But 
happily the swift-winged Morgan was driven away, and conse- 
quently the regiment was not called to the field. 

The 111th Regiment, furnished by Montgomery, Lafayette, 
Rush, Miami, Monroe, Delaware and Hamilton counties, number- 
ing 733 men and officers, under Col. Robert Canover, was not 
requisitioned. 

The 112th Regiment was formed from nine companies of Min- 
ute Men, and the Mitchell Light Infantry Company of the Legion. 
Its strength was 703 men and officers, under Col. Hiram F. Iirax- 
ton. Lawrence, Washington, Monroe and Orange counties were 
represented on its roster, and the historic names of North Vernon 
and Sunman's Station on its banner. Returning from tbe South 



172 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

after seven clays' service, it was mustered out oil the 17th of 
July, 1863. 

The 113th Regiment, furnished by Daviess, Martin, Washington, 
and Monroe counties, comprised 526 rank and tile under Col. Geo. 
"W". Burge. Like the 112th, it was assigned to Gen. Hughes' 
Brigade, and defended North Vernon against the repeated attacks 
of John II. Morgan's forces. 

The 114th Regiment was wholly organized in Johnson county, 
under Col. Lambertson, and participated in the aflair of North 
Vernon. Returning on the 21st of July, 1S63, with its brief but 
faithful record, it was disembodied at Indianapolis, 11 days after 
its organization. 

All these regiments were brought into existence to meet an 
emergency, and it must be confessed, that had not a sense of 
duty, military instinct and love of country animated these regi- 
ments, the rebel General, John II. Morton, and his 6,000 cavalry 
would doubtless have carried destruction as far as the very capital 
of their State. 

six months' regiments. 

The 115th Regiment, organized at Indianapolis in answer to the 
call of the President in June, 1S63, was mustered into service on 
the 17th of August, under Col. J. R. Mahon. Its service was short 
but brilliant, and received its discharge at Indianapolis the 10th 
of February, 18G4. 

The 116th Regiment, mustered in on the 17th of August, 1863, 
moved to Detroit, Michigan, on the 30th, under Col. Charles "Wise. 
During October it was ordered to Nicholasville, Kentucky, where it 
was assigned to Col. Mahon's Brigade, and with Gen. Willcox's 
entire command, joined in the forward movement to Cumberland 
Gap. After a term on severe duty it returned to Lafayette and 
there was disembodied on the 24th of February, 1864, whither Gov. 
Morton hastened, to share in the ceremonies of welcome. 

The 117th Regiment of Indianapolis was mustered into service 
on the 17th of September, 1S63, under Col. Thomas J. Brady. 
After surmounting every obstacle opposed to it, it returned on the 
6th of February, 1S64, and was treated to a public reception on 
the 9th. 

The IISth Regiment, whose organization was completed on the 
3d of September, 1S63, under Col. Geo. W. Jackson, joined the 
116th at Nicholasville, and sharing in its fortunes, returned to the 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 1 7: 1 , 

State capital on the 14th of February, 1S64. Its casualties were 
comprised in a list of 15 killed and wounded. 

The 119th, or Seventh Cavalry, was recruited under Col. John 
P. C. Shanks, and its organization completed on the 1st of Octo- 
ber, 1S63. The rank and file numbered 1,213, divided into twelve 
companies. On the 7th of December its arrival at Louisville was 
reported, and on the 14th it entered on active service. After the 
well-fought battle of Guntown, Mississippi, on the 10th of June, 
1864, although it only brought defeat to our arms, General Grier- 
son addressed the Seventh Cavalry, saying: " Your General con- 
gratulates you upon your noble conduct during the late expedition. 
Fighting against overwhelming numbers, under adverse circum- 
stances, your prompt obedience to orders and unflinching courage 
commanding the admiration of all, made even defeat almost a vic- 
tory. For hours on foot you repulsed the charges of the enemies' in- 
fantry, and again in the saddle you met his cavalry and turned his 
assaults into confusion. Your heroic perseverance saved hundreds 
of your fellow-soldiers from capture. You have been faithful to 
your honorable reputation, and have fully justified the confidence, 
and merited the high esteem of your commander." 

Early in 1S65, a number of these troops, returning from impris- 
onment in Southern bastiles, were lost on the steamer "Sultana." 
The survivors of the campaign continued in the service for a long 
period after the restoration of peace, and finally mustered out. 

The 120th Regiment. In September, 1S63, Gov. Morton re- 
ceived authority from the War Department to organize eleven regi- 
ments within the State for three years' service. By April, 1864, 
this organization was complete, and being transferred to the com- 
mand of Brigadier General Alvin P, Ilovey, were formed by him. 
into a division for service with the Army of Tennessee. Of those 
regiments, the 120th occupied a very prominent place, both on ac- 
count of its numbers, its perfect discipline and high reputation. 
It was mustered in at Columbus, and was in all the great battles 
of the latter years of the war. It won high praise from friend 
and foe, and retired with its bright roll of honor, after the success 
of Right and Justice was accomplished. 

The 121st, or Ninth Cavalry, was mustered in March 1, 1S64, 
under Col. George W. Jackson, at Indianapolis, and though not 
numerically strong, was so well equipped and possessed such excel- 
lent material that on the 3rd of May it was ordered to the front. 
The record of the 121st, though extending over a brief period, is 



174: HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

pregnant with deeds of war of a high character. On the 26th of 
April, 1805, these troops, while returning from their labors in the 
South, lost 55 men, owing to the explosion of the engines of the 
steamer " Sultana." The return of the 3S6 survivors, on the 5th of 
September, 1S65, was hailed with joy, and proved how well and 
dearly the citizens of Indiana loved their soldiers. 

The 122d Regiment ordered to be raised in the Third Congres- 
sional District, owing to very few men being then at home, failed 
in organization, and the regimental number became a blank. 

The 123d Regiment was furnished by the Fourth and Seventh 
Congressional Districts during the winter of 1863-'64, and mus- 
tered, March 9, 1864, at Greensburg, under Col. John C. McQuis- 
ton. The command left for the front the same day, and after win- 
ning rare distinction during the last years of the campaign, par- 
ticularly in its gallantry at Atlanta, and its daring movement to 
escape Forrest's 15,000 rebel horsemen near Franklin, this regi- 
ment was discharged on the 30th of August, 1865, at Indianapolis, 
being mustered out on the 25th, at Raleigh, North Carolina. 

The 121th Regiment completed its organization by assuming 
three companies raised for the 125th Regiment (which was intended 
to be cavalry), and was mustered in at Richmond, on the 10th of 
March, 1864, under Colonel James Burgess, and reported at Louis- 
ville within nine days. From Buzzard's Roost, on the Sth of May, 
1S64, under General Schotield, Lost Mountain in June, and the 
capture of Decatur, on the 15th July, to the 21st March, 1865, in 
its grand advance under General Sherman from Atlanta to the 
coast, the regiment won many laurel wreaths, and after a brilliant 
campaign, was mustered out at Greensboro on the 31st August, 
1865. 

The 125th, or Tenth Cavalry, was partially organized during 
November and December, 1862, at Vincennes, and in February, 
1S63, completed its numbers and equipment at Columbus, under 
Colonel T. M. Pace. Early in May its arrival in Nashville was 
reported, and presently assigned active service. During September 
and October it engaged rebel contingents under Forrest and Hood, 
and later in the battles of Nashville, Reynold's Hill and Sugar 
Creek, and in 1865 Flint River, Courtland and Mount Hope. The 
explosion of the Sultana occasioned the loss of thirty-five men with 
Captain Gaffney and Lieutenants Twigg and Reeves, and in a 
collision on the Nashville & Louisville railroad, May, 1S64, lost 
live men killed and several wounded. After a term of service un- 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 175 

surpassed for its utility and character it was disembodied at Vicks- 
burg, Mississippi, on the 31st August, 1865, and returning to 
Indianapolis early in September, was welcomed by the Executive 
and people. 

The 126th, or Eleventh Cavalry, was organized at Indian- 
apolis under Colonel Robert R. Stewart, on the 1st of March, 1864, 
and left in May for Tennessee. It took a very conspicuous part in 
the defeat of Hood near Nashville, joining in the pursuit as far as 
Gravelly Springs, Alabama, where it was dismounted and assigned 
infantry duty. In June, 1S65, it was remounted at St. Louis, and 
moved to Fort lii ley, Kansas, and thence to Leavenworth, where it 
was mustered out on the 19th September, 1865. 

The 127th, or Twelfth Cavalry, was partially organized at 
Kendallville, in December, 1863, and perfected at the same place, 
under Colonel Edward Anderson, in April, 1S6L Reaching the 
front in May, it went into active service, took a prominent part in 
the march through Alabama and Georgia, and after a service bril- 
liant in all its parts, retired from the field, after discharge, on the 
22d of November, 1S65. 

The 128th Regiment was raised in the Tenth Congressional Dis- 
trict of the period, and mustered at Michigan City, under Colonel 
R. P. De Hart, on the 18th March, 1864. On the 25th it was 
reported at the front, and assigned at once to Schofield's Division. 
The battles of Resaca, Dallas, New Hope Church, Lost Mountain, 
Kenesaw, Atlanta, Jonesboro, Dalton, Brentwood Hills, Nashville, 
and the six days' skirmish of Columbia, were all participated in by 
the 128th, and it continued in service long after the termination 
of hostilities, holding the post of Raleigh, North Carolina. 

The 129th Regiment was, like the former, mustered in at 
Michigan City about the same time, under Colonel Charles Case, 
and moving to the front on the 7th April, 1S64, shared in the for- 
tunes of the 128th until August 29, 1865, when it was disembodied 
at Charlotte, Notrh Carolina. 

The 130th Regiment, mustered at Kokomo on the 12th March, 
1864, under Colonel C. S. Parrish, left en route to the seat of war 
on the 16th, and was assigned to the Second Brigade, First Division, 
Twenty-third Army Corps, at Nashville, on the 19th. During the 
war it made for itself a brilliant history, and returned to Indian- 
apolis with its well-won honors on the 13th December, 1865. 

The 131st, or Thirteenth Cavalry, under Colonel G. M L. 
Johnson, was the last mounted regiment recruited within the State. 



176 



IIISTORT OF INDIANA. 



It left Indianapolis on the 30th of April, 1864, in infantry trim, 
and gained its first honors on the 1st of October in its magnificent 
defense of Huntsville, Alabama, against the rebel division of 
General Bnford, following a line of first-rate military conduct to 
the end. In January, 1S65, the regiment was remounted, won 
some distinction in its modern form, and was mustered out at 
Vicksburg on the 18th of November, 18G5. The morale and 
services of the regiment were such that its Colonel was promoted 
Brevet Brigadier-General in consideration of its merited honors. 

THE ONE HUNDRED-DATS VOLUNTEERS. 

Governor Morton, in obedience to the offer made under his auspices 
to the general Government to raise volunteer regiments for one hnn- 
dred days' service, issued his call on the 23rd of April, 1864. This 
movement suggested itself to the inventive genius of the war Gov- 
ernor as a most important step toward the subjection or annihila- 
tion of the military supporters of slavery within a year, and thus 
conclude a war. which, notwithstanding its holy claims to the name 
of Battles for Freedom, was becoming too protracted, and proving 
too detrimental to the best interests of the Union. In answer to 
the esteemed Governor's call eight regiments came forward, and 
formed The Grand Division of the Volunteers. 

The 132d Regiment, under Col. S. C. Vance, was furnished by 
Indianapolis, Shelbyville, Franklin and Danville, and leaving on 
the 18th of May, 1S64, reached the front where it joined the forces 
acting in Tennessee. 

The 133d Regiment, raised at Richmond on the 17th of May, 
1S64, under Col. R. N. Hudson, comprised nine companies, and 
followed the 132d. 

The 134th Regiment, comprising seven companies, was organ- 
ized at Indianapolis on the 25th of Maj, 1S64, under Col. James 
Gavin, and proceeded immediately to the front. 

The 135th Regiment was raised from the volunteers of Bedford, 
Noblesville and Goshen, with seven companies from the First Con- 
gressional District, under Col. TV. C. Wilson, on the 25th of May, 
1864, and left at once en route to the South. 

The ISGtii Regiment comprised ten companies, raised in the 
same districts as those contributing to the 135th, under Col. J. TV. 
Foster, and left for Tennessee on the 24th of Ma}% 1864. 

The 137th Regiment, under Col. E. J. Robinson, comprising 
volunteers from Kokomo, Zanesviile, Medora, Sullivan, Rockville, 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 177 

and Owen and Lawrence counties, left en route to Tennessee on the 
28th of May, 1S64, haying completed organization the day previous. 

The IoSth Regiment was formed of seven companies from the 
Ninth, with three from the Eleventh Congressional District (un- 
reformed), and mustered in at Indianapolis on the 27th of May, 
1S64, under Col. J. H. Shannon. This fine regiment was re- 
ported at the front within a few days. 

The 139th Regiment, under Col. Geo. Humphrey, was raised from 
volunteers furnished by Kendallville, Lawrenceburg, EHzaville, 
Knightstown, Connersville, Newcastle, Portland, Vevay, New 
Albany, Metamora, Columbia City, New Haven and New Phila- 
delphia. It was constituted a regiment on the 8th of June, 1864, 
and appeared among the defenders in Tennessee during that month. 

All these regiments gained distinction, and won an enviable po- 
sition in the glorious history of the war and the no less glorious 
one of their own State in its relation thereto. 

the president's call of JULY, 1864. 

The 140th Regiment was organized with many others, in response 
to the call of the nation. Under its Colonel, Thomas J. Brady, it pro- 
ceeded to the South on the 15th of November, 1S64. Having taken 
a most prominent part in all the desperate struggles, round Nash- 
ville and Murfreesboro in 1864, to Town Creek Bridge on the 20th 
of February, 1865, and completed a continuous round of severe duty 
to the end, arrived at Indianapolis for discharge on the 21st of J u!y, 
where Governor Morton received it with marked honors. 

The 141st Regiment was only partially raised, and its few com- 
panies were incorporated with Col Brady's command. 

The 142d Regiment was recruited at Fort Wayne, under Col. I. 
M. Comparet, and was mustered into service at Indianapolis on the 
d of November, 1864. After a steady and exceedingly effective 
service, it returned to Indianapolis on the 16th of July, 1865. 

THE PRESIDENT'S CALL OF DECEMBER, 1864, 

Was answered by Indiana in the most material terms. No less 
than fourteen serviceable regiments were placed at the disposal of 
the General Government. 

The 143d Regiment was mustered in, under Col J. T. Grill, on 
the 21st February, 1865, reported at Nashville on the 24th, and af- 
ter a brief but. brilliant service returned to the State on the 21st 
October, 1865. 



178 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

The 144th Regiment, under Col. G. W. Riddle, was mastered in 
on the 6th March, 1S65, left on the 9th for Harper's Ferry, took an 
effective part in the close of the campaign and reported at Indian- 
apolis for discharge on the 9th August, 1S65. 

The 145th Regiment, under Col. W. A. Adams, left Indianapolis 
on the lSth of February, 1S65, and joining Gen. Steadman's division 
at Chattanooga on the 23d was sent on active service. Its duties 
were discharged with rare fidelity until mustered out in January, 
186G. 

The 116th Regiment, under Col. M. C. Welsh, left Indianapolis 
on the llth of March en route to Harper's Ferry, where it was as- 
signed to the army of the Shenandoah. The duties ot this regiment 
were severe and continuous, to the period of its muster out at Bal- 
timore on the 31st of August, 1865. 

The 117th Regiment, comprised among other volunteers from 
Benton, Lafayette and Henry counties, organized under Col. Milton 
Peden on the 13th of March, 1865, at Indianapolis. It shared a 
fortune similar to that of the 146th, and returned for discharge on 
the 9th of August, 1S65. 

The 148th Regiment, under Col. N. R. Ruckle, left the State 
capital on the 28th of February, 1865, and reporting at Nashville, 
was sent on guard and garrison duty into the heart of Tennessee. 
Returning to Indianapolis on the 8th of September, it received a 
final discharge. 

The 149th Regiment was organized at Indianapolis by Col. W. 
H. Fairbanks, and left on the 3d of March, 1865, for Tennessee, 
where it had the honor of receiving the surrender of the rebel 
forces, and military stores of Generals Roddy and Polk. The reg- 
iment was welcomed home by Morton on the 29th of September. 

The 150th Regiment, under Col. M. B. Taylor, mustered in on the 
9th of March, 1865, left for the South on the 13th and reported at 
Harper's Ferry on the 17th. This regiment did guard duty at 
Charleston, Winchester, Stevenson Station, Gordon's Springs, and 
after a service characterized by utility, returned on the 9th of ,' 
August to Indianapolis for discharge. 

The 151st Regiment, under Col. J. Healy, arrived at Nashville on 
the 9th of March, 1865. On the 14th a movement on Tullahoma 
was undertaken, and three months later returned to Nashville for 
garrison duty to the close of the war. It was mustered out on the 
22d of September, 1S65. 

The 152d Regiment was organized at Indianapolis, under Col. 



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HISTORY OF INDIANA. 181 

W. W Griswold, and left for Harper's Ferry on the 18th of March, 
1865. It was attached to the provisional divisions of Shenandoah 
Army, and engaged until the 1st of September, when it was dis- 
charged at Indianapolis. 

The 153d Regiment was organized at Indianapolis on the 1st of 
March, 1865, under Col. O. H. P. Carey. It reported at Louis- 
ville, and by order of Gen. Palmer, was held on service in Ken- 
tucky, where it was occupied in the exciting but very dangerous 
pastime of fighting Southern guerrillas. Later it was posted at 
Louisville, until mustered out on the 4th of September, 1865. 

The 154th Regiment, organized under Col. Frank Wilcox, left 
Indianapolis under Major Simpson, for Parkersburg, W. Virginia, 
on the 28th of April, 1865. It was assigned to guard and garrison 
duty until its discharge on the 4th of August, 1865. 

The 155th Regiment, recruited throughout the State, left on the 
26th of April for Washington, and was afterward assigned to a 
provisional Brigade of the Ninth Army Corps at Alexandria. The 
companies of this regiment were scattered over the country, — at 
Dover, Centreville, Wilmington, and Salisbury, but becoming re- 
united on the 4th of August, 1S65, it was mustered out at Dover, 
Delaware. 

The 156th Battalion, under Lieut-Colonel Charles M. Smith, 
left en route to the Shenandoah Valley on the 27th of April, 1865, 
where it continued doing guard duty to the period of its muster 
out the 4th of August, 1865, at Winchester, Virginia. 

On the return of these regiments to Indianapolis, Gov. Morton 
and the people received them with all that characteristic cordiality 
and enthusiasm peculiarly their own. 

INDEPENDENT CAVALRY COMPANY OF INDIANA VOLUNTEERS. 

The people of Crawford county, animated with that inspiriting 
patriotism which the war drew forth, organized this mounted com- 
pany on the 25th of July, 1863, and placed it at the disposal of 
the Government, and it was mustered into service by order of the 
War Secretary, on the 13th of August, 1863, under Captain L. 
Lamb. To the close of the year it engaged in the laudable pursuit 
of arresting deserters and enforcing the draft; however, on the 
18th of January, 1S64, it was reconstituted and incorporated with 
the Thirteenth Cavalry, with which it continued to serve until the 
treason of Americans against America was conquered. 



182 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 



OUR COLORED TROOPS. 



The 2Stii Regiment of Colored Troops was recruited through- 
out the State of Indiana, and under Lieut. -Colonel Charles S. 
Russell, left Indianapolis for the fronton the 24th of April, 1864. 
The regiment acted very well in its first engagement with the 
rebels at White House, Virginia, and again with Gen. Sheridan's 
Cavalry, in the swamps of the Chickahominy. In the battle of 
the "Crater," it lost half its roster; but their place was soon filled 
by other colored recruits from the State, and Russell promoted to 
the Colonelcy, and afterward to Brevet Brigadier-General, when he 
was succeeded in the command by Major Thomas II. Logan. 
During the few months of its active service it accumulated quite a 
history, and was ultimately discharged, on the 8th of January, 
1866, at Indianapolis. 

BATTERIES OF LIGHT ARTILLERY. 

First Battery, organized at Evansville, under Captain Martin 
Klauss, and mustered in on the 16th of August, 1861, joined Gen. 
Fremont's army immediately, and entering readily upon its salu- 
tary course, aided in the capture of 950 rebels and their position 
at Blackwater creek. On March the 6th, 1S62 at Elkhorn Tavern, 
and on the 8th at Pea Ridge, the battery performed good service. 
Port Gibson, Champion Hill, Jackson, the Techc country, Sabine 
Cross Roads, Grand Encore, all tell of its efficacy. In 1864 it was 
subjected to reorganization, when Lawrence Jacoby was raised to 
the Captiancy, vice Klauss resigned. After a long term of useful 
service, it was mustered out at Indianapolis on the 18th of August, 
1865. 

Second Battery was organized, under Captain D. G. Rabb, at 
Indianapolis on the 9th of August, 1S61, and one month later pro- 
ceeded to the front. It participated in the campaign against Col. 
Coffee's irregular troops and the rebellious Indians of the Cherokee 
nation. From Lone Jack, Missouri, to Jenkin's Ferry and Fort 
Smith it won signal honors until its reorganization in 1864, and 
even after, to June, 1S65, it maintained a very fair reputation. 

The Third Battery, under Capt. W. W. Frybarger, was organ- 
ized and mustered in at Connersville on the 24th of August, 1861, 
and proceeded immediately to join Fremont's Army of the Mis- 
souri. Moon's Mill, Kirksville, Meridian, Fort de Russy, Alex- 
andria, Round Lake, Tupelo, Clinton and Tallahatchie are names 



HISTORY OF INDIANA, 1S3 

which may be engraven on its guns. It participated in the affairs 
before Nashville on the 15th and 16th of December, 1864, when 
General Hood's Arm)' was put to route, and at Fort Blakely, out- 
side Mobile, after which it returned home to report for discharge, 
August 21, 1S65. 

The Fourth Battery, recruited in La Porte, Porter and Lake 
counties, reported at the front early in October, 1801, and at once 
assumed a prominent place in the army of Gen. Buell. Again 
under Rosencraus and McCook and under General Sheridan at 
Stone River, the services of this battery were much praised, and it 
retained its well-earned reputation to the very day of its muster out 
— the 1st of August, 1865. Its first organization was completed 
under Capt. A. K. Bush, and reorganized in Oct., 1864, under Capt 
B. F. Johnson. 

The Fifth Battery was furnished by La Porte, Allen, Whitley 
and Noble counties, organized under Capt. Peter Simonson, and mus- 
tered into service on the 22d of November, 1861. It comprised 
four six pounders, two being rifled cannon, and two twelve-pounder 
Howitzers with a force of 15S men. Reporting at Camp Gil- 
bert, Louisville, on the 29th, it was shortly after assigned to the 
division of Gen. Mitchell, at Bacon Creek. During its term, it 
served in twenty battles and numerous petty actions, losing its Cap- 
tain at Pine Mountain. The total loss accruing to the battery was 
84 men and officers and four guns. It was mustered out on the 
20th of July, 1864. 

The Sixth Battery was recruited at Evansville^ under Captain 
Frederick Behr, and left, on the 2d of Oct., 1861, for the front, 
reporting at Henderson, Kentucky, a few days after. Early in 
1S62 it joined Gen. Sherman's army at Paducah, and participated 
in the battle of Shiloh, on the 6th of April. Its history grew in 
brilliancy until the era of peace insured a cessation of its great 
labors. 

The Seventh Battery comprised volunteers from Terre Haute, 
Arcadia, Evausville, Salem, Lawrenceburg, Columbus, Vin- 
cennes and Indianapolis, under Samuel J. Harris as its first 
Captain, who was succeeded by G. R. Shallow and O. H. Mor- 
gan after its reorganization. From the siege of Corinth to the 
capture of Atlanta it performed vast services, and returned to 
Indianapolis on the 11th of July, 1865, to be received by the peo- 
ple and hear its history from the lips of the veteran patriot and 
Governor of the State. 



1S4 BISTORT OF INDIANA. 

The Eighth Battery, under Captain G. T. Cochran, arrived at 
the front on the 26th of February, 1S62, and subsequently entered 
upon its real duties at the siege of Corinth. It served with dis- 
tinction throughout, and concluded a well-made campaign under 
"Will Stokes, who was appointed Captain of the companies with 
which it was consolidated in March, 1S65. 

The Xinth Battery. The organization of this battery was 
perfected at Indianapolis, on the 1st of January, 1S62, under Capt. 
!N. S. Thompson. Moving to the front it participated in the affairs 
of Shiloh, Corinth, Queen's Hill, Meridian, Fort Dick Taylor, Fort 
de Russy, Henderson's Hill, Pleasant Hill, Cotile Landing, Bayou 
Rapids, Mansura, Chicot, and many others, winning a name in 
each engagement. The explosion of the steamer Eclipse at Johnson- 
ville, above Paducah, on Jan. 27, 1S65, resulted in the destruction of 
5S men, leaving only ten to represent the battery. The survivors 
reached Indianapolis on the 6th of March, and were mustered out. 

The Tenth Battery was recruitefl at Lafayette, and mustered in 
under Capt. Jerome B. Cox, in January, 1S61. Having passed 
through the Kentucky campaign against Gen. Bragg, it partici- 
pated in man}" of the great engagements, and finally returned to 
report for discharge on the 6th of July, 1864, having, in the mean- 
time, won a veiy fair fame. 

The Eleventh Battery was organized at Lafayette, and mus- 
tered in at Indianapolis under Capt. Arnold Sutermeister, on the 
17th of December, 1861. On most of the principal battle-fields, 
from Shiloh, in 1862, to the capture of Atlanta, it maintained a high 
reputation for military excellence, and after consolidation with the 
Eighteenth, mustered out on the 7th of June, 1S65. 

The Twelfth Battery was recruited at Jeffersonville and sub- 
sequently mustered in at Indianapolis. On the 6th of March, 1862, 
it reached Nashville, having been previously assigned to Buell's 
Army. In April its Captain, G. W. Sterling, resigned, and the 
position devolved on Capt. James E. White, who, in turn, was suc- 
ceeded by James A. Dunwoody. The record of the battery holds 
a first place in the history of the period, and enabled both men and 
officers to look back with pride upon the battle-fields of the land. 
It was ordered home in June, 1S65, and on reaching Indianapolis, 
on the 1st of July, was mustered out on the 7th of that month. 

The Thirteenth Battery was organized under Captain Sewell 
Coulson, during the winter of 1S61, at Indianapolis, and proceeded 
to the front in February, 1S62. During the subsequent, months it 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 



1S5 



was occupied in the pursuit of John H. Morgan's raiders, and 
aided effectively in driving them from Kentucky. This artillery 
company returned from the South on the 4th of July, 1S65, and 
were discharged the day following. 

The Fourteenth Battery, recruited in "Wabash, Miami, Lafay- 
ette, and Huntington counties, under Captain M. H. Kidd, and 
Lieutenant J. W. H. McGuire, left Indianapolis on the 11th of 
April, 1SC2, and within a few months one portion of it was cap- 
tured at Lexington by Gen. Forrest's great cavalry command. The 
main battery lost two guns and two men at Guntown, on the Mis- 
sissippi, but proved more successful at Nashville and Mobile. It 
arrived home on the 29th of August, 1865, received a public wel- 
come, and its final discharge. 

The Fifteenth Battery, under Captain I. C. H. Yon Sehlin, 
was retained on duty from the date of its organization, at Indian- 
apolis, until the 5th of July, 1S62, when it was moved to Harper's 
Ferry. Two months later the gallant defense of Maryland Heights 
was set at naught by the rebel Stonewall Jackson, and the entire 
garrison surrendered. Being paroled, it was reorganized at Indian- 
apolis, and appeared again in the field in March, 1863, where it 
won a splendid renown on every well-fought field to the close of 
the war. It was mustered out on the 24th of June, 1865. 

The Sixteenth Battery was organized at Lafayette, under 
Capt. Charles A. Naylor, and on the 1st of June, 1862, left for 
Washington. Moving to the front with Gen. Pope's command, it 
participated in the battle of Slaughter Mountain, on the 9th of 
August, and South Mountain, and Antietam, under Gen. McClel- 
lan. This battery was engaged in a large number of general en- 
gagements and flying column affairs, won a very favorable record, 
and returned on the 5th of July, 1865. 

The Seventeenth Battery, under Capt. Milton L. Miner, was 
mustered in at Indianapolis, on the 20th of May, 1862, left for the 
front on the 5th of July, and subsequently engaged in the Gettys- 
burg expedition, was present at Harper's Ferry, July 6, 1863, and 
at Opequan on the 19th of September. Fisher's Hill, New Mar- 
ket, and Cedar Creek brought it additional honors, and won from 
Gen. Sheridan a tribute of praise for its service on these battle 
grounds. Ordered from Winchester to Indianapolis it was mus- 
tered out there on the 3d of July, 1S65. 

The Eighteenth Battery, under Capt. Eli Lilly, left for the 



186 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

front in August, 1862, but did not take a leading part in the cam- 
paign until 1863, when, under Gen. Rosencrans, it appeared prom- 
inent at Hoover's Gap. From this period to the affairs of "West 
Point and Macon, it performed first-class service, and returned to 
its State on the 25th of June, 1S65. 

The Nineteenth Battery was mustered into service at Indian- 
apolis, on the 5th of August, 1S62, under Capt. S. J. Harris, and 
proceeded immediately afterward to the front, where it participated 
in the campaign against Gen. Bragg. It was present at every post 
of danger to the end of the war, when, after the surrender of John- 
son's army, it returned to Indianapolis. Reaching that city on 
the 6th of June, 1865, it was treated to a public reception and 
received the congratulations of Gov. Morton. Four days later it 
was discharged. 

The Twentieth Battery, organized under Capt. Frank A. Rose, 
left the State capital on the 17th of December, 1862, for the front, 
and reported immediately at Henderson, Kentucky. Subsequently 
Captain Rose resigned, and, in 1S63, under Capt. Osborn, turned 
over its guns to the 11th Indiana Battery, and was assigned to the 
charge of siege guns at Nashville. Gov. Morton had the battery 
supplied with new field pieces, and by the 5th of October, 1S63, it 
was again in the field, where it won many honors under Sherman, 
and continued to exercise a great influence until its return on the 
23d of June, 1S65. 

The Twenty-first Battery recruited at Indianapolis, under the 
direction of Captain "W. W. Andrew, left on the 9th of September, 
1862, for Covington, Kentucky, to aid in its defense against the 
advancing forces of Gen. Kirby Smith. It was engaged in numerous 
military affairs and may be said to acquire many honors, although 
its record is stained with the names of seven deserters. The battery 
was discharged on the 21st of June, 1865. 

The Twenty-second Battery was mustered in at Indianapolis 
on the 15th of December, 1862, under Capt. B. F. Denning, and 
moved at once to the front. It took a very conspicuous part in the 
pursuit of Morgan's Cavalry, and in many other affairs. It threw 
the first shot into Atlanta, and lost its Captain, who was killed in 
the skirmish line, on the 1st of July. While the list of casualties 
numbers only 35, that of desertions numbers 37. This battery was 
received with public honors on its return, the 25th of June, 1S65, 
and mustered out on the 7th of the same month. 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. IS 7 

The Twenty-third Battery, recruited in October 1S62, and 
mustered in on the Sth of November, under Capt. I. II. Myers, pro- 
ceeded south, after having rendered very efficient services at home 
in guarding the camps of rebel prisoners. In Jul)', 1S65, the battery 
took an active part, under General Boyle's command, in routing 
and capturing the raiders at Brandenburgh, and subsequently to 
the close of the war performed very brilliant exploits, reaching 
Indianapolis in June, 1865. It was discharged ou the 27th of that 
month. 

The Twenty-fourth Battery, under Capt. I. A. Simms, was 
enrolled for service on the 29th of November, 1S62; remained 
at Indianapolis on duty until the 13thof March, 1S63, when 
it left for the field. From its participation in the Cumberland 
River campaign, to its last engagement at Columbia, Tennessee, it 
aided materially in bringing victory to the Union ranks and made 
for itself a widespread fame. Arriving at Indianapolis on the 2Sth 
of July, it was publicly received, and in five days later disembodied. 

The Twenty-fifth Battery was recruited in September and Oc- 
tober, 1864, and mustered into service for one year, under Capt. 
Frederick C. Sturm. December 13th, it reported at Nashville, and 
took a prominent part in the defeat of Gen. Hood's army. Its 
duties until July, 1,865, were continuous, when it returned to 
report for final discharge. 

The Twenty-sixth Battery, or " "Wilder's Battery," was re- 
cruited under Capt. I. T. Wilder, of Greensburg, in May, 1861; but 
was not mustered in as an artillery company. Incorporating itself 
with a regiment then forming at Indianapolis it was mustered as 
company "A," of the 17th Infantry, with Wilder as Lieutenant- 
Colonel of the regiment. Subsequently, at Elk Water, Virginia, 
it was converted into the ''First Independent Battery," and became 
known as " Rigby's Battery." The record of this battery is as 
brilliant as any won during the war. On every field it has won a 
distinct reputation; it was well worthy the enthusiastic reception 
given to it on its return to Indianapolis on the 11th and 12th of 
July, 1865. During its term of service it was subject to many 
transmutations; but in every phase of its brief history, areputation 
for gallantry and patriotism was maintained which now forms a 
living testimonial to its services to the public. 

The total number of battles in the " War of the Rebellion " in 
which the patriotic citizens of the great and noble State of Indiana 
were more or less engaged, was as follows: 



1S8 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 



Locality. No. of Battles. Locality. No. of Battles. 

Virginia 90 Maryland 7 

Tennessee 01 Texas 3 

Georgia. 41 South Carolina 2 

Mississippi 24 Indian Territory 2 

Arkansas 1!) Pennsylvania 1 

Kentucky 16 Ohio > 1 

Louisana 15 Indiana 1 

Missouri 9 

North Carolina 8 Total 308 

The regiments sent forth to the defense of the Republic in the 
hour of its greatest peril, when a host of her own sons, blinded by 
some unholy infatuation, leaped to arms that they might trample 
upon the liberty-giving principles of the nation, have been passed 
in very brief review. The authorities chosen for the dates, names, 
and figures are the records of the State, and the main subject is 
based upon the actions of those 267,000 gallant men of Indiana 
who rushed to arms in defense of all for which their lathers bled, 
leaving their wives and children and homes in the guardianship of 
a truly paternal Government. 

The relation of Indiana to the Republic was then established; 
for when the population of the State, at the time her sons went 
forth to participate in war for the maintenance of the Union, is 
brought into comparison with all other States and countries, it will 
be apparent that the sacrifices made by Indiana from 1861-'65 
equal, if not actually exceed, the noblest of those recorded in the 
history of ancient or modern times. 

Unprepared for the terrible inundation of modern wickedness. 
which threatened to deluge the country in a sea of blood and rob, 
a people of their richest, their most prized inheritance, the State 
rose above all precedent, and under the benign influence of patriot- 
ism, guided by the well-directed zeal of a wise Governor and 
Government, sent into the field an army that in numbers was 
gigantic, and in moral and physical excellence never equaled 

It is laid down in the official reports, furnished to the War De- 
partment, that over 200,000 troops were specially organized to aid 
in crushing the legions of the slave-holder; that no less than 50,000 
militia were armed to defend the State, and that the large, but abso- 
lutely necessary number of commissions issued was ir,114. All 
this proves the scientific skill and military economy exercised by 
the Governor, and brought to the aid of the people in a most terri- 
ble emergency; for he, with some prophetic sense of the gravity of 
the situation, saw that unless the greatest powers of the Union 
were put forth to crush the least justifiable and most pernicious 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 189 

of all rebellions holding a place in the record of nations, the best 
blood of the country would flow in a vain attempt to avert a catas- 
trophe which, if prolonged for many years, would result in at least 
the moral and commercial ruin of the country. 

The part which Indiana took in the war against the Rebellion is 
one of which the citizens of the State may well be proud. In the 
number of troops furnished, and in the amount of voluntary con- 
tributions rendered, Indiana, in proportion and wealth, stands 
equal to any of her sister States. " It is also a subject of gratitude 
and thankfulness," said Gov. Morton, in his message to the Legis- 
lature, " that, while the number of troops furnished by Indiana- 
alone in this great contest would have done credit to a first-class 
nation, measured by the standard of previous wars, not a single, 
battery or battalion from this State has brought reproach upon the 
national flag, and no disaster of the war can be traced to any want 
of fidelity, courage or efficiency on the part of any Indiana officer. 
The endurance, heroism, intelligence and skill of the officers and 
soldiers sent forth by Indiana to do battle for the Union, have shed 
a luster on our beloved State, of which any people might justly be 
proud. Without claiming superiority over our loyal sister States, 
it is but justice to the brave men who have represented us on 
almost every battle-field of the war, to say that their deeds have 
placed Indiana in the front rank of those heroic States which 
rushed to the rescue of the imperiled Government of the nation. 
The total number of troops furnished by the State for all terms of 
service exceeds 200,000 men, much the greater portion of them 
being for three years; and in addition thereto not less than 50,000 
State militia have from time to time been called into active service 
to repel rebel raids and defend our southern border from inva- 
sion." 

AFTER THE WAR. 

In 1867 the Legislature comprised 91 Republicans and 59 Dem- 
ocrats. Soon after the commencement of the session, Gov. Morton 
resigned his office in consequence of having been elected to the U. 
S. Senate, and Lieut.-Gov. Conrad Baker assumed the Executive 
chair during the remainder of Morton's term. This Legislature, 
by a very decisive vote, ratified the 14th amendment to the Federal 
Constitution, constituting all persons born in the country or sub- 
ject to its jurisdiction, citizens of the United States and of the 
State wherein they reside, without regard to race or color; reduc- 



190 HISTORY OF INDIANA 

ing the Congressional representation in any State in which tliera 
should be a restriction of the exercise of the elective franchise on 
account of race or color; disfranchising persons therein named 
who shall have engaged in insurrection or rebellion against the 
United States; and declaring that the validity of the public debt 
of the United States authorized by law, shall not be questioned. 

This Legislature also passed an act providing for the registry of 
votes, the punishment of fraudulent practices at elections, and for 
the apportionment and compensation of a Board of Registration; 
this Board to consist, in each township, of two freeholders appointed 
by the County Commissioners, together with the trustee of such 
township; in cities the freeholders are to be appointed in each 
ward by the city council. The measures of this law are very strict, 
and are faithfully executed. No cries of fraud in elections are 
heard in connection with Indiana. 

This Legislature also divided the State into eleven Congressional 
Districts and apportioned their representation; enacted a law for 
the protection and indemnity of all officers and soldiers of the 
United States and soldiers of the Indiana Legion, for acts done in 
the military service of the United States, and in the military ser- 
vice of the State, and in enforcing the laws and preserving the 
peace of the country; made definite appropriations to the several 
benevolent institutions of the State, and adopted several measures 
for the encouragement of education, etc. 

In 1S68, Indiana was the first in the field of national politics, 
both the principal parties holding State conventions early in the 
year. The Democrats nominated T. A. Hendricks for Governor, 
and denounced in their platform the reconstruction policy of the 
Republicans; recommended that United States treasury notes be 
substituted for national bank currency; denied that the General 
Government had a right to interfere with the question of suffrage 
in any of the States, and opposed negro suffrage, etc.; while the 
Republicans nominated Conrad Baker for Governor, defended its 
reconstruction policy, opposed a further contraction of the currency, 
etc. The campaign was an exciting one, and Mr. Baker was 
elected Governor by a majority of only 961. In the Presidential 
election that soon followed the State gave Grant 9,572 more than 
Seymour. 

During 1S6S Indiana presented claims to the Government for 
about three and a half millions dollars for expenses incurred in the 
war, and $1,958,917.94 was allowed. Also, this year, a legislative 



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HISTORY OF INDIANA. 193 

commission reported that $413,599.48 were allowed to parties suf- 
fering loss by the Morgan raid. 

This year Governor Baker obtained a site for the House of 
Befuge. (See a subsequent page.) The Soldiers' and Seamen's 
Home, near Knightstown, originally established by private enter- 
prise and benevolence, and adopted by the Legislature of the 
previous year, was in a good condition. Up to that date the insti- 
tution had atforded relief and temporary subsistence to 400 men 
who had been disabled in the war. A substantial brick building 
had been built for the home, while the old buildings were used for 
an orphans' department, in which were gathered 86 children of 
deceased soldiers. 

DIVOECE LAWS. 

By some mistake or liberal design, the early statute laws of 
Indiana on the subject of divorce were rather more loose than those 
of most other States in this Union; and this subject had been a 
matter of so much jest among the public, that in 1870 the Governor 
recommended to the Legislature a reform in this direction, which 
was pretty effectually carried out. Since that time divorces can 
be granted only for the following causes: 1. Adultery. 2. Impo- 
tency existing at the time of marriage. 3. Abandonment for two 
years. 4. Cruel and inhuman treatment of one party by the other. 
5. Habitual drunkenness of either party, or the failure of the hus- 
band to make reasonable provision for the family. 6 The failure 
of the husband to make reasonable provision for the family for a 
period of two years. 7. The conviction of either party of an infamous 
crime. 



FINANCIAL. 

"Were it not for political government the pioneers would have got 
along without money much longer than they did. The pressure of 
governmental needs was somewhat in advance of the monetary 
income of the first settlers, and the little taxation required to carry 
on the government seemed great and even oppressive, especially at 
certain periods. 

In November, 1821, Gov. Jennings convened the Legislature in 
extra session to provide for the payment of interest on the State 
debt and a part of the principal, amounting to $20,000. It was 
thought that a sufficient amount would be realized in the notes of 
the State bank and its branches, although they were considerably 
depreciated Said the Governor: " It will be oppressive if the 
State, after the paper of this institution (State bank) was author- 
ized to be circulated in revenue, should be prevented by any assign, 
ment of the evidences of existing debt, from discharging at least 
so much cf that debt with the paper of the bank as will absorb the 
collections of the present year; especially when their notes, after 
being made receivable by the agents of the State, became greatly 
depreciated by great mismanagement on the part of the bank 
itself. It ought not to be expected that a public loss to the State 
should be avoided by resorting to any measures which would not 
comport with correct views of public justice; nor should it be 
anticipated that the treasury of the United States would ultimately 
adopt measnres to secure an uncertain debt which would inter- 
fere with arrangements calculated to adjust the demand against the 
State without producing any additional embarrassment." 

The state of the public debt was indeed embarrassing, as the 

bonds which had been executed in its behalf had been assigned. 

The exciting cause of this proceeding consisted in the machinations 

of unprincipled speculators. Whatever disposition the principal 

bank may have made of the funds deposited by the United States. 

the connection of interest between the steam-mill company and the 

bank, and the extraordinary accommodations, as well as their amount, 

effected by arrangements of the steam-mill agency and some of 

the officers of the bank, were among the principal causes which 

(194) 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 295 

bad prostrated the paper circulating medium of the State, so far as it 
was dependent on the State bank and its branches. An abnormal 
state of affairs like this very naturally produced a blind disburse- 
ment of the fund to some extent, and this disbursement would be 
called by almost every one an " unwise administration." 

During the first 16 years of this century, the belligerent condi- 
tion of Europe called for agricultural supplies from America, and 
the consequent high price of grain justified even the remote pio- 
neers of Indiana in undertaking the tedious transportation of the 
products of the soil which the times forced upon them. The large 
disbursements made by the general Government among the peo- 
ple naturally engendered a rage for speculation; numerous banks 
with fictitious capital were established; immense issues of paper 
were made; and the circulating medium of the country was in- 
creased fourfold in the course of two or three years. This infla- 
tion produced the consequences which always follow such a scheme, 
namely, unfounded visions of wealth and splendor and the wild 
investments which result in ruin to the many and wealth to the 
few. The year 1S21 was consequently one of great financial panic, 
and was the first experienced by the early settlers of the West. 

In 1822 the new Governor, William Hendricks, took a hopeful 
view of the situation, referring particularly to the "agricultural 
and social happiness of the State." The crops were abundant this 
year, immigration was setting in heavily and everything seemed to 
have an upward look. But the customs of the white race still com- 
pelling them to patronize European industries, combined with the 
remoteness of the surplus produce of Indiana from European mar- 
kets, constituted a serious drawback to the accumulation of wealth. 
Such a state of things naturally changed the habits of the people 
to some extent, at least for a short time, assimilating them to those 
of more primitive tribes. This change of custom, however, was 
not severe and protracted enough to change the intelligent and 
social nature of the people, and they arose to their normal height 
on the very first opportunity. 

In 1822-'3, before speculation started up again, the surplus 
money was invested mainly in domestic manufactories instead of 
other and wilder commercial enterprises. Home manufactories 
were what the people needed to make them more independent. 
They not only gave employment to thousands whose services were 
before that valueless, but also created a market for a great portion 



196 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

of the surplus produce of the farmers. A part of the surplus cap- 
ital, however, was also sunk in internal improvements, some of 
which were unsuccessful for a time, but eventually proved remu- 
nerative. 

Noah Noble occupied the Executive chair of the State from 1831 
to 1837, commencing his duties amid peculiar embarrassments. 
The crops of 1832 were short, Asiatic cholera came sweeping along 
the Ohio and into the interior of the State, and the Black Hawk war 
raged in the Northwest, — all these at once, and yet the work of 
internal improvements was actually begun. 

STATE BANK. 

The State bank of Indiana was established by law January 28, 
1S34. The act of the Legislature, by its own terms, ceased to be a 
law, January 1, 1857. At the time of its organization in 1834, its 
outstanding circulation was $4,208,725, with a debt due to the insti- 
tution, principally from citizens of the State, of $6,095,368. During 
the years 1857-'5S the bank redeemed nearly its entire circulation, 
providing for the redemption of all outstanding obligations; at this 
time it had collected from most of its debtors the money which they 
owed. The amounts of the State's interest in the stock of the bank 
was $1,390,000, and the money thus invested was procured by the 
issue of five per cent bonds, the last of which was payable July 1, 1866. 
The nominal profits of the bank were $2,7S0,604.36. By the law 
creating the sinking fund, that fund was appropriated, first, to pay 
the principal and interest on the bonds; secondly, the expenses of 
the Commissioners; and lastly the cause of common-school educa- 
tion. 

The stock in all the branches authorized was subscribed by indi- 
viduals, and the installment paid as required by the charter. The 
loan authorized for the payment on the stock allotted to the State, 
amounting to $500,000, was obtained at a premium of 1.05 per 
per cent, on five per cent, stock, making the sum of over $5,000 on 
the amount borrowed. In 1S36 we find that the State bank was 
doing good service; agricultural products were abundant, and the 
market was good; consequently the people were in the full enjoy- 
ment of all the blessings of a free government. 

By the year 1S43 the State was experiencing the disasters and 
embarassment consequent upon a system of over-banking, and its 
natural progeny, over-trading and deceptive speculation. Such a 
state of things tends to relax the hand of industry by creating false 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 197 

notions of wealth, and tempt to sudden acquisitions by means as delu- 
sive in their results as they are contrary to a primary law of nature. 
The people began more than ever to see the necessity of falling 
back upon that branch of industry for which Indiana, especially 
at that time, was particularly fitted, namely, agriculture, as the 
true and lasting source of substantial wealth. 

Gov. Whitcomb, lS43-'49, succeeded well in maintaining the 
credit of the State. Measures of compromise between the State 
and its creditors were adopted by which, ultimately, the public 
works, although incomplete, were given in payment for the claims 
against the Government. 

At the close of his term, Gov. Whitcomb was elected to the 
Senate of the United States, and from December, 1S48, to Decem- 
ber, 1S49, Lieut-Gov. Paris C. Dunning was acting Governor. 

In 1851 a general banking law was adopted which gave a new 
impetus to the commerce of the State, and opened the way for a 
broader volume of general trade; but this law was the source of 
many abuses; currency was expanded, a delusive idea of wealth 
again prevailed, and as a consequence, a great deal of damaging 
speculation was indulged in. 

In 1857 the charter of the State bank expired, and the large 
gains to the State in that institution were directed to the promotion 
of common-school education. 

WEALTH AND PROGRESS. 

During the war of the Rebellion the financial condition of the 
people was of course like that of the other Northern States generally. 
1S70 found the State in a very prosperous condition. October 31 
of this year, the date of the fiscal report, there was a surplus of 
S373,249 in the treasury. The receipts of the year amounted to 
$3,605,639, and the disbursements to $2,943,600, leaving a balance 
of $1,035,2SS. The total debt of the State in November, 1871, was 
83,937,821. 

At the present time the principal articles of export from the State 
are flour and pork. Nearly all the wheat raised within the State 
is manufactured into flour within its limits, especially in the north- 
ern part. The pork business is the leading one in the southern 
part of the State. 

When we take into consideration the vast extent of railroad lines 
in this State, in connection with the agricultural and mineral 
resources, both developed and undeveloped, as already noted, we can 



198 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

eee what a substantial foundation exists for the future welfare of 
this great commonwealth. Almost every portion of the State is 
coming up equally. The disposition to monopolize does not exist 
to a greater degree than is desirable or necessary for healthy compe- 
tition. Speculators in flour, pork and other commodities appeared 
during the war, but generally came to ruin at their own game. 
The agricultural community here is an independent one, under- 
standing its rights, and " knowing them will maintain them." 

Indiana is more a manufacturing State, also, than many imagine. 
It probably has the greatest wagon and carriage manufactory in the 
world. In 1875 the total number of manufacturing establishments 
in this State was 16,S12; number of steam engines, 3,684, with a 
total horse-power of 114.961 ; the total horse-power of water wheels, 
3S.614; number of hands employed in the manufactories, S6,402; 
capital employed, is $117,462,161; wages paid, $35,461,9S7; cost of 
material, 8104.321,632; value of products, §301,304,271. These 
figures are on an average about twice what they were only five years 
previously, at which time they were about double what they were 
ten years before that. In manufacturing enterprise, it is said that 
Indiana, in proportion to her population, is considerably in advance 
of Illinois and Michigan. 

In 1870 the assessed valuation of the real estate in Indiana was 
$460,120,974; of personal estate, $203,334,070; true valuation of 
both, $1,268, ISO, 543. According to the evidences of increase at 
that time, the value of taxable property in this State must be double 
the foregoing figures. This is utterly astonishing, especially when 
we consider what a large matter it is to double the elements of a 
large and wealthy State, compared with its increase in infancy. 

The taxation for State purposes in 1S70 amounted to $2,943,078; 
for county purposes, $4,654,476; and for municipal purposes, 
$3,193,577. The total county debt of Indiana in 1870 was $1,127,- 
269, and the total debt of towns, cities, etc., was $2,523,934. 

In the compilation of this statistical matter we have before us the 
statistics of every element of progress in Indiana, in the U. S. 
Census Reports; but as it would be really improper for us further 
to burden these pages with tables or columns of large numbers, we 
will conclude by remarking that if any one wishes further details in 
these matters, he can readily find them in the Census Reports of 
the Government in any city or village in the country. Besides, 
almost any one can obtain, free of charge, from his representative in 



HISTORr OF INDIANA. 199 

Congress, all these and other public documents in which he may be 
interested. 

INTERNAL IMPROVEMENTS. 

This subject began to be agitated as early as ISIS, during the 
administration of Governor Jennings, who, as well as all the 
Governors succeeding him to 1843, made it a special point in their 
messages to the Legislature to nrge the adoption of measures for 
the construction of highways and canals and the improvement of 
the navigation of rivers. Gov. Hendricks in 1822 specified as the 
most important improvement the navigation of the Falls of the 
Ohio, the Wabash and White rivers, and other streams, and the 
construction of the National and other roads through the State. 

In 1826 Governor Ray considered the construction of roads and 
canals as a necessity to place the State on an equal financial footing 
with the older States East, and in 1S29 he added: "This subject 
can never grow irksome, since it must be the source of the bless-' 
ings of civilized life. To secure its benefits is a duty enjoined upon 
the Legislature by the obligations of the social compact." 

In 1830 the people became much excited over the project of con- 
necting the streams of the country by " The National New York 
& Mississippi railroad." The National road and the Michigan 
and Ohio turnpike were enterprises in which the people and Legis- 
lature of Indiana were interested. The latter had already been the 
cause of much bitter controversy, and its location was then the 
subject of contention. 

In 1S32 the work of internal improvements fairly commenced, 
despite the partial failure of the crops, the Black Hawk war and 
the Asiatic cholera. Several war parties invaded the Western 
settlements, exciting great alarm and some suffering. This year 
the canal commissioners completed the task assigned them and had 
negotiated the canal bonds in New York city, to the amount of 
8100,000, at a premium of 13^- per cent., on terms honorable to the 
State and advantageous to the work. Before the close of tnis year 
$54,000 were spent for the improvement of the Michigan road, and 
$52,000 were realized from the sale of lands appropriated for its 
construction. In 1832, 32 miles of the Wabash and Erie canal was 
placed under contract and work commenced. A communication 
was addressed to the Governor of Ohio, requesting him to call the 
attention of the Legislature of that State to the subject of the 
extension of the canal from the Indiana line through Ohio to tfce 



200 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 



Lake. In compliance with this request, Governor Lucas promptly- 
laid the subject before the Legislature of the State, and, in a spirit 
of courtesy, resolutions were adopted by that body, stipulating that 
if Ohio should ultimately decline to undertake the completion of 
that portion of the work within her limits before the time fixed b} r 
the act of Congress for the completion of the canal, she would, on 
just and equitable terms, enable Indiana to avail herself of the bene- 
fit of the lands granted, by authorizing her to sell them and invest 
the proceeds in the stock of a company to be incorporated by Ohio; 
and that she would give Indiana notice of her final determination 
on or before January 1, 1838. The Legislature of Ohio also 
authorized and invited the agent of the State of Indiana to select, 
survey and set apart the lands lying within that State. In keeping 
with this policy Governor iNoble, in 1834, said: "With a view of 
engaging in works of internal improvement, the propriety of 
adopting a general plan or system, having reference to the several 
portions of the State, and the connection of one with the other, 
naturally sur*orests itself. No work should be commenced but such 
as would be of acknowledged public utility, and when completed 
would form a branch of some general system. In view of this 
object, the policy of organizing a Board of Public Works is again 
respectfully suggested." The Governor also called favorable atten- 
tion to the Lawrencebnrg & Indianapolis railway, for which a 
charter had been granted. 

In 1S35 the Wabash & Erie canal was pushed rapidly forward. 
The middle division, extending from the St. Joseph dam to the 
forks of the Wabash, about 32 miles, was completed, for about 
$232,000, including all repairs. Upon this portion of the line nav- 
igation was opened on July 4, which day the citizens assembled 
" to witness the mingling of the waters of the St. Joseph with 
those of the Wabash, uniting the waters of the northern chain of 
lakes with those of the Gulf of Mexico in the South." On other 
parts of the line the work progressed with speed, and the sale of 
canal lands was unusually active 

In 1S36 the first meeting of the State Board of Internal Im- 
provement was convened and entered upon the discharge of its 
numerous and responsible duties. Having assigned to each mem- 
ber the direction and superintendence of a portion of the work, 
the next duty to be performed preparatory to the various spheres of 
active service, was that of procuring the requisite number of 
engineers. A delegation was sent to the Eastern cities, but returned 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. OQJ 

without engaging an Engincer-in-Chief for the roads and railways, 
and without the desired number for the subordinate station; but 
after considerable delay the Board was fully organized and put in 
operation. Under their management work on public improve- 
ments was successful; the canal progressed steadily; the naviga- 
tion of the middle division, from Fort Wayne to Huntington, was 
uninterrupted; 16 miles of the line between Huntington and La 
Fontaine creek were rilled with water this year and made ready for 
navigation ; and the remaining 20 miles were completed, except a 
portion of the locks; from La Fontaine creek to Logansport prog- 
ress was made; the line from Georgetown to Lafayette was placed 
under contract; about 30 miles of the Whitewater canal, extending 
from Lawrenceburg through the beautiful valley of the White- 
water to Brookville, were also placed under contract, as also 23 
,inilesof-the Central canal, passing through Indianapolis, on which 
work was commenced; also about 20 miles of the southern divis- 
ion of this work, extending from Evansville into the interior, 
were also contracted for; and on the line of the Cross-Cut canal, 
from Terre Haute to the intersection of the Central canal, near 
the mouth of Eel river, a commencement was also made on all the 
heavy sections. All this in 1836. 

Early in this year a party of engineers was organized, and 
directed to examine into the practicability of the Michigan & 
Erie canal line, then proposed. The report of their operations 
favored its expediency. A party of engineers was also fitted out, 
who entered upon the field of service of the Madison & Lafayette 
railroad, and contracts were let for its construction from Madison 
to Vernon, on which work was vigorously commenced. Also, con- 
tracts were let for grading and bridging the New Albany & Vin- 
cennes road from the former point to Paoli, about 40 miles. 
Other roads were also undertaken and surveyed, so that indeed a 
stupendous system of internal improvement was undertaken, and 
as Gov. Noble truly remarked, upon the issue of that vast enter- 
prise the State of Indiana staked her fortune. She had gone too 
far to retreat. 

In 1S37, when Gov. Wallace took the Executive chair, the 
reaction consequent upon '"over work" by the State in the internal 
improvement scheme began to be felt by the people. They feared 
a State debt was being incurred from which they could never be 
extricated; but the Governor did all he could throughout the term 
of his administration to keep up the courage of the citizens. He 



202 HISTOKY OF INDIANA. 

told them that the astonishing success so far, surpassed even the 
hopes of the most sanguine, and that the flattering auspices of the 
future were sufficient to dispel every doubt and quiet every fear. 
Notwithstanding all his efforts, however, the construction of pub- 
lic works continued to decline, and in his last message he exclaimed: 
" Never before — I speak it advisedly — never before have 3 r ou wit- 
nessed a period in our local history that more urgently called for 
the exercise of all the soundest and best attributes of grave and 
patriotic legislators than the present. * * * The 

truth is — and it would be folly to conceal it — we have our hands 
full — full to overflowing; and therefore, to sustain ourselves, to 
preserve the credit and character of the State unimpaired, and to 
continue her hitherto unexampled march to wealth and distinction, 
we have not an hour of time, nor a dollar of money, nor a hand 
employed in labor, to squander and dissipate upon mere objects of 
idleness, or taste, or amusement." 

The State had borrowed $3,827,000 for internal improvement pur- 
poses, of which $1,327,000 was for the Wabash & Erie canal and 
the remainder for other works. The Ave per cent, interest on 
debts — about $200,000 — which the State had to pay, had become 
burdensome, as her resources for this purpose were only two, 
besides direct taxation, and they were small, namely, the interest 
on the balances due for canal lands, and the proceeds of the third 
installment of the surplus revenue, both amounting, in 1S3S, 
to about $45,000. 

In August, 1S30, all work ceased on these improvements, with 
one or two exceptions, and most of the contracts were surrendered 
to the State. This was done according to an act of the Legislature 
providing for the compensation of contractors by the issue of 
treasury notes. In addition to this state of affairs, the Legisla- 
ture of 1839 had made no provision for the payment of interest on 
the State debt incurred for internal improvements. Concerning 
this situation Gov. Bigger, in 1840, said that either to go ahead 
with the works or to abandon them altogether would be equally 
ruinous to the State, the implication being that the people should 
wait a little while for a breathing spell and then take hold again. 

Of course much individual indebtedness was created during the 
progress of the work on internal improvement. "When operations 
ceased in 1839, and prices fell at the same time, the people were 
left in a great measure without the means of commanding money 
to pay their debts. This condition of private enterprise more than 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 203 

ever rendered direct taxation inexpedient. Hence it became the 
policy of Gov. Bigger to provide the means of paying the interest 
on the State debt without increasing the rate of taxation, and to 
continue that portion of the public works that could be immedi- 
ately completed, and from which the earliest returns could be 
expected. 

In 1840 the system embraced ten different works, the most im- 
portant of which was the Wabash & Erie canal. The aggregate 
length of the lines embraced in the system was 1,160 miles, and 
of this only 140 miles had been completed. The amount expended 
had reached the sum of $5,600,000, and it required at least $14,000,- 
000 to complete them. Although the crops of 1841 were very 
remunerative, this perquisite alone was not sufficient to raise the 
State again up to the level of going ahead with her gigantic 
works. 

We should here state in detail the amount of work completed and 
of money expended on the various works up to this time, 1841, 
which were as follows: 

1. The Wabash & Erie canal, from the State line to Tippe- 
canoe, 129 miles in length, completed and navigable for the whole 
length, at a cost of $2,041,012. This sum includes the cost of the 
steamboat lock afterward completed at Delphi. 

2. The extension of the Wabash & Erie canal from the mouth 
of the Tippecanoe to Terre Haute, over 104 miles. The estimated 
cost of this work was $1,500,000; and the amount expended for the 
same $408,855. The navigation was at this period opened as far 
down as Lafayette, and a part of the work done in the neighbor- 
hood of Covington. 

3. The cross-cut canal from Terre Haute to Central canal, 
49 miles in length; estimated cost, $718,672; amount expended, 
$420,679; and at this time no part of the course was navigable. 

4. The White Water canal, from Lawrenceburg to the mouth 
of Nettle creek, 76£ miles; estimated cost, $1,675,738; amount 
expended to that date, $1,099,S67; and 31 miles of the work 
was navigable, extending from the Ohio river to Brookville. 

5. The Central canal, from the Wabash & Erie canal, to 
Indianapolis, including the feeder bend at Muncietown, 124 miles 
in length; total estimated cost, $2,299,853; amount expended, 
$568,046; eight miles completed at that date, and other portions 
nearly done. 



204 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

6. Central canal, from Indianapolis to Evansville on the Ohio 
river, 194 miles in length; total estimated cost, $3,532,394; amount 
expended, $831,302, 19 miles of which was completed at that date, 
at the southern end, and 16 miles, extending south from Iudiauao- 
olis, were nearly completed. 

7. Erie & Michigan canal, 182 miles in length; estimated cost, 
$2,624,823; amount expended, $156,394. No part of this work 
finished. 

S. The Madison & Indianapolis railroad, over 85 miles in 
length; total estimated cost, $2,046,600; amount expended, $1,493,- 
013. Eoad finished and in operation for about 28 miles; grad- 
ing nearly finished for 27 miles in addition, extending to Eden- 
burg. 

9. Indianapolis & Lafayette turnpike road, 73 miles in length; 
total estimated cost, $593, 737; amount expended, $72,118. The 
bridging and most of the grading was done on 27 miles, from 
Crawfordsville to Lafayette. 

10. New Albany & Vincennes turnpike road, 105 miles in 
length; estimated cost, $1,127,295; amount expended, $654,411. 
Forty-one miles graded and macadamized, extending from New 
Albany to Paoli, and 27 miles in addition partly graded. 

11. Jeffersonville & Crawfordsville road, over 164 miles long; 
total estimated cost, $1,651,800; amount expended, $372,737. 
Forty-five miles were partly graded and bridged, extending from 
Jeffersonville to Salem, and from Greencastle north. 

12. Improvement of the Wabash rapids, undertaken jointly by 
Indiana and Illinois; estimated cost to Indiana, $102,500; amount 
expended by Indiana, $9,539. 

Grand totals: Length of roads and canals, 1,289 miles, only 
2S1 of which have been finished; estimated cost of all the works, 
$19,914,424; amount expended, $8,164,528. The State debt at 
this time amounted to $18,469,146. The two principal causes 
which aggravated the embarrassment of the State at this juncture 
were, first, paying most of the interest out of the money borrowed, 
and, secondly, selling bonds on credit. The first error subjected 
the State to the payment of compound interest, and the people, 
not feeling the pressure of taxes to discharge the interest, natu- 
rally became inattentive to the public policy pursued. Postpone- 
ment of the payment of interest is demoralizing in every way. 
During this period the State was held up in an unpleasant manner 
before the gaze of the world; but be it to the credit of this great 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 205 

''and glorious State, she would not repudiate, as many other States 
and municipalities have done. 

By the year 1850, the so-called "internal improvement" system 
having been abandoned, private capital and ambition pushed for- 
ward various "public works." During this year about 400 miles 
of plank road were completed, at a cost of $1,200 to $1,500 per 
mile, and about 1,200 miles more were surveyed and in progress. 
There were in the State at this time 212 miles of railroad in suc- 
cessful operation, of which 124 were completed this year. More 
than 1,000 miles of railroad were surveyed and in progress. 

An attempt was made during the session of the Legislature in 
1869 to re-burden the State with the old canal debt, and the matter 
was considerably agitated in the canvass of 1S70. The subject of the 
Wabash & Erie canal was lightly touched in the Republican plat- 
form, occasioning considerable discussion, which probably had 
some effect on the election in the fall. That election resulted in 
an average majority in the State of about 2,864 for the Democracy. 
It being claimed that the Legislature had no authority under the 
constitution to tax the people for the purpose of aiding in the con- 
struction of railroads, the Supreme Court, in Aoril, 1871, decided 
adversely to such a claim. 

GEOLOGY. 

In 1869 the development of mineral resources in the State 
attracted considerable attention. Rich mines of iron and coal were 
discovered, as also fine quarries of building stone. The Vincennes 
railroad passed through some of the richest portions of the mineral 
region, the engineers of which had accurately determined the 
quality of richness of the ores. Near Brooklyn, about 20 miles 
from Indianapolis, is a fine formation of sandstone, yielding good 
material for buildings in the city; indeed, it is considered the best 
building stone in the State. The limestone formation at Gosport, 
continuing 12 miles from that point, is of great variety, and 
includes the finest and most durable building stone in the world. 
Portions of it are susceptible only to the chisel; other portions are 
soft and can be worked with the ordinary tools. At the end of this 
limestone formation there commences a sandstone series of strata 
which extends seven miles farther, to a point about 60 miles from 
Indianapolis. Here an extensive coal bed is reached consisting of 
seven distinct veins. The first is about two feet thick, the next 
three feet, another four feet, and the others of various thicknesses. 



206 HISTOET OF INDIANA. 

These beds are all easily worked, having a natural drain, and they 
yield heavy profits. In the whole of the southwestern part of the 
State and for 300 miles up the Wabash, coal exists in good quality 
and abundance. 

The scholars, statesmen and philanthropists of Indiana work- 
ed hard and long for the appointment of a State Geologist, with 
sufficient support to enable him to make a thorough geological 
survey of the State. A partial survey was made as early as 1S37-'S, 
by David Dale Owen, State Geologist, but nothing more was done 
until 1S69, when Prof. Edward T. Cox was appointed State Geolo- 
gist. For 20 years previous to this date the Governors urged and 
insisted in all their messages that a thorough survey should be 
made, but almost, if not quite, in vain. In 1S52, Dr. Ryland T. 
Brown delivered an able address on this subject before the Legis- 
lature, showing how much coal, iron, building stone, etc., there 
were probably; in the State, but the exact localities and qualities 
not ascertained, and how millions of money could be saved to the 
State by the expenditure of a few thousand dollars; but "they 
answered the Doctor in the negative. It must have been because 
they hadn't time to pass the bill. They were very busy. They had 
to pass all sorts of regulations concerning the negro. They had to 
protect a good many white people from marrying negroes. And as 
they didn't need any labor in the State, if it was ' colored,' they 
had to make regulations to shut out all of that kind of labor, and 
to take steps to put out all that unfortunately got in, and they didn't 
have time to consider the scheme proposed by the white people" — 
W. W. Clayton. 

In 1853, the State Board of Agriculture employed Dr. Brown to 
make a partial examination of the geology of the State, at a salary 
of S500 a year, and to this Board the credit is due for the final 
success of the philanthropists, who in 1S69 had the pleasure of 
witnessing the passage of a Legislative act " to provide for a Depart- 
ment of Geology and Natural Science, in connection with the State 
Board of Agriculture." Under this act Governor Baker immedi- 
ately appointed Prof. Edward T. Cox the State Geologist, who has 
made an able and exhaustive report of the agricultural, mineral 
and manufacturing resources of this State, world-wide in its celeb- 
rity, and a work of which the people of Indiana may be very 
proud. We can scarcely give even the substance of his report in a 
work like this, because it is of necessity deeply scientific and made 
up entirely of local detail. 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 207 



COAL. 



The coal measures, says Prof. E. T. Cox, cover an area of about 
6,500 square miles, i:i the southwestern part of the State, and 
extend from Warren county on the north to the Ohio river on the 
south, a distance of about 150 miles. This area comprises the fol- 
lowing counties : Warren, Fountain, Parke, Vermillion, Vigo, Clay, 
Sullivan, Greene, Knox, Daviess, Martin, Gibson, Pike, Dubois, 
Vanderburg, Warrick, Spencer, Perry and a small part of Crawford, 
Monroe, Putnam and Montgomery. 

This coal is all bituminous, but is divisible into three well-marked 
varieties: caking-coal, non-caking-coal or block coal and cannel 
coal. The total depth of the seams or measures is from 600 to S00 
feet, with 12 to 14 distinct seams of coal; but these are not all to 
be found throughout the area; the seams range from one foot to 
eleven feet in thickness. The caking coal prevails in the western 
portion of the area described, and has from three to four workable 
seams, ranging from three and a half to eleven feet in thickness. 
At most of the places where these are worked the coal is mined by 
adits driven in on the face of the ridges, and the deepest shafts in 
the State are less than 300 feet, the average depth for successful 
mining not being over 75 feet. This is a bright, black, sometimes 
glossy, coal, makes good coke and contains a very large percentage 
of pure illuminating gas. One pound will yield about 4J cubic feet 
of gas, with a power equal to 15 standard sperm candles. The 
average calculated calorific power of the caking coals is 7,745 heat 
units, pure carbon being 8,0S0. Both in the northern and southern 
portions of the field, the caking coals present similar good qualities, 
and are a great source of private and public wealth. 

The block coal prevails in the eastern part of the field and has an 
area of about 450 square miles. This is excellent, in its raw state, 
for making pig iron. It is indeed peculiarly fitted for metal- 
lurgical purposes. It has a laminated structure with carbonaceous 
matter, like charcoal, between the lamina, with slaty cleavage, and 
it rings under the stroke of the hammer. It is " free-burning," 
makes an open fire, and without caking, swelling, scaffolding in the 
furnace or changing form, burns like hickory wood until it is con- 
sumed to a white ash and leaves no clinkers. It is likewise valuable 
for generating steam and for household uses. Many of the principal 
railway lines in the State are using it in preference to any other 
coal, as it does not burn out the fire-boxes, and gives as little trouble 
as wood. 



208 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

There are eight distinct seams of block coal in this zone, three of 
which are workable, having an average thickness of four feet. In 
some places this coal is mined by adits, but generally from shafts, 
40 to 80 feet deep. The seams are crossed by cleavage lines, and 
the coal is usually mined without powder, and may be taken out in 
blocks weighing a ton or more. When entries or rooms are driven 
angling across the cleavage lines, the walls of the mine present a 
zigzag, notched appearance resembling a Virginia worm fence. 

In 1S71 there were about 24 block coal mines in operation, and 
about 1,500 tons were mined daily. Since that time this industry 
has vastly increased. This coal consists of 81^ to S3 J percent, of 
carbon, and not quite three fourths of one per cent, of sulphur. 
Calculated calorific power equal to 8,283 heat units. This coal also 
is equally good both in the northern and southern parts of the field. 

The great Indiana coal field is within 150 miles of Chicago or 
Michigan City, by railroad, from which ports the Lake Superior 
specular and red hematite ores are landed from vessels that are able 
to run in a direct course from the ore banks. Considering the 
proximity of the vast quantities of iron in Michigan and Missouri^ 
one can readily see what a glorious future awaits Indiana in respect 
to manufactories. 

Of the cannel coal, one of the finest seams to be found in the 
country is in Daviess county, this State. Here it is three and a 
half feet thick, underlaid by one and a half feet of a beautiful, jet- 
black caking coal. There is no clay, shale or other foreign matter 
intervening, and fragments of the caking coal are often found 
adhering to the cannel. There is no gradual change from one to 
the other, and the character of each is homogeneous throughout. 

The cannel coal makes a delightful fire in open grates, and does 
not pop and throw off scales into the room, as is usual with this 
kind of coal. This coal is well adapted to the manufacture of 
illuminating gas, in respect to both quantity and high illuminating 
power. One ton of 2,000 pounds of this coal yields 10,400 feet of 
gas, while the best Pennsylvania coal yields but 8,680 cubic feet. 
This gas has an illuminating power of 25 candles, while the best 
Pennsylvania coal gas has that of only 17 candles. 

Cannel coal is also found in great abundance in Perry, Greene, 
Parkeaud Fountain counties, where its commercial value has already 
been demonstrated. 

Numerous deposits of bog iron ore are found in the northern part 
of the State, and clay iron-stones and impure carbonates and brown 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 20& 

oxides arc found scattered in the vicinity of the coal field. In some 
places the beds are quite thick and of considerable commercial 
value. 

An abundance of excellent lime is also found in Indiana, espe- 
cially in Huntington county, where many large kilns are kept in 
profitable operation. 

AGRICULTURAL. 

In 1852 the Legislature passed an act authorizing the organization 
of county and district agricultural societies, and also establishing a 
State Board, the provisions of which actare substantially as follows: 

1. Thirty or more persons in any one or two counties organizing 
into a society for the improvement of agriculture, adopting a consti- 
tution and by-laws agreeable to the regulations prescribed by the 
State Board, and appointing the proper officers and raising a sum 
of $50 for its own treasury, shall be entitled to the same amount 
from the fund arising from show licenses in their respective 
counties. 

2. These societies shall offer annual premiums for improvement 
of soils, tillage, crops, manures, productions, stock, articles of 
domestic industry, and such other articles, productions and improve- 
ments as they may deem proper; they shall encourage, by grant 
of rewards, agricultural andhousehold manufacturing interests, and 
so regulate the premiums that small farmers will have equal 
opportunity with the large; and they shall pay special attention to 
cost and profit of the inventions and improvements, requiring an 
exact, detailed statement of the processes competing for rewards. 

3. They shall publish in a newspaper annually their list of 
awards and an abstract of their treasurers' accounts, and' they shall 
report in full to the State Board their proceedings. Failing to do 
the latter they shall receive no payment from their county funds. 

STATE BOARD OF AGRICULTURE. 

The act of Feb. 17, 1S52, also established a State Board of Agri- 
culture, with perpetual succession; its annual meetings to be held 
at Indianapolis on the first Thursday after the first Monday in 
January, when the reports of the county societies are to be received 
and agricultural interests discussed and determined upon; it shall 
make an annual report to the Legislature of receipts, expenses, 
proceedings, etc., of its own meeting as well as of those of the local 



210 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

societies; it shall hold State fairs, at such times and places as they 
may deem proper; may hold two meetings a year, certifying to the 
State Auditor their expenses, who shall draw his warrant upon the 
Treasurer for the same. 

In 1861 the State Board adopted certain rules, emhracing ten 
sections, for the government of local societies, hut in 1868 they 
were found inexpedient and abandoned. It adopted a resolution 
admitting delegates from the local societies. 

THE EXPOSITION. 

As the Board found great difficulty in doing justice to exhibitors 
without an adequate building, the members went earnestly to work 
in the fall of 1872 to get up an interest in the matter. They 
appointed a committee of five to confer with the Councilor citizens 
of Indianapolis as to the best mode to be devised for a more 
thorough and complete exhibition of the industries of the State. 
The result of the conference was that the time had arrived for a 
regular " exposition," like that of the older States. At the Janu- 
ary meeting in 1873, Hon. Thomas Dowling, of Terre Haute, 
reported for the committee that they found a general interest in 
this enterprise, not only at the capital, but also throughout the 
State. A sub-committee was appointed who devised plans and 
specifications for the necessary structure, taking lessons mainly 
from the Kentucky Exposition building at Louisville. All the 
members of the State Board were in favor of proceeding with the 
building except Mr. Poole, who feared that, as the interest of the 
two enterprises were somewhat conflicting, and the Exposition being 
the more exciting show, it would swallow up the State and county 
fai rs. 

The Exposition was opened Sept. 10, 1S73, when Hon. John 
Sutherland, President of the Board, the Mayor of Indianapolis, 
Senator Morton and Gov. Hendricks delivered addresses. Senator 
Morton took the high ground that the money spent for an exposi- 
tion is spent as strictly for educational purposes as that which goes 
directly into the common school. The exposition is not a mere 
show, to be idly gazed upon, but an industrial school where one 
should study and learn. lie thought that Indiana had less untill- 
able land than any other State in the Union; 'twas as rich as any 
and yielded a greater variety of products; and that Indiana was 
the most prosperous agricultural community in the United States. 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 211 

The State had nearly 3,700 miles of railroad, not counting side- 
track, with 400 miles more under contract for building. In 15 
or 18 months one cau go from Indianapolis to every county in 
the State by railroad. Indiana has 6,500 square miles of coal field? 
450 of which contain block coal, the best in the United States for 
manufacturing purposes. 

On the subject of cheap transportation, he said: " By the census 
of 1870, Pennsylvania had, of domestic animals of all kinds, 4,006,- 
589, and Indiana, 4,511,094. Pennsylvania had grain to the amount 
of 60,460,000 bushels, while Indiana had 79,350,454. The value of 
the farm products of Pennsylvania was estimated to be $183,946,- 
000; those of Indiana, $122,914,000. Thus you see that while 
Indiana had 505,000 head of live stock more, and 19,000,000 
bushels of grain more than Pennsylvania, yet the products of Penn- 
sylvania are estimated at $183,946,000, on account of her greater 
proximity to market, while those of Indiana are estimated at only 
$122,914,000. Thus you can understand the importance of cheap 
transportation to Indiana.* 

" Let us see how the question of transportation affects us on the 
other hand, with reference to the manufacturer of Bessemer steel. 
Of the 174,000 tons of iron ore used in the blast furnaces of Pitts- 
burg last year, 84,000 tons came from Lake Superior, 64,000 tons 
from Iron Mountain, Missouri, 20,000 tons from Lake Champlain, 
and less than 5,000 tons from the home mines of Pennsylvania. 
They cannot manufacture their iron with the coal they have in 
Pennsylvania without coking it. We have coal in Indiana with 
which we can, in its raw state, make the best of iron; while we are 
250 miles nearer Lake Superior than Pittsburg, and 430 miles 
nearer to Iron Mountain. So that the question of transportation 
determines the tact that Indiana must become the great center for 
the manufacture of Bessemer steel." 

"What we want in this country is diversified labor.'' 

The grand hall of the Exposition buildings is on elevated ground 
at the head of Alabama street, and commands a fine view of the 
city. The structure is of brick, 30S feet long by 150 in width, and 
two stories high. Its elevated galleries extend quite around the 
building, under the roof, thus affording visitors an opportunity to 
secure the most commanding view to be had in the city. The 
lower floor of the grand hall is occupied by the mechanical, geologi- 
cal and miscellaneous departments, and by the offices of the Board, 
which extend along the entire front. The second floor, which is 



212 I1IST0RY OF INDIANA. 

approached by three wide stairways, accommodates the fine art, 
musical and other departments of light mechanics, and is brilliantly 
lighted by windows and skylights. But as we are here entering 
the description of a subject magnificent to behold, we enter a 
description too vast to complete, and we may as well stop here as 
anywhere. 

The Presidents of the State Fairs have been: Gov. J. A. "Wright, 
1852'4; Gen. Jos. Orr, 1855; Dr. A. C. Stevenson, 1856-'8; G. D. 
"Wagner; 1859-60; D. P. Kolloway, 1861; Jas. D.Williams, 1862, 
1870-'l; A. D. Ilamrick, 1863, 1867-'9; Stearns Fisher, lS64-'6; 
John Sutherland, 1872-'4; "Wm. Crirn, 1875. Secretaries: JohnB. 
Dillon. lS52-'3, 1855, lS5S-'9; Ignatius Brown, 185o-'7; "W. T. Den- 
nis, 1854, 1860-'l; W.H. Loomis, 1862-'6; A. J. Holmes, 1867-'9; 
Joseph Poole, 1870-'l; Alex. Heron, 1S72'5. Place of fair, Indian- 
apolis every year except: Lafayette, 1853; Madison, 1854; New 
Albany, 1859; Fort "Wayne, 1S65; and Terre Haute, 1S67. In 
1861 there was no fair. The gate and entry receipts increased from 
$4,651 in 1852 to $45,330 in 1874 

On the opening of the Exposition, Oct. 7, 1874, addresses were 
delivered by the President of the Board, Hon. John Sutherland, 
and by Govs. Hendricks, Bigler and Pollock. Yvon's celebrated 
painting, the " Great Republic," was unveiled with great ceremony, 
and many distinguished guests were present to witness it. 

The exhibition of 1875 showed that the plate glass from the 
southern part of the State was equal to the finest French plate; that 
the force-blowers made in the eastern part of the State was of a 
world-wide reputation; that the State has within its bounds the 
largest wagon manufactory in the world ; that in other parts of the 
State there were all sorts and sizes of manufactories, including roll- 
ing mills and blast furnaces, and in the western part coal was mined 
and shipped at the rate of 2,500 tons a day from one vicinity; and 
many other facts, which " would astonish the citizens of Indiana 
themselves even more than the rest of the world." 

INDIANA HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY. 

This society was organized in 1S12, thus taking the lead in the 
"West. At this time Henry "Ward Beecher was a resident of Indian- 
apolis, engaged not only as a minister but also as editor of the 
Indiana Farmer and Gardener, and his influence was very exten- 
sive in the interests of horticulture, floriculture and farming. 
Prominent among his pioneer co-laborers were Judge Coburn, 



HISTOET OF INDIANA. 213 

Aaron Aldridge, Capt. James Sigarson, D. V. Culley, Reuben 
Ragan, Stephen Hampton, Cornelius Ratliff, Joshua Lindley, 
Abner Pope and many others. In the autumn of this year the 
society held an exhibition, probably the first in the State, if not 
in the West, in the hall of the new State house. The only pre- 
mium offered was a set of silver teaspoons for the best seedling 
apple, which was won by Reuben Ragan, of Putnam county, for 
an apple christened on this occasion the " Osceola." 

The society gave great encouragement to the introduction of 
new varieties of fruit, especially of the pear, as the soil and cli- 
mate of Indiana were well adapted to this fruit. But the bright 
horizon which seemed to be at this time looming up all around the 
field of the young society's operations was suddenly and thoroughly 
darkened by the swarm of noxious insects, diseases, blasts of win- 
ter and the great distance to market. The prospects of the cause 
scarcely justified a continuation of the expense of assembling from 
remote parts of the State, and the meetings of the society therefore 
soon dwindled away until the organization itself became quite, 
extinct. 

But when, in 1S52 and afterward, railroads began to traverse the 
State in all directions, the Legislature provided for the organization 
of a State Board of Agriculture, whose scope was not only agri- 
culture but also horticulture and the mechanic and household arts. 
The rapid growth of the State soon necessitated a differentiation of 
this body, and in the autumn of 1860, at Indianapolis, there was 
organized the 

INDIANA POMOLOGICAL SOCIETY. 

October 18, Reuben Ragan was elected President and fm H. 
Loomis, of Marion county, Secretary. The constitution adopted 
provided for biennial meetings in January, at Indianapolis. At 
the first regular meeting, Jan. 9, 1861, a committee-man for each 
congressional district was appointed, all of them together to be 
known as the " State Fruit Committee," and twenty-five members 
were enrolled during this session. At the regular meeting in 1863 
the constitution was so amended as to provide for annual sessions, 
and the address of the newly elected President, Hon. I. G. D. Nel- 
son, of Allen county, urged the establishment of an agricultural 
college. He continued in the good cause until his work was 
crowned with success. 



214 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

In 1S64 there was but little done on account of the exhaust- 
ive demands of the great war; and the descent of mercury 60° in 
eighteen hours did so much mischief as to increase the discourage- 
ment to the verge of despair. The title of the society was at this 
meeting, Jan., 1864 changed to that of the Indiana Horticultural 
Society. 

The first several meetings of the society were mostly devoted to 
revision of fruit lists; and although the good work, from its vast- 
ness and complication, became somewhat monotonous, it has been 
no exception in this respect to the law that all the greatest and 
most productive labors of mankind require perseverance and toil. 

In 18G6, George M. Beeler, who had so indefatigably served as 
secretary for several years, saw himself hastening to his grave, and 
showed his love for the cause of fruit culture by bequeathing to 
the society the sum of §1,000. This year also the State Superin- 
tendent of Public Instruction was induced to take a copy of the 
Society's transactions for each of the township libraries in the State, 
and this enabled the Society to bind its volume of proceedings in 
a substantial manner. 

At the meeting in 1867 many valuable and interesting papers 
were presented, the office of corresponding secretary was created, 
and the subject of Legislative aid was discussed. The State Board 
of Agriculture placed the management of the horticultural depart- 
ment of the State fair in the care of the Society. 

The report for 1868 shows for the first time a balance on hand, 
after paying expenses, the balance being $61.55. Up to this time 
the Society had to take care of itself, — meeting current expenses, do- 
ing its own printing and binding, "boarding and clothing itself," 
and diffusing annually an amount of knowledge utterly incalcu- 
lable. During the year called meetings were held at Salem, in the 
peach and grape season, and evenings during the State fair, which 
was held in Terre Haute the previous fall. The State now assumed 
the cost of printing and binding, but the volume of transactions 
was not quite so valuable as that of the former year. 

In 1870 $160 was given to this Society by the State Board of 
Agriculture, to be distributed as prizes for essays, which object 
was faithfully carried out. The practice has since then been con- 
tinued. 

In 1871 the Horticultural Society brought out the best voiumo 
of papers and proceedings it ever has had published. 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 215 

In 1872 the office of corresponding secretary was discontinued ; 
the appropriation by the State Board of Agriculture diverted to 
the payment of premiums on small fruits given at a show held the 
previous summer; results of the exhibition not entirely satisfac- 
tory. 

In 1873 the State officials refused to publish the discussions of 
the members of the Horticultural Society, and the Legislature 
appropriated $500 for the purpose for each of the ensuing two 
years. 

In 1S75 the Legislature enacted a law requiring that one of the , 
trustees of Purdue University shall be selected by the Horticultu- 
ral Society. 

The aggregate annual membership of this society from its organ- 
ization in 1860 to 1S75 was 1,225. 

EDUCATION. 

The subject of education has been referred to in almost every 
gubernatorial message from the organization of the Territory to 
the present time. It is indeed the most favorite enterprise of the 
Hoosier State. In the first survey of Western lands, Congress set 
apart a section of land in every township, generally the 16th, for 
school purposes, the disposition of the land to be in hands of the 
residents of the respective townships. Besides this, to this State 
were given two entire townships for the use of a State Seminary, 
to be under the control of the Legislature. Also, the State con- 
stitution provides that all fines for the breach of law and all com- 
mutations for militia service be appropriated to the use of county 
seminaries. In 1825 the common-school lands amounted to 
680,207 acres, estimated at $2 an acre, and valued therefore at 
$1,216,044. At this time the seminary at Bloomington, supported 
in part by one of these township grants, was very flourishing. The 
common schools, however, were in rather a poor condition. 

PUBLIC SCHOOLS. 

In 1852 the free-school system was fully established, which has 
resulted in placing Indiana in the lead of this great nation. Al- 
though this is a pleasant subject, it is a very large one to treat in 
a condensed notice, as this has to be. 

The free-school system of Indiana first became practically oper- 
ative the first Monday of April, 1853, when the township trustees 



216 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

for school purposes were elected through the State. The law com- 
mitted to them the charge of all the educational affairs in their 
respective townships. As it was feared by the opponents of the 
law that it would not be possible to select men in all the town- 
ships capable of executing the school laws satisfactorily, the 
people were thereby awakened to the necessity of electing their 
very best men; and although, of course, many blunders have been 
made by trustees, the operation of the law has tended to elevate the 
adult population as well as the youth; and Indiana still adheres to 
the policy of appointing its best men to educational positions. 
The result is a grand surprise to all old fogies, who indeed scarcely 
dare to appear such any longer. 

To instruct the people in the new law and set the educational 
machinery going, a pamphlet of over 60 pages, embracing the law, 
with notes and explanations, was issued from the office of a super- 
intendent of public instruction, and distributed freely throughout 
the State. The first duty of the Board of Trustees was to establish 
and conveniently locate a sufficient number of schools for the edu- 
cation of all the children of their township. But where were the 
school-houses, and what were they? Previously they had been 
erected by single districts, but undm* this law districts were abol- 
ished, their lines obliterated, and houses previously built by dis- 
tricts became the property of the township, and all the houses were 
to be built at the expense of the township by an appropriation of 
township funds by the trustees. In some townships there was not 
a single school-house of any kind, and in others there were a few 
old, leaky, dilapidated log cabins, wholly unfit for use even in sum- 
mer, and in " winter worse than nothing." Before the people could 
be tolerably accommodated with schools at least 3,500 school-houses 
had to be erected in the State. 

By a general law, enacted in conformity to the constitution of 
1S52, each township was made a municipal corporation, and every 
voter in the township a member of the corporation; the Board of 
Trustees constituted the township legislature as well as the execu- 
tive body, the whole body of voters, however, exercising direct con- 
trol through frequent meetings called by the trustees. Special 
taxes and every other matter of importance were directly voted 
upon. 

Some tax-payers, who were opposed to special townships' taxes, 
retarded the progress of schools by refusing to pay their assess- 
ment. Contracts for building school-houses were given up, houses 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 217 

half finished were abandoned, and in many townships all 6chool 
operations were suspended. In some of them, indeed, a rumor was 
circulated by the enemies of the law that the entire school law from 
beginning to end bad been declared by the Supreme Court \incon- 
stitutional and void; and the Trustees, believing this, actually dis- 
missed their schools and considered themselves out of office. Hon. 
W. C. Larrabee, the (first) Superintendent of Public Instruction, 
corrected this error as soon as possible. 

But while the voting of special taxes was doubted on a constitu- 
tional point, it became evident that it was weak in a practical point; 
for in many townships the opponents of the system voted down every 
proposition for the erection of school-houses. 

Another serious obstacle was the great deficiency in the number 
of qualified teachers. To meet the newly created want, the law 
authorized the appointment of deputies in each county to examine 
and license persons to teach, leaving it in their judgment to lower 
the standard of qualification sufficiently to enable them to license 
as many as were needed to supply all the schools. It was therefore 
found necessary to employ many " unqualified " teachers, especially 
in the remote rural districts. But the progress of the times 
enabled the Legislature of 1853 to erect a standard of qualifica- 
tion and give to the county commissioners the authority to license 
teachers; and in order to supply every school with a teacher, while 
there might not be a sufficient number of properly qualified teach- 
ers, the commissioners were authorized to grant temporary licenses 
to take charge of particular schools not needing a high grade of 
teachers. 

In 1854 the available common-school fund consisted of the con- 
gressional township fund, the surplus revenue fund, the saline 
fund, the bank tax fund and miscellaneous fund, amounting in all 
to $2,-1-00,000. This amount, from many sources, was subsequently 
increased to a very great extent. The common-school fund was 
intrusted to the several counties of the State, which were held 
responsible for the preservation thereof and for the payment of the 
annual interest thereon. The fund was managed by the auditors 
and treasurers of the several counties, for which these officers were 
allowed one-tenth of the income. It was loaned out to the citizens 
of the county in sums not exceeding $300, on real estate security. 
The common-school fund was thus consolidated and the proceeds 
equally distributed eacli year to all the townships, cities and towns 



21S HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

of the State, in proportion to the number of children. This phase 
of the law met with considerable opposition in 1S54. 

The provisions of the law for the establishment of township 
libraries was promptly carried into effect, and much time, labor 
and thought were devoted to the selection of books, special atten- 
tion being paid to historical works. 

The greatest need in 1S54 was for qualified teachers; but never- 
theless the progress of public education during this and following 
years was very great. School-houses were erected, many of them 
being fine structures, well furnished, and the libraries were consid- 
erably enlarged. 

The city school system of Indiana received a heavy set-back in 
185S, by a decision of the Supreme Court of the State, that the 
law authorizing cities and townships to levy a tax additional to the 
State tax was not in conformity with that clause in the Constitu- 
tion which required uniformit}^ in taxation. The schools were 
stopped for want of adequate funds. For a few weeks in each year 
thereafter the feeble " uniform " supply from the State fund en- 
abled the people to open the schools, but considering the returns 
the public realizes for so small an outlay in educational matters, 
this proved more expensive than ever. Private schools increased, 
but the attendance was small. Thus the interests of popular edu- 
cation languished for years. But since the revival of the free 
schools, the State fund has grown to vast proportions, and the 
schools of this intelligent and enterprising commonwealth compare 
favorably with those of any other portion of the United States. 

There is no occasion to present all the statistics of school prog- 
ress in this State from the first to the present time, but some 
interest will be taken in the latest statistics, which we take from the 
9th Biennial Report (for]877-'8) by the State Superintendent of 
Public Instruction, Hon. James H. Smart. This report, by the 
way, is a volume of 480 octavo pages, and is free to all who desire 
a copy. 

The rapid, substantial and permanent increase which Indiana 
enjoys in her school interests is thus set forth in the above report. 





Length 








Total 




of School 


No of 


Attendance 


School 


Am't Paid 


Tear. 


in Days. 


Teacbere. 


at School. 


Enumeration. 


Teachers. 


1855 


61 


4,016 


206,994 


445,791 


$ 239,924 


1860 


65 


7,649 


303,744 


495,019 


481,020 


1865 


66 


9,493 


402,812 


557,092 


1,020.440 


1870 


97 


11.826 


462,527 


619.627 


1,810,866 


1875 


130 


18,13S! 


502,362 


667,736 


2.s:J0,747 


1878 


129 


13,076 


512,535 


699,153 


3,065,968 



BISTORT OF INDIANA. OJ9 

The increase of school population during the past ten years has 
been as follows: 

Total in 1868, 592,865. 

Increase for year ending Increase for year ending 

Sept. 1,186!) 17,699 May 1, 1874 13,922 

" 1,1870 9,063 " 1,1875 13,372 

" 1,1871 3,101 " 1,1876 11,494 

" 1,1872 8,811 " 1,1877 15,476 

May 1, 1873 (8 months) 8,903 " 1,1878 4,447 



Total, 1878 699,153 

No. of white males 354,271 ; females 333,033 687,304 

" "colored" 5,937; " 5,912 11,849 



699,153 



Twenty-nine per cent, of the above are in the 49 cities and 212 
incorporated towns, and 71 per cent, in the 1,011 townships. 

The number of white males enrolled in the schools in 1878 was 
267,315, and of white females, 237,739; total, 505,054; of colored 
males, 3,794; females, 3,687; total, 7,481; grand total, 512,535. 

The average number enrolled in eacli district varies from 51 to 56, 
and the average daily attendance from 32 to 35; but many children 
reported as absent attend parochial or private schools. Seventy- 
three per cent, of the white children and 63 per cent, of the colored, 
in the State, are enrolled in the schools. 

The number of days taught vary materially in the different town- 
ships, and on this point State Superintendent Smart iterates: "As 
long as the schools of some of our townships are kept open but 60 
days and others 220 days, we do not have a uniform system, — such 
as was contemplated by the constitution. The school law requires 
the trustee of a township to maintain each of the schools in his 
corporation an equal length of time. This provision cannot be so 
easily applied to the various counties of the State, for the reason 
that there is a variation in the density of the population, in the 
wealth of the people, and the amount of the township funds. I 
think, however, there is scarcely a township trustee in the State 
who cannot, under the present law, if he chooses to do so, bring his 
schools up to an average of six months. I think it would be wise 
to require each township trustee to levy a sufficient local tax to 
maintain the schools at least six months of the year, provided this 
can be done without increasing the local tax beyond the amount 
now permitted by law. This would tend to bring the poorer schools 
up to the standard of the best, and would thus unify the system, 
and make it indeed a common-school system." 



220 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

The State, however, averages six and a half months school per 
year to each district. 

The number of school districts in the State in 1878 was 9,3S0, in 
all but 31 of which school was taught during that year. There are 
396 district and 151 township graded schools. Number of white 
male teachers, 7,977, and of female, 5,699; colored, male, 62, and 
female, 43; grand total, 13,781. For the ten years ending with 
1878 there was an increase of -109 male teachers and 811 female 
teachers. All these teachers, except about 200, attend normal 
institutes, — a showing which probably surpasses that of any other 
State in this respect. 

The average daily compensation of teachers throughout the 
State in 1878 was as follows: In townships, males, $1.90; females, 
$1.70; in towns, males, $3.09; females, $1.81; in cities, males, 
$4.06; females, $2.29. 

In 1S78 there were 89 stone school-houses, 1,724 brick, 7,608 
frame, and 124 log; total, 9,545, valued at $11,536,647.39. 

And lastly, and best of all, we are happy to state that Indiana has 
a larger school fund than any other State in the Union. In 1S72, 
according to the statistics before us, it was larger than that of any 
other State by $2,000,000! the figures being as follows: 

Indiana §8,437,593.47 Michigan $2,500,214.91 

Ohio 6,614,816.50 Missouri 3,525,352.52 

Illinois 6,348,538.32 Minnesota 2,471,199.31 

New York 2,880,017.01 Wisconsin 2,237,414.37 

Connecticut 2,809.770.70 Massachusetts 2,210,864.09 

Iowa 4,274,581.93 Arkansas 2.000,000.00 

Nearly all the rest of the States have less than a million dollars 
in their school fund. 

In 1S72 the common-school fund of Indiana consisted of the 

following: 

Non-negotiable bonds $3,591,316.15 Escheated estates 17.866.55 

Common-school fund, 1,666,834.50 Sinking fund, last distrib- 

Sinking fund, at 8 percent 569,139.94 ution 67,068.72 

Congressional township Sinking fund undistrib- 

fund 2,281,076.69 uted 100,165.92 

Value of unsold Congres- Swamp land fund 42,418.40 

sional township lands.. 94,245.00 

Saline fund 5,727.66 $8,437,593 47 

Bank tax fund 1,744.94 

In 1878 the grand total was $8,974,455.55. 

The origin of the respective school funds of Indiana is as follows: 

1. The " Congressional township " fund is derived from the 

proceeds of the 16th sections of the townships. Almost all of these 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 221 

have been sold and the money put out at interest. The amount of 
this fund in 1S77 was $2,452,936.S2. 

2. The "saline" fund consists of the proceeds of the sale of 
salt springs, and the land adjoining necessary for working them to 
the amount of 36 entire sections, authorized by the original act of 
Congress. By authority of the same act the Legislature has made 
these proceeds a part of the permanent school fund. 

3. The " surplus revenue " fund. Under the administration of 
President Jackson, the national debt, contracted by the Revolutionary 
war and the purchase of Louisiana, was entirely discharged, and a 
large surplus remained in the treasury. In June, 1836, Congress 
distributed this money amcng the States in the ratio of their repre- 
sentation in Congress, subject to recall, and Indiana's share was 
$S60,25L The Legislature subsequently set apart $573,502.96 of 
this amount to be a part of the school fund. It is not probable that 
the general Government will ever recall this money. 

4. " Bank tax " fund. The Legislature of 1S34 chartered a State 
Bank, of which a part of the stock was owned by the State and a 
part by individuals. Section 15 of the charter required an annual 
deduction from the dividends, equal to 12£ cents on each share not 
held by the State, to be set apart for common-school education. 
This tax finally amounted to $S0,000, which now bears interest in 
favor of education. 

5. " Sinking " fund. In order to set the State bank under 
good headway, the State at first borrowed $1,300,000, and out of 
the unapplied balances a fund was created, increased by unapplied 
balances also of the principal, interest and dividends of the amount 
lent to the individual holders of stock, for the purpose of sinking 
the debt of the bank; hence the name sinking fund. The 114th 
section of the charter provided that after the full payment of the 
bank's indebtedness, principal, interest and incidental expenses, the 
residue of said fund should be a permanent fund, appropriated to 
the cause of education. As the charter extended through a period 
of 25 years, this fund ultimately reached the handsome amount of 
$5,000,000. 

The foregoing are all interest-bearing funds; the following are 
additional school funds, but not productive: 

6. " Seminary " fund. By order of the Legislature in 1852, all 
county seminaries were sold, and the net proceeds placed in the 
common-school fund. 



222 HISTORY OF IXDIA>~A. 

7. All fines for the violation of the penal laws of the State are 
placed to the credit of the common-school fund 

8. All recognizances of witnesses and parties indicted for crime, 
when forfeited, are collectible by law and made a part of the 
school fund. These are reported to the office of the State Superin- 
tendent of Public Instruction annually. For the'five years ending 
with 1872, they averaged about §34,000 a year. 

9. Escheats. These amount to $17,S65.55, which was still in 
the State treasury in 1S72 and unapplied. 

10. The "swamp-land" fund arises from the sale of certain 
Congressional land grants, not devoted to any particular purpose 
by the terms of the grant. In 1872 there was §42,418.40 of this 
money, subject to call by the school interests. 

11. Taxes on corporations are to some extent devoted by the 
Constitution to school purposes, but the clause on this subject is 
somewhat obscure, and no funds as yet have been realized from this 
source. It is supposed that several large sums of money are due 
the common-school fund from the corporations. 

Constitutionally, any of the above funds may be increased, but 
never diminished. 

INDIANA STATE UNIVERSITY. 

So early as 1S02 the U. S. Congress granted lands and a charter 
to the people of that portion of the Northwestern Territory resid- 
ing at Vincennes, for the erection and maintenance of a seminary 
of learning in that early settled district; and five years afterward 
an act incorporating the Vincennes University asked the Legisla- 
ture to appoint a Board of Trustees for the institution and order the 
sale of a single township in Gibson county, granted by Congress in 
1S02, so that the proceeds might be at once devoted to the objects 
of education. On this Board the following gentlemen were ap- 
pointed to act in the interests of the institution: William H. Har- 
rison, John Gibson, Thomas H. Davis, Henry Vanderburgh, "Wal- 
ler Taylor, Benjamin Parke, Peter Jones, James Johnson, John 
Rice Jones, George "Wallace, "William Bullitt, Ehas McNamee, 
John Badolett, Henry Hurst, Gen. W. Johnston, Francis Vigo, 
Jacob Kuykendall, Samuel McKee. Nathaniel Ewing, George 
Leech, Luke Decker, Samuel Gwathraey and John Johnson. 

The sale of this land was slow and the proceeds small. The 
members of the Board, too, were apathetic, and failing to meet, the 
institution fell out of existence and out of memory. 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 223 

In 1S16 Congress granted another township in Monroe county, 
located within its present limits, and the foundation of a university 
was laid. Four years later, and after Indiana was erected into a 
State, an act of the local Legislature appointing another Board of 
Trustees and authorizing them to select a location for a university 
and to enter into contracts for its construction, was passed. The 
new Board met at Bloomington and selected a site at that place for 
the location of the present building, entered into a contract for the 
erection of the same in 1S22, and in 1S25 had the satisfaction of being 
present at the inauguration of the university. The first session was 
commenced under the Rev. Baynard R. Hall, with 20 students, and 
when the learned professor could only boast of a salary of $150 a 
year; yet, on this very limited sum the gentleman worked with 
energy and soon brought the enterprise through all its elementary 
stages to the position of an academic institution. Dividing the 
year into two sessions of five months each, the Board acting under 
his advice, changed the name to the " Indiana Academy," under 
which title it was duly chartered. In 1S27 Prof. John H. Harney 
was raised to the chairs of mathematics, natural philosophy and 
astronomy, at a salary of $300 a year; and the salary of Mr. Hall 
raised to $400 a year. In 1S28 the name was again changed by the 
Legislature to the " Indiana College," and the following professors 
appointed over the different departments: Rev. Andrew Wylie, 
D. D., Prof, of mental and moral philosophy and belles lettres; 
John H. Harne}', Prof, of mathematics and natural philosophy; and 
Rev. Bayard R. Hall, Prof, of ancient languages. This year, also, 
dispositions were made for the sale of Gibson county lands and foj* 
the erection of a new college building. This action was opposed 
by some legal difficulties, which after a time were overcome, and 
the new college building was put under construction, and continued 
to prosper until 1S54, when it was destroyed by fire, and 9,000 
volumes, with all the apparatus, were consumed The curriculum 
was then carried out in a temporary building, while a new struct- 
ure was going up. 

In 1S73 the new college, with its additions, was completed, and 
the routine of studies continued. A museum of natural history, 
a laboratory and the Owen cabinet added, and the standard of the 
studies and morale generally increased in excellence and in strict- 
ness. 

Bloomington is a fine, healthful locality, on the Louisville, New 
Albany & Chicago railway. The University buildings are in the 



224 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

collegiate Gothic style, simply and truly carried out. The building, 
fronting College avenue is 145 feet in front. It consists of a 
central building 60 feet by 53, with wings each 3S feet by 26, and 
the whole, three stories high. The new building, fronting the 
west, is 130 feet by 50. Buildings lighted by gas. 

The faculty numbers thirteen. Number of students in the col- 
legiate department in 1879-'80, 1S3; in preparatory, 169; total, 
340, allowing for three counted twice. 

The university may now be considered on a fixed fouuaation, car- 
rying out the intention of the President, who aimed at scholarship 
rather than numbers, and demands the attention of eleven pro- 
fessors, together with the State Geologist, who is ex-officio member 
of the faculty, and required to lecture at intervals and look after 
the geological and mineralogical interests of the institution. The 
faculty of medicine is represented by eleven leading physicians 
of the neighborhood. The faculty of law requires two resident 
professors, and the other chairs remarkably well represented. 

The university received from the State annually about $15,000, 
and promises with the aid of other public grants and private dona- 
tions to vie with any other State university within the Republic. 

PURDUE UNIVERSITY. 

This is a " college for the benefit of agricultural and the mechanic 
arts," as provided for by act of Congress, July 2, 1862, donating 
lands for this purpose to the extent of 30,000 acres of the public 
domain to each Senator and Representative in the Federal assem- 
bly. Indiana having in Congress at that time thirteen members, 
became entitled to 390,000 acres; but as there was no Congress 
land in the State at this time, scrip had to be taken, and it was 
upon the following condition (we quote the act): 

" Section 4. That all moneys derived from the sale of land 
scrip shall be invested in the stocks of the United States, or of 
some other safe stocks, yielding no less than five per centum upon 
the par value of said stocks; and that the moneys so invested shall 
constitute a perpetual fund, the capital of which shall remain undi- 
minished, except so far as may be provided in section 5 of this act, 
and the interest of which shall be inviolably appropriated by each 
State, which may take and claim the benefit of this act, to the 
endowment, support and maintenance of at least one college, where 
the leading 1 object shall be, without excluding other scientific and 



HISTOET OF INDIANA. 225 

classical studies, and including military tactics, to teach such 
branches of learning rs are related to agriculture and the mechanic 
arts, in such a manner as the Legislatures of the States may re- 
spectively prescribe, in order to promote the liberal and practical 
education of the industrial classes in the several pursuits and pro- 
fessions of life. 

" Sec. 5. That the grant of land and land scrip hereby author- 
ized shall be made on the following conditions, to which, as well as 
the provision hereinbefore contained, the previous assent of the 
several States shall be signified by Legislative act: 

" First. If any portion of the funds invested as provided by the 
foregoing section, or any portion of the interest thereon, shall by 
any action or contingency be diminished or lost, it shall be replaced 
~by the State to which it belongs, so that the capital of the fund 
shall remain forever undiminished, and the annual interest shall be 
regularly applied, without diminution, to the purposes mentioned 
in the fourth section of this act, except that a sum not exceeding ten 
per centum upon the amount received by any State under the pro- 
visions of this act may be expended for the purchase of lands for 
sites or experimental farms, whenever authorized by the respective 
Legislatures of said States. 

" Second. No portion of said fund, nor interest thereon, shall 
be applied, directly or indirectly, under any pretence whatever, to 
the purchase, erection, preservation or repair of any building or 
buildings. 

" Third. Any State which may take and claim the benefit of 
the provisions of this act, shall provide, within five years at least, 
not less than one college, as provided in the fourth section of this 
act, or the grant to such State shall cease and said State be bound 
to pay the United States the amount received of any lands pre- 
viously sold,, and that the title to purchase under the States shall 
be valid. 

"Fourth. An annual report shall be made regarding the prog- 
ress of each college, recording any improvements and experiments 
made, with their cost and result, and such other matter, including 
State industrial and economical statistics, as may be supposed use- 
ful, one copy of which shall be transmitted by mail free, by each, 
to all other colleges which may be endowed under the provisions 
of this act, and also one copy to the Secretary of the Interior. 

"Fifth. When lands snail be selected from those which have 
been raised to double the minimum price in consequence of railroad 



226 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

grants, that they shall be computed to the States at the maximum 
price, and the number of acres proportionately diminished. 

'•'Sixth. No State, while in a condition of rebellion or insur- 
rection against the Government of the United States, shall be 
entitled to the benefits of this act. 

"Seventh. No State shall be entitled to the benefits of this act 
unless it sball express its acceptance thereof by its Legislature 
within two years from the date of its approval by the President." 

The foregoing act was approved by the President, July 2, 1S62. 
It seemed that this law, amid the din of arms with the great Rebel- 
lion, was about to pass altogether unnoticed by the next General 
Assembly, January, 1863, had not Gov. Morton's attention been 
called to it by a delegation of citizens from Tippecanoe county, who 
visited him in the interest of Battle Ground. He thereupon sent 
a special message to the Legislature, upon the subject, and then 
public attention was excited to it everywhere, and several localities 
competed for the institution; indeed, the rivalry was so great that 
this session failed to act in the matter at all, and would have failed 
to accept of the grant within the two years prescribed in the last 
clause quoted above, had not Congress, by a supplementary act, 
extended the time two years longer. 

March 6, 1865, the Legislature accepted the conditions ot the 
national gift, and organized the Board of " Trustees of the Indiana 
Agricultural College." This Board, by authority, sold the scrip 
April 9, 1867, for $212,23S.50, w hich sum, by compounding, has 
increased to nearly $400,000, aud is invested in IT. S. bonds. Not 
until the special session of May, 1869, was the localit}' for this col- 
lege selected, when John Purdue, of Lafayette, offered $150,000 
and Tippecanoe county $50,000 more, and the title of the institution 
changed to "Purdue University." Donations were also made by 
the Battle Ground Institute and the Battle Ground Institute of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 

The building was located on a 100-acre tract near Chauncey, 
which Purdue gave in addition to his magnificent donation, and to 
which 86$ acres more have since been added on the north. The 
boarding-house, dormitory, the laboratory, boiler and gas house, 
a frame armory and gymnasium, stable with shed and work-shop 
are all to the north of the gravel road, and form a group of build- 
ings within a circle cf 600 feet. The boiler and gas house occupy 
a rather central position, and supply steam and gas to the boarding- 
bouse, dormitory and laboratory. A description of these buildings 



HISTOET OF INDIANA. 227 

may be apropos. The boarding-house is a brick structure, in the 
modern Italian style, planked by a turret at each of the trout angles 
and measuring 120 leet front by 6S feet deep. The dormitory is a 
quadrangular edifice, in the plain Elizabethan style, four stories 
high, arranged to accommodate 125 students. Like the other build- 
ings, it is heated by steam and lighted by gas. Bathing accommo- 
dations are in each end of all the stories. The laboratory is almost 
a duplicate of a similar department in Brown University, R. I. It 
is a much smaller building than the boarding-house, but yet suffi- 
ciently large to meet the requirements. A collection of minerals, 
fossils and antiquities, purchased from Mr. Richard Owen, former 
President of the institution, occupies the temporary cabinet or 
museum, pending the construction of anew building. The military 
hall and gymnasium is 100 feet frontage by 50 feet deep, and only 
one story high. The uses to which this hall is devoted are exer- 
cises in physical and military drill. The boiler and gas house is an 
establishment replete in itself, possessing every facility for supply- 
ing the buildings of the university with adequate heat and light. 
It is further provided with pumping works. Convenient to this 
department is the retort and great meters of the gas house, capable 
of holding 9,000 cubic feet of gas, and arranged upon the principles 
of modern science. The barn and shed form a single building, 
both useful, convenient and ornamental. 

In connection with the agricultural department of the university, 
a brick residence and barn were erected and placed at the disposa 1 
of the farm superintendent, Maj. L. A. Burke. 

The buildings enumerated above have been erected at a cost 
approximating the following: boarding-house, $37,807.07; labora- 
tory, $15,000; dormitory, $32,000; military hall and gymnasium, 
$6,410.47; boiler and gas house, $4,314; barn and shed, $1,500; 
work-shop, $1,000; dwelling and barn, $2,500. 

Besides the original donations, Legislative appropriations, vary- 
ing in amount, have been made from time to time, and Mr. Fierce, 
the treasurer, has donated his official salary, $600 a year, for the time 
he served, for decorating the grounds, — if necessary. 

The opening of the university was, owing to varied circumstan- 
ces, postponed from time to time, and not until March, 1S74, was a 
class formed, and this only to comply with the act of Congress in 
that connection in its relation to the university. However, in 
September following a curriculum was adopted, and the first regu- 
lar term of the Purdue University entered upon. This curriculum 



228 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

comprises the varied subjects generally pertaining to a first-class 
university course, namely: in the school of natural science- 
physics and industrial mechanics, chemistry and natural history; 
in the school of engineering — civil and mining, together with the 
principles of architecture; in the school of agriculture — theoret- 
ical and practical agriculture, horticulture and veterinary science; 
in the military school — the mathematical sciences, German and 
French literature, free-hand and mechanical drawing, with all the 
studies pertaining to the natural and military sciences. Modern 
languages and natural history embrace their respective courses to 
the fullest extent. 

There are this year (1880) eleven members of the faculty, S6 
students in the regular courses, and 117 other students. In respect 
to attendance there has been a constant increase from the first. 
The first year, 1874:-'5, there were but 64 students. 

INDIANA STATE NORMAL SCHOOL. 

This institution was founded at Terre Haute in 1S70, in accord- 
ance with the act of the Legislature of that year. The building is 
a large brick edifice situated upon a commanding location and 
possessing some architectural beauties. From its inauguration 
many obstacles opposed its advance toward efficiency and success; 
but the Board of Trustees, composed of men experienced in edu- 
cational matters, exercised their strength of mind and body to 
overcome every difficulty, and secure for the State Normal School 
every distinction and emolument that lay within their power, 
their efforts to this end being very successful; and it is a fact that 
the institution has arrived at, if not eclipsed, the standard of their 
expectations. Not alone does the course of study embrace the 
legal subjects known as reading, writing, spelling, arithmetic, 
geography, TJuited States history, English grammar, physiology, 
manners and ethics, but it includes also universal history, the 
mathematical sciences and many other subjects foreign to older 
institutions. The first studies are prescribed by law and must be 
inculcated; the second are optional with the professors, and in the 
case of Indiana generally hold place in the curriculum of the nor- 
mal school. 

Tlie model, or training school, specially designed for the training 
of teachers, forms a most important factor in State educational 
matters, and prepares teachers of both sexes for one of the most 
important positions in life; viz., that of educating the youth of the 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 229 

State. The advanced course of studies, together with the higher 
studies of the normal school, embraces Latin and German, and pre- 
pares young men and women for entrance to the State University. 

The efficiency of this school may be elicited from the following 
facts, taken from the official reports: out of 41 persons who had 
graduated from the elementary course, nine, after teaching success- 
fully iu the public schools of this State from two terms to two 
vears, returned to the institution and sought admission to the 
advanced classes. They were admitted; three of them were gentle- 
men and six ladies. After spending two years and two terms in the 
elementary course, and then teaching in the schools during the 
time already mentioned they returned to spend two and a half or 
three years more, and for the avowed purpose of qualifying them- 
selves for teaching in the most responsible positions of the public 
school service. In fact, no student is admitted to the school who 
does not in good faith declare his intention to qualify himself for_ 
teaching in the schools of the State. This the law requires, and 
the rule is adhered to literally. 

The report further says, in speaking of the government of the 
school, that the fundamental idea is rational freedom, or that free- 
dom which gives exemption from the power of control of one over 
another, or, in other words, the self-limiting of themselves, in their 
acts, hy a recognition of the rights of others who are equally free. 
The idea and origin of the school being laid down, and also the 
means by which scholarship can be realized in the individual, the 
student is left to form his own conduct, both during session hours 
and while away from school. The teacher merely stands between 
this scholastic idea and the student's own partial conception of it, 
as expositor or interpreter. The teacher is not legislator, executor 
or police officer; he is expounder of the true idea of school law, so 
that the only test of the student's conduct is obedience to, or 
nonconformity with, that law as interpreted by the teacher. This 
idea once inculcated in the minds of the students, insures industry, 
punctuality and order. 

NORTHERN INDIANA NORMAL SCHOOL AND BUSINESS INSTITUTE, 

VALPARAISO. 

This institution was organized Sept. 16, 1S73, with 35 students 
in attendance. The school occupied the building known as the 
Valparaiso Male and Female College building. Four teachers 



230 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

were employed. The attendance, so small at first, increased rap- 
idly and steadily, until at the present writing, the seventh year 
in the history of the school, the yearly enrollment is more than 
three thousand. The number of instructors now employed is 23. 

From time to time, additions have been made to the school 
buildings, and numerous boarding halls have been erected, so that 
now the value of the buildings and grounds owned by the school 
is one hundred thousand dollars. 

A large library has been collected, and a complete equipment of 
philosophical and chemical apparatus has been purchased. The 
department of physiology is supplied with skeletons, manikins, 
and everything necessary to the demonstration of each branch of 
the subject. A large cabinet is provided for the study of geology. 
In fact, each department of the school is completely furnished 
with the apparatus needed for the most approved presentation of 
every subject. 

There are 15 chartered departments in the institution. These 
are in charge of thorough, energetic, and scholarly instructors, and 
send forth each year as graduates, a large number of finely cultured 
young ladies and gentlemen, living testimonials of the efficiency 
of the course of study and the methods used. 

The Commercial College in connection with the school is in itself 
a great institution. It is finely fitted up and furnished, and ranks 
forejnost among the business colleges of the United States. 

The expenses for tuition, room and board, have been made so 
low that an opportunity for obtaining a thorough education is 
presented to the poor and the rich alike. 

All of this work has been accomplished in the short space of 
seven years. The school now holds a high place among educational 
institutions, and is the largest normal school in the United States. 

This wonderful growth and devolopment is wholly due to the 
energy and faithfulness of its teachers, and the unparalleled exec- 
utive ability of its proprietor and principal. The school is not 
endowed. 

DENOMINATIONAL AND PRIVATE INSTITUTIONS. 

Nor is Indiana behind in literary institutions under denomina- 
tional auspices. It is not to be understood, however, at the present 
day, that sectarian doctrines are insisted upon at the so-called 
" denominational" colleges, universities and seminaries; the youth at 
these places are influenced only by Christian example. 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 231 

Notre Dame University, near South Bend, is a Catholic institu- 
tion, and is one of the most noted in the United States. It was 
founded in 1812 by Father Sorin. The first building was erected 
in 1S43, and the university has continued to grow and prosper until 
the present time, now having 35 professors, 26 instructors, 9 tutors, 
213 students and 12,000 volumes in library. At present the main 
building has a frontage of 221 feet and a depth of 155. Thousands 
of young people have received their education here, and a large 
number have been graduated for the priesthood. A chapter was 
held here in 1872, attended by delegates from all parts of the world. 
It is worthy of mention that this institution has a bell weighing 
13,000 pounds, the largest in the United States and one of the finest 
in the world. 

The Indiana Asbury University, at Greencastle, is an old and 
well-established institution under the auspices of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, named after its first bishop, Asbury. It was 
founded in 1S35, and in 1872 it had nine professors and 172 
students. 

Howard College, not denominational, is located at Kokomo, and 
was founded in 1869. In 1872 it had five professors, four instructors, 
and 69 students. 

Union Christian College, Christian, at Merom, was organized in 
1S58, and in 1S72 had four resident professors, seven instructors 
and 156 students. 

Moore's Hill College, Methodist Episcopal, is situated at Moore's 
Hill, was founded in 1851, and in 1872 had five resident professors, 
five instructors, and 112 students. 

Earlhain's College, at Richmond, is under the management of 
the Orthodox Friends, and was founded in 1859. In 1872 the}' 
had six resident professors and 167 students, and 3,300 volumes in 
library. 

Wabash College, at Crawfordsville, was organized in 1834, and 
had in 1872, eight professors and teachers, and 231 students, with 
about 12,000 volumes in the library. It is under Presbyterian 
management. 

Concordia College, Lutheran, at Fort Wayne, was founded in 
1850; in 1S72 it had four professors and 118 students: 3,000 volumes 
in library. 

Hanover College, Presbyterian, was organized in 1833, at Han- 
over, and in 1872 had seven professors and 118 students, and 7,000 
volumes in library. 



232 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

Hartsville University, United Brethren, at Hartsville, was 
founded in 1854, and in 1S72 had seven professors and 117 students. 

Northwestern Christian University, Disciples, is located at 
Irvington, near Indianapolis. It was founded in 1854, and by 
1S72 it had 15 resident professors, 181 students, and 5,000 volumes 
in library. 

BENEVOLENT AND PENAL INSTITUTIONS. 

By the year 1S30, the influx of paupers and invalid persons was 
so great that the Governor called upon the Legislature to take 
steps toward regulating the matter, and also to provide an asylum 
for the poor, but that body was very slow to act on the matter. 
At the present time, however, there is no State in the Union which 
can boast a better system of benevolent institutions. The Benevo- 
lent Society of Indianapolis was organized in 1S43. It was a 
pioneer institution; its field of work was small at first, but it has 
grown into great usefulness. 

INSTITUTE FOE THE EDUCATION OF THE BLIND. 

In behalf of the blind, the first effort was made by James M. Ray, 
about 1846. Through his efforts William H. Churchman came 
from Kentucky with blind pupils and gave exhibitions in Mr. 
Beecher's church, in Indianapolis. These entertainments were 
attended by members of the Legislature, for whom indeed they 
were especially intended; and the effect upon them was so good, 
that before they adjourned the session they adopted measnres to es- 
tablish an asylum for the blind. The commission appointed to carry 
out these measures, consisting of James M. Ray, Geo. W. Mears, 
and the Secretary, Treasurer and Auditor of State, engaged Mr. 
Churchman to make a lecturing tour through the State and collect 
statistics of the blind population. 

The " Institute for the Education of the Blind " was founded by 
the Legislature of 1847, and first opened in a rented building Oct. 
1, of that year. The permanent buildings were opened and occu- 
pied in February, 1853. The original cost of the buildings and 
ground was $110,000, aud the present valuation of buildings and 
grounds approximates $300,000. The main building is 90 feet 
long by 61 deep, and with its right and left wings, each 30 feet in 
front and 83 in depth, give an entire frontage of 150 feet. The 
main building is five stories in height, surmounted by a cupola of 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 235 

the Corinthian style, while each wing is similarly overcapped 
The porticoes, cornices and verandahs are gotten up with exquisite 
taste, and the former are molded after the principle of Ionic archi- 
tecture. The building is very favorably situated, and occupies a 
space of eight acres. 

The nucleus of a fund for supplying indigent graduates of the 
institution with an outfit suitable to their trades, or with money in 
lieu thereof, promises to meet with many additions. The fund is 
the out-come of the benevolence of Mrs. Fitzpatrick, a resident of 
Delaware, in this State, and appears to be suggested by the fact 
that her daughter, who was smitten with blindness, studied as a 
pupil in the institute, and became singularly attached to many of 
its inmates. The following passage from the lady's will bears 
testimony not only to her own sympathetic nature but also to the 
efficiency of the establishment which so won her esteem. " I give 
to each of the following persons, friends and associates of my blind 
daughter, Margaret Louisa, the sum of $100 to each, to wit, viz: 
Melissa and Phoebe Garrettson, Frances Cundiff, Dallas Newland, 
Naomi Unthunk, and a girl whose name before marriage was 
Rachel Martin, her husband's name not recollected. The balance 
of my estate, after paying the expenses of administering, I give to 
the superintendent of the blind asylum and his successor, in trust, 
for the use and benefit of the indigent blind of Indiana who may 
attend the Indiana blind asylum, to be given to them on leaving 
in such sums as the superintendent may deem proper, but not more 
than $50 to any one person. I direct that the amount above direct- 
ed be loaned at interest, and the interest and principal be distributed 
as above, agreeably to the best judgment of the superintendent, 
so as to do the greatest good to the greatest number of blind 
persons." 

The following rules, regulating the institution, after laying down 
in preamble that the institute is strictly an educational estab- 
lishment, having its main object the moral, intellectual and phys- 
ical training of the young blind of the State, and is not an asylum 
for the aged and helpless, nor an hospital wherein the diseases of 
the eye may be treated, proceed as follows: 

1. The school year commences the first Wednesday after the 
15th day of September, and closes on the last Wednesday in June, 
showing a session of 40 weeks, and a vacation term of 84 days. 

2. Applicants for admission must be from 9 to 21 years of age; 
but the trustees have power to admit blind students under 9 or 



236 iiistoky of Indiana. 

over 21 years of age; but this power is extended only in very 
extreme cases. 

3. Imbecile or unsound persons, or confirmed immoralists, 
cannot be admitted knowingly; neither can admitted pupils who 
prove disobedient or incompetent to receive instruction be retained 
on the roll. 

4. JSfo charge is made for the instruction and board given to 
pupils from the State of Indiana; and even those without the State 
have only to pay $200 for board and education during the 40 weeks' 
session. 

5. An abundant and good supply of comfortable clothing for 
both summer and winter wear, is an indispensable adjunct of the 
pupil. 

6. The owner's name must be distinctly marked on each article 
of clothing. 

7. In cases of extreme indigence the institution may provide 
clothing and defray the traveling expenses of such pupil and levy the 
amount so expended on the county wherein his or her home is 
situated. 

8. The pupil, or friends of the pupil, must remove him or her 
from the institute during the annual vacation, and in case of their 
failure to do so, a legal provision enables the superintendent to 
forward such pupil to the trustee of the township where he or she 
resides, and the expense of such transit and board to be charged to 
the county. 

9. Friends of the pupils accompanying them to the institution, 
or visiting them thereat, cannot enter as boarders or lodgers. 

10. Letters to the pupils should be addressed to the care of the 
Superintendent of the Institute for the Education of the Blind, so as 
the better to insure delivery. 

11. Persons desirous of admission of pupils should apply to the 
superintendent for a printed copy of instructions, and no pupil 
should be sent thereto until the instructions have been complied 
with. 

INSTITUTE FOE THE DEAF AND DUMB. 

In 1S43 the Governor was also instructed to obtain plans and 
information respecting the care of mutes, and the Legislature also 
levied a tax to provide for them. The first one to agitate the subject 
was "William Willard, himself a mute, who visited Indiana in 1843, 
and opened a school for mutes on his own account, with 16 pupils. 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 237 

The next year the Legislature adopted this school as a State insti- 
tution, appointing a Board of Trustees for its management, consist- 
ing of the Governor and Secretary of State, ex-offlcio,and Revs. Henry 
"Ward Beecher, Phineas D. Gnrley, L. II. Jameson, Dr. Dunlap, 
Hon. James Morrison and Rev. Matthew Simpson. They rented the 
large building on the southeast corner of Illinois and Maryland 
streets, and opened the first State asylum there in 1844; but in 1846, 
a site for a permanent building just eastof Indianapolis was selected, 
consisting first of 30 acres, to which 100 more have been added. 
On this site the two first structures were commenced in 1849, and 
completed in the fall of 1850, at a cost of $30,000. The school 
was immediately transferred to the new building, where it is still 
flourishing, with enlarged buildings and ample facilities for instruc- 
tion in agriculture. In 1869-'70, another building was erected, 
and the three together now constitute one of the most benefi- 
cent and beautiful institutions to be found on this continent, at 
an aajorresrate cost of $220,000. The main building has a facade of 
260 feet. Here are the offices, study rooms, the quarters of officers 
and teachers, the pupils' dormitories and the library. The center 
of this building has a frontage of eighty feet, and is five stories high, 
with wings on either side 60 feet in frontage. In this Central 
structure are the store rooms, dining-hall, servants' rooms, hospital, 
laundry, kitchen, bakery and several school-rooms. Another struct- 
ure known as the " rear building " contains the chapel and another 
set of school-rooms. It is two stories high, the center being 50 feet 
square and the wings 40 by 20 feet. In addition to these there are 
many detached buildings, containing the shops of the industrial 
department, the engine-house and wash-house. 

The grounds comprise 105 acres, which in the immediate vicinity 
of the buildings partake of the character of ornamental or pleasure 
gardens, comprising a space devoted to fruits, flowers and veget- 
ables, while the greater part is devoted to pasture and agriculture. 

The first instructor in the institution was Wm. Willard, a deaf 
mute, who had up to 1844 conducted a small school for the instruc- 
tion of the deaf at Indianapolis, and now is employed by the State, 
at a salary of $800 per annum, to follow a similar vocation in its 
service. In 1853 he was succeeded by J. S. Brown, and subse- 
quently by Thomas Mclutire, who continues principal of the 
institution. 



238 HISTORY OF INDIANA". 

HOSPITAL FOB THE INSANE. 

The Legislature of 1832-'3 adopted measures providing for a 
State hospital for the insane. This good work would have been 
done much earlier had it not been for the hard times of 1837, 
intensified by the results of the gigantic scheme of internal improve- 
ment. In order to survey the situation and awaken public sympa- 
thy, the county assessors were ordered to make a return of the 
insane in their respective counties. During the year 1842 the 
Governor, acting under the direction of the Legislature, procured 
considerable information in regard to hospitals for the insane in 
other States; and Dr. John Evans lectured before the Legislature 
on the subject of insanity and its treatment. As a result of these 
efforts the authorities determined to take active steps for the estab- 
lishment of such a hospital. Plans and suggestions from the 
superintendents and hospitals of other States were submitted to the 
Legislature in 1S44, which body ordered the levy of a tax of one 
cent on the 8100 for the purpose of establishing the hospital. In 
1845 a commission was appointed to obtain a site not exceeding 
200 acres. Mount Jackson, then the residence of Nathaniel Bolton, 
was selected, and the Legislature in 1846 ordered the commissioners 
to proceed with the erection of the building. Accordingly, in 
1847, the central building was completed, at a cost of $75,000. It 
has since been enlarged by the addition of wings, some of which 
are larger than the old central building, until it has become an 
immense structure, having cost over half a million dollars. 

The wings of the main building are four stories high, and entirely 
devoted to wards for patients, being capable of accommodating 
500. 

The grounds of the institution comprise 160 acres, and, like 
those of the institute for the deaf and dumb, are beautifully laid 
out. 

This hospital was opened for the reception of patients in 1848. 
The principal structure comprises what is known as the central 
building and the right and left wings, and like the institute for the 
deaf and dumb, erected at various times and probably under various 
adverse circumstances, it certainly does not hold the appearance of 
any one design, but seems to be a combination of many. Not- 
withstanding these little defects in arrangement, it presents a very 
imposing appearance, and shows what may be termed a frontage 



BISTORT OF INDIANA. 239 

of 624 feet. The central building is live stories in height and con- 
tains the store-rooms, offices, reception parlors, medical dispensing 
rooms, mess-rooms and the apartments of the superintendent and 
other officers, with those of the female employes. Immediately 
iu the rear of the central building, and connected with it by a 
corridor, is the chapel, a building 50 by 60 feet. This chapel 
occupies the third floor, while the under stories hold the kitchen, 
bakery, emplo3 T es' dining-room, steward's office, employes' apart- 
ments and sewing rooms. In rear of this again is the engine- 
house, 00 by 50 feet, containing ail the paraphernalia for such an 
establishment, such as boilers, pumping works, fire plugs, hose, 
and above, on the second floor, the laundry and apartments of male 
employes. 

THE STATE PEISON SOUTH. 

The first penal institution of importance is known as the "State 
Prison South," located at Jeffersonville, and was the only prison 
until 1859. It was established in 1S21. Before that time it was 
customary to resort to the old-time punishment of the whipping- 
post. Later the manual labor system was inaugurated, and the 
convicts were hired out to employers, among whom we»e Capt. 
Westover, afterward killed at Alamo, Texas, with Crockett, James 
Keigwin, who in an affray was fired at and severely wounded by a 
convict named Williams, Messrs. Patterson Hensley, and Jos. 
R. Pratt. During the rule of the latter of these lessees, the atten- 
tion of the authorities was turned to a more practical method of 
utilizing convict labor; and instead of the prisoners being per- 
mitted to serve private entries, their work was turned in the direc- 
tion of their own prison, where for the next few years they were 
employed in erecting the new buildings now known as the " State 
Prison South." This structure, the result of prison labor, stands 
on 16 acres of ground, and comprises the cell houses and work- 
shops, together with the prisoners' garden, or»pleasure-ground. 

It seems that in the erection of these buildings the aim of the 
overseers was to create so many petty dungeons and unventilated 
laboratories, into which disease in every form would be apt to 
creep. This fact was evident from the high mortality character- 
izing life within the prison; and in the efforts made by the 
Government to remedy a state of things which had been permitted 
to exist far too long, the advance in prison reform has become a 
reality. From 1857 to 1871 the labor of the prisoners was devoted 



240 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

to the manufacture of wagons and farm implements; and again the 
old policy of hiring the convicts was resorted to; for in the latter 
year, 1S71, the Southwestern Car Company was organized, and 
every prisoner capable of taking a part in the work of car-building 
was leased out. This did very well until the panic of 1873, when 
the company suffered irretrievable losses; and previous to its final 
down-fall in 1S76 the warden withdrew convict labor a second time, 
leaving the prisoners to enjoy a luxurious idleness around the 
prison which themselves helped to raise. 

In later years the State Prison South has gained some notoriety 
from the desperate character of some of its inmates. During the 
civil war a convict named Harding mutilated in a most horrible 
manner and ultimately killed one of the jailors named Tesley. In 
1874, two prisoners named Kennedy and Applegate, possessing 
themselves of some arms, and joined by two other convicts named 
Port and Stanley, made a break for freedom, swept past the guard, 
Chamberlain, and gained the fields. Chamberlain went in pursuit 
but had not gone very far when Kennedy turned on his pursuer, 
fired and killed him instantly. Subsequently three of the prisoners 
were captured alive and one of them paid the penalty of death, 
while Kennedy, the murderer of Chamberlain, failing committal for 
murder, was sent back to his old cell to spend the remainder of his 
life. Pill Itodii'er, better known as "The Hoosier Jack Sheppard," 
effected his escape in 1875, in the very presence of a large guard, 
but was recaptured and has since been kept in irons. 

This establishment, owing to former mismanagement, has fallen 
very much behind, financially, and has asked for and received an 
appropriation of $20,000 to meet its expenses, while the contrary 
is the case at the Michigan City prison. 

THE STATE TKISON NORTH. 

In 1859 the first steps toward the erection of a prison in the 
northern part of the State were taken, and by an act of the Legis- 
lature approved March 5, this year, authority was given to construct 
prison buildings at some point north of the National road. For this 
purpose §50,000 were appropriated, and a large number of convicts 
from the Jeffersonville prison were transported northward to 
Michigan City, which was just selected as the location for the new 
penitentiary. The work was soon entered upon, and continued to 
meet with additions and improvements down to a very recent 
period. So late as 1875 the Legislature appropriated §20,000 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 241 

toward the construction of new cells, and in other directions also 
the work of improvement has been going on. The system of 
government and discipline is similar to that enforced at the Jeffer- 
sonville prison; and, strange to say, by its economical working has 
not only met the expenses of the administration, but very recently 
had amassed over $11,000 in excess of current expenses, from its 
annual savings. This is due almost entirely to the continual 
employment of the convicts in the manufacture of cigars and 
chairs, and in their great prison industry, cooperage. It differs 
widely from the Southern, insomuch as its sanitary condition has 
been above the average of similar institutions. The strictness of its 
silent system is better enforced. The petty revolutions of its 
inmates have been very few and insignificant, and the number of 
punishments inflicted comparatively small. From whatever point 
this northern prison may be looked at, it will bear a very favorable 
comparison with the largest and best administered of like establish- 
ments throughout the world, and cannot fail to bring high credit to 
its Board of Directors and its able warden. 

FEMALE PRISON AND REFORMATORY. 

The prison reform agitation which in this State attained telling 
proportions in 1869, caused a Legislative measure to be brought 
forward, which would have a tendency to ameliorate the condition 
of female convicts. Gov. Baker recommended it to the General 
Assembly, and the members of that body showed their appreciation 
of the Governor's philanthropic desire by conferring upon the bill 
the authority of a statute; and further, appropriated $50,000 to aid 
in carrying out the objects of the act. The main provisions con- 
tained in the bill may be set forth in the following extracts from 
the proclamation of the Governor: 

"Whenever said institution shall have been proclaimed to be 
open for the reception of girls in the reformatory department 
thereof, it shall be lawful for said Board of Managers to receive 
them into their care and management, and the said reformatory 
department, girls under the age of 15 years who may be committed 
to their custody, in either of the following modes, to-wit: 

"1. When committed by any judge of a Circuit or Common 
Pleas Court, either in term time or in vacation, on complaint and 
due proof by the parent or guardian that by reason of her incorrig- 
ible or vicious conduct she has rendered her control beyond the 
power of such parent or guardian, and made it manifestly requisite 



242 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

that from regard to the future welfare of such infant, and for the 
protection of society, she should be placed under such guardianship. 

"2. "When such infant has been committed by such judge, as 
aforesaid, upon complaint by any citizen, and due proof of such 
complaint that such infant is a proper subject of the guardianship 
of such institution in consequence of her vagrancy or incorrigible 
or vicious conduct, and that from the moral depravity or other- 
wise of her parent or guardian in whose custody she may be, 
such parent or guardian is incapable or unwilling to exercise tbe 
proper care or discipline over such incorrigible or vicious infant. 

"3. When such infant has been committed by such judge as 
aforesaid, on complaint and due proof thereof by the township 
trustee of the township where such infant resides, that such infant 
is destitute of a suitable home and of adequate means of obtaining 
an honest living, or that she is in danger of being brought up to 
lead an idle and immoral life." 

In addition to these articles of the bill, a formal section of 
instruction to the wardens of State prisons was embodied in the 
act, causing such wardens to report the number of all the female 
convicts under their charge and prepare to have them transferred 
to the female reformatory immediately after it was declared to be 
ready for their reception. After the passage of the act the 
Governor appointed a Board of Managers, and these gentlemen, 
securing the services of Isaac Hodgson, caused him to draft a plan 
of the proposed institution, and further, on his recommendation, 
asked the people for an appropriation of another $50,000, which 
the Legislature granted in February. 1S73. The work of construc- 
tion was then entered upon and carried out so steadily, that on the 
6th of September, 1S73, the building was declared ready for the 
reception of its future inmates. Gov. Baker lost no time in 
proclaiming this fact, and October 4 he caused the wardens of the 
State prisons to be instructed to transfer all the female convicts in 
their custody to the new institution which may be said to rest on 
the advanced intelligence of the age. It is now called the 
" Indiana Reformatory Institution for Women and Girls." 

This building is located immediately north of the deaf and 
dumb asylum, near the arsenal, at Indianapolis. It is a three- 
stor} r brick structure in the French style, and shows a frontage of 
174 feet, comprising a main building, with lateral and transverse 
wings. In front of the central portion is the residence of the 
superintendent and his associate reformatory officers, while in the 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 243 

rear is the engine house, with all the ways and means for heating 
the buildings. Enlargements, additions and improvements are 
still in progress. There is also a school and library in the main 
building, which are sources of vast good. 

October 31, 1S79, there were G6 convicts in the " penal" depart- 
ment and 147 in the " girls' reformatory " department. The 
" ticket-of-leave " system has been adopted, with entire satisfaction, 
and the conduct of the institution appears to be up with the 
times. 

INDIANA HOUSE OF REFUGE. 

In 1S67 the Legislature appropriated $50,000 to aid in the 
formation of an institution to be entitled a house for the correction 
and reformation of juvenile defenders, and vested with full powers 
in a Board of Control, the members of which were to be appointed 
by the Governor, and with the advice and consent of the Senate. 
This Board assembled at the Governor's house at Indianapolis, 
April 3, 1867, and elected Charles F. Coffin, as president, and 
visited Chicago, so that a visit to the reform school there might 
lead to a fuller knowledge and guide their future proceedings. 
The House of Refuge at Cincinnati, and the Ohio State Reform 
school were also visited with this design; and after full consider- 
ation of the varied governments of these institutions, the Board 
resolved to adopt the method known as the " family " system, 
which divides the inmates into fraternal bodies, or small classes, 
each class having a separate house, house father and family offices, 
— all under the control of a general superintendent. The system 
being adopted, the question of a suitable location next presented 
itself, and proximity to a large city being considered rather 
detrimental to the welfare of such an institution, Gov. Baker 
selected the site three-fourths of a mile south of Plainfield, and 
about fourteen miles from Indianapolis, which, in view of its 
eligibility and convenience, was fully concurred in by the Board 
of Control. Therefore, a farm of 225 acres, claiming a fertile soil 
and a most picturesque situation, and possessing streams of running 
water, was purchased, and on a plateau in its center a site for the 
proposed house of refuge was fixed. 

The next movement was to decide upon a plan, which ultimately 
met the approval of the Governor. It favored the erection of one 
principal building, one house for a reading-room and hospital, two 
large mechanical shops and eight family houses. January 1, 1S6& 



/ii HISTOKY OF INDIANA. 

three family bouses and work-shop were completed; in 1S69 the 
main building, and one additional family house were added; but 
previous to this, in August, 1867, a Mr. Frank P. Ainsworth and 
his wife were appointed by the Board, superintendent and matron 
respectively, and temporary quarters placed at their disposal. In 
1869 they of course removed to the new building. This is 64 by 
12S feet, and three stories high. In its basement are kitchen, 
laundry and vegetable cellar. The first floor is devoted to offices, 
visitors' room, house father and family dining-room and store- 
rooms. The general superintendent's private apartments, private 
offices and five dormitories for officers occupy the second floor; 
while the third floor is given up to the assistant superintendent's 
apartment, library, chapel and hospital. 

The family houses are similar in style, forming rectangular build- 
ings 36 by 58 feet. The basement of each contains a furnace 
room, a store-room and a large wash-room, which is converted into 
a play-room during inclement weather. On the first floor of each 
of these buildings are two rooms for the house father and his 
family, and a school-room, which is also convertible into a sitting- 
room for the boys. On the third floor is a family dormitory, a 
clothes-room and a room for the " elder brother," who ranks next 
to the house father. And since the reception of the first boy, from 
Hendricks county, January 23, 1S68, the house plan has proved 
equally convenient, even as the management has proved efficient. 

Other buildings have since been erected. 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 245 



THE LOG CABIN. 

After arriving and selecting a suitable location, the next thing 
to do was to build a log cabin, a description of which may be in- 
teresting to many of our younger readers, as in some sections these 
old-time structures are no more to be seen. Trees of uniform size 
were chosen and cut into logs of the desired length, generally 12 
to 15 feet, and hauled to the spot selected for the future dwelling. 
On an appointed day the few neighbors who were available would 
assemble and have a " house-raising." Each end of every log was 
saddled and notched so that they would lie as close down as possi- 
ble; the next day the proprietor would proceed to "chink and 
daub " the cabin, to keep out the rain, wind and cold. The house 
had to be re-daubed every fall, as the rains of the intervening time 
would wash out a great part of the mortar. The usual height of 
the house was seven or eight feet. The gables were formed by 
shortening the logs gradually at each end of the building near the 
top. The roof was made by laying very straight small logs or stout 
poles suitable distances apart, generally about two and a half feet 
from gable to gable, and on these poles were laid the "clapboards" 
after the manner of shingling, showing about two and a half feet 
to the weather. These clapboards were fastened to their place by 
" weight-poles," corresponding in place with the joists just described, 
and these again were held in their place by " runs " or " knees," 
which were chunks of wood about 18 or 20 inches long fitted be- 
tween them near the ends. Clapboards were made from the nicest 
oaks in the vicinity, by chopping or sawing them into four-foot 
blocks and riving these with a frow, which was a simple blade fixed 
at right angles to its handle. This was driven into the blocks of 
wood by a mallet. As the frow was wrenched down through the 
wood, the latter was turned alternately over from side to side, one 
end being held by a forked piece of timber. 

The chimney of the Western pioneer's cabin was made by leaving 
in the original building a large open place in one wall, or by cut- 
ting one after the structure was up, and by building on the out- 
side, from the ground up, a stone column, or a column of sticks and 



216 HISTORY OF IXDIAXA. 

mud, the sticks being laid up cob-house fashion. The fire-place 
thus made was often large enough to receive fire-wood six to eight 
feet long. Sometimes this wood, especially the "back-log," would 
be nearly as large as a saw-log. The more rapidly the pioneer 
could burn up the wood in his vicinity the sooner he had his little 
farm cleared and ready for cultivation. For a window, a piece 
about two feet long was cut out of one of the wall logs, and the 
hole closed sometimes by glass, but generally with greased paper. 
Even greased deer-hide was sometimes used. A doorway was cut 
through one of the walls, if a saw was to be had; otherwise the 
door would be left by shortened logs in the original building. The 
door was made by pinning clapboards to two or three wood bars, 
and was hung upon wooden hinges. A wooden latch, with catch, 
then finished the door, and the latch was raised by aDy one on the 
outside by pulling a leather string. For security at night this 
latch-string was drawn in; but for friends and neighbors, and even 
strangers, the "latch-string was always hanging out," as a welcome. 
In the interior, over the fire-place would be a shelf, called " the 
mantel,"' on which stood the candlestick or lamp, some cooking and 
table-ware, possibly an old clock, and other articles; in the fire- 
place would be the crane, sometimes of iron, sometimes of wood — 
on it the pots were hung for cooking; over the door, in forked cleats, 
hung the ever trustful rifle and powder-horn; in one corner stood 
the larger bed for the " old folks," and under it the trundle-bed for 
the children; in another Btood the old-fashioned spinning-wheel, 
with a smaller one by its side; in another the heavy table, the only 
table, of course, there was in the house; in the remaining corner 
was a rude cupboard holding the table-ware, which consisted of a few 
cups and saucers and blue-edged plates, standing singly on their 
edges against the back, to make the display of table furniture more 
conspicuous; while around the room were scattered a few splint- 
bottomed or Windsor chairs and two or three stools. 

These simple cabins were inhabited by a kind and true-hearted 
people. They were strangers to mock modesty, and the traveler, 
seeking lodgings for the night, or desirous of spending a few days in 
the community, if willing to accept the rude offering, was always 
welcome, although how they were disposed of at night the reader 
might not easily imagine; for, as described, a single room was made 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 247 

to answer for kitchen, dining-room, sitting-room, bed-room and parlor, 
and manj' families consisted of six or eight members. 

SLEEPING ACCOMMODATIONS. 

The Led was very often made by fixing a post in the floor about 
six feet from one wall and four feet from the adjoining wall, and 
fastening a stick to this post about two feet above the floor, on 
each of two sides, so that the other end of each of the two sticks 
could be fastened in the opposite wall; clapboards were laid across 
these, and thus the bed was made complete. Guests were given this 
bed, while the family disposed of themselves in another corner of 
the room, or in the " loft." When several guests were on hand at 
once, they were sometimes kept over night in the following man- 
ner: when bed-time came the men were requested to step out of 
doors while the women spread out a broad bed upon the mid-floor, 
and put themselves to bed in the center; the signal was given and 
the men came in, and each husband took his place in bed next his 
own wife, and the single men outside beyond them again. They 
were generally so crowded that they had to lie " spoon " fashion, and 
when any one wished to turn over he would say " Spoon," and the 
whole company of sleepers would turn over at once. This was the 
only way the}' could all keep in bed. 

COOKING. 

To witness the various processes of cooking in those days would 
alike surprise and amuse those who have grown up since cooking 
stuves and ranges came into use. Kettles were hung over the large 
fire, suspended with pot-hooks, iron or wooden, 011 the crane, or 
on poles, one end of which would rest upon a chair. The long- 
handled frying-pan was used for cooking meat. It was either held 
over the blaze by hand or set down upon coals drawn out upon the 
hearth. This pan was also used for baking pan-cakes, also called 
"flap-jacks," ''batter-cakes," etc. A better article for this, however, 
was the cast-iron spider or Dutch skillet. The best thing for baking 
bread those days, and possibly even yet in these latter days, was the 
flat-bottomed bake kettle, of greater depth, with closely fitting cast- 
iron cover, and commonly known as the " Dutch-oveu." With coals 
over and under it, bread and biscuit would quickly and nicely 



248 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

bake. Turkey and spare-ribs were sometimes roasted before the fire, 
suspended by a string, a dish being placed underneath to catch the 
drippings. 

Hominy and samp were very much used. The hominy, however, 
was generally hulled corn — boiled corn from which the hull, or 
bran, had been taken by hot lye; hence sometimes called "lye 
hominy." True hominy and samp were made of pounded corn. A 
popular method of making this, as well as real meal for bread, was 
to cut out or burn a large hole in the top of a huge stump, in the 
sbape of a mortar, and pounding the corn in this by a maul or beetle 
suspended on the end of a swing pole, like a well-sweep. This and 
the well-sweep consisted of a pole 20 to 30 feet long, fixed in an up- 
right fork, so that it could be worked " teeter " fashion. It was a 
rapid and simple way of drawing water. When the samp was suffi- 
ciently pounded it was taken out, the bran floated off, and the deli- 
cious grain boiled like rice. 

The chief articles of diet in early days were corn bread, hominy 
or samp, venison, pork, honey, beans, pumpkin (dried pumpkin for 
more than half the year), turkey, prairie chicken, squirrel and some 
other game, with a few additional vegetables a portion of the year. 
Wheat bread, tea, coffee and fruit were luxuries not to be indulged 
in except on special occasions, as when visitors were present. 

women's woek. 

Besides cooking in the manner described, the women had many 
other arduous duties to perform, one of the chief of which was 
spinning. The "big wheel" was used for spinning yarn, and the 
"little wheel" for spinning flax. These stringed instruments fur- 
nished the principal music of the family, and were operated by our 
mothers and grandmothers with great skill, attained without pecu- 
niary expense and with far less practice than is uecessarj T for the 
girls of our period to acquire a skillful use of their costly and elegant 
instruments. But those wheels, indispensable a few years ago, are 
all now superseded by the mighty factories which overspread the 
country, furnishing cloth of all kinds at an expense ten times less 
than would be incurred now by the old system. 

The loom was not less necessary than the wheel, though they 
were not needed in so great numbers. Not every house had a loom — 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 249 

one loom had a capacity for the needs of several families. Settlers 
having succeeded, in spite of the wolves, in raising sheep, com- 
menced the manufacture of woolen cloth; wool was carded and 
made into rolls by hand cards, and the rolls were spun on the 
" big wheel." We still occasionally find in the houses of old set- 
tlers a wheel of this kind, sometimes used for spinning and twisting 
stocking yarn. They are turned with the hand, and with such 
velocity that it will run itself while the nimble worker, by her back- 
ward step, draws out and twists her thread nearly the whole length 
of the cabin. A common article woven on the loom was linsey, 
or linsey-woolsey, the chain being linen and the filling woolen. The 
cloth was used for dresses for the women and girls. Nearly all the 
clothes worn by the men were also home-made; rarely was a farmer 
or his son seen in a coat made of any other. If, occasionally, a 
young man appeared in a suit of " boughten " clothes, he was sus- 
pected of having gotten it for a particular occasion, which occurs in 
the life of nearly every young man. 

DRESS AND MANNERS. 

The dress, habits, etc., of a people throw so much light upon 
their conditions and limitations that, in order better to show the 
circumstances surrounding the people of the State, we will give a 
short exposition of the manner of life of our Western people at dif- 
ferent epochs. The Indians themselves are credited by Charlevoix 
with being " very laborious," — raising poultry, spinning the wool of 
the buffalo, and manufacturing garments therefrom. These must 
have been, however, more than usually favorable representatives of 
their race. 

" The working and voyaging dress of the French masses," says 
Reynolds, " was simple and primitive. The French were like the lilies 
of the valley [the Old Ranger was not always exact in his quota- 
tions], — they neither spun nor wove any of their clothing, but pur- 
chased it from the merchants. The white blanket coat, known as 
the capot, was the universal and eternal coat for the winter with the 
masses. A cape was made of it that could be raised over the head 
in cold weather. 

" In the house, and in good weather, it hung behind, a cape to the 
blanket coat. The reason that I know these coats so well is that 



250 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

I have worn many in my youth, and a working man never wore 
a better garment. Dressed deer-skins and blue cloth were worn 
commonly in the winter for pantaloons. The bine handkerchief 
and the deer-skin moccasins covered the head and feet generally of 
the French Creoles. In 1800 scarcely a man thought himself 
clothed unless he had a belt tied round his blanket coat, and on one 
side was hung the dressed skin of a pole-cat, filled with tobacco, 
pipe, flint and steel. On the other side was fastened, under the belt, 
the butcher knife- A Creole in this dress felt like Tarn O'Shanter 
filled with usquebaugh — he could face the devil. Cheeked calico 
shirts were then common, but in winter flannel was frequently worn. 
In the summer the laboring men and the voyageurs often took their 
shirts off in hard work and hot weather, and turned out the naked 
back to the air and sun." 

" Among the Americans," he adds, " home-made wool hats were 
the common wear. Fur hats were not common, and scarcely a 
boot was seen. The covering of the feet in winter was chiefly 
moccasins made of deer-skins and shoe-packs of tanned leather. 
Some wore shoes, but not common in very early times. In the 
summer the greater portion of the young people, male and female, 
and many of the old, went barefoot. The substantial and universal 
outside wear was the blue linsey hunting shirt. This is an excel- 
lent garment, and I have never felt so happy and healthy since I 
laid it off. It is made of wide sleeves, open before, with ample size 
so as the envelop the body almost twice around. Sometimes it had 
a large cape, which answers well to save the shoulders from the 
rain. A belt is mostly used to keep the garment close around the 
person, and, nevertheless, there is nothing tight about it to hamper 
the body. It is often fringed, and at times the fringe is composed 
of red, and other gay colors. The belt, frequently, is sewed to the 
hunting shirt. The vest was mostly made of striped linsey. The 
colors were made often with alum, copperas and madder, boiled 
with the bark of trees, iu such a manner and proportions as the old 
ladies prescribed. The pantaloons of the masses were generally 
made of deer-skin and linsey. Coarse blue cloth was sometimes 
made into pantaloons. 

l; Linsey, neat and fine, manufactured at home, composed gener- 
ally the outside garments of the females as well as the males. 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 251 

The ladies had Hnsey colored and woven to suit their fancy. A 
bonnet, composed of calico, or some gay goods, was worn on the head 
when they were in the open air. Jewelry on the pioneer ladies was 
uncommon; a gold ring was an ornament not often seen." 

Iu 1820 a change of dress began to take place, and before 1830, 
according to Ford, most of the pioneer costume had disappeared. 
"The blue linsey bunting-shirt, with red or white fringe, had given 
place to the cloth coat. [Jeans would be more like tne fact.] The 
raccoon cap, with the tail of the animal dangling down behind, had 
been thrown aside for hats of wool or fur. Boots and shoes had sup- 
planted the deer-skin moccasins; and leather breeches, strapped 
tight around the ankle, had disappeared before unmentionables of a 
more modern material. The female sex had made still greater prog- 
ress in dress. The old sort of cotton or woolen frocks, spun, woven 
and made with their own fair bands, and striped and cross-barred 
with blue d3'e and Turkey red, bad given place to gowns of silk and 
calico. The feet, before in a state ot nudity, now charmed in shoes 
of calf-skin or slippers of kid; and the head, formerly unbonneted, 
but covered with a cotton handkerchief, now displayed the charms of 
the female face under many forms of bonnets of straw, silk and Leg- 
born. The young ladies, instead of walking a mile or two to church 
on Sunday, carrying their shoes and stockings in their hands until 
within a hundred yards of the place of worship, as formerly, now 
came forth arrayed complete in all the pride of dress, mounted on 
fine horses and attended by their male admirers." 

The last half century has doubtless witnessed changes quite as 
great as those set forth by our Illinois historian. The chronicler of 
to-day, looking back to the golden days of ]830 to 1840, and com- 
paring them with the present, must be struck with the tendency of 
an almost monotonous uniformity in dress and manners that comes 
from the easy inter-communication afforded by steamer, railway, 
telegraph and newspaper. Home manufactures have been driven 
from the houshold by the lower-priced fabrics of distant mills. The 
Kentucky jeans, and the copperas-colored clothing of home manu- 
facture, so familiar a few years ago, have given place to the cassimeres 
and cloths of noted factories. The ready-made clothing stores, 
like a touch ot nature, made the whole world kin, and may drape the 
charcoal man in a dress-coat and a stove-pipe hat. The piints and 



252 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

silks of England and France give a variety of choice and an assort- 
ment of colors and shades such as the pioneer women could hardly 
have dreamed of. Godey and Deniorest and Harper's Bazar are 
found in our modern farm-houses, and the latest fashions of Paris 
are not uncommon. 

FAMILY WORSHIP. 

The Methodists were generally first on the ground in pioneer 
settlements, and at that early day they seemed more demonstrative 
in their devotions than at the present time. In those days, too, 
pulpit oratory was generally more eloquent and effective, while 
the grammatical dress and other " worldly " accomplishments were 
not so assiduously cultivated as at present. But in the manner 
of conducting public worship there has probably not been so much 
change as in that of family worship, or "family prayers" as it was 
often called. We had then most emphatically an American edition 
of that pious old Scotch practice so eloquently described in Burns 1 
" Cotter's Saturday Night:" 

The cheerfu' supper done, wi' serious face 

They round the ingle formed a circle wide; 
The sire turns o'er, wi' patriarchal grace, 

The big ha' Bible, ance his father's pride; 
His bonnet rev'rently is laid aside, 

His lyart haffets wearing thin and bare; 
Those strains that once did in sweet Zion glide; 

He wales a portion with judicious care, 

And "let us worship God," he says with solemn air. 

They chant their artless notes in simple guise; 

They tune their hearts,— by far the noblest aim; 
Perhaps " Dundee's " wild warbling measures rise, 

Or plaintive " Martyr's" worthy of the name; 
Or noble " Elgin " beats the heavenward flame, — 

The sweetest far of Scotia's hallowed lays. 
Compared with these, Italian trills are tame; 

The tickled ear no heart-felt raptures raise: 

Nae unison hae they with our Creator's praise. 

The priest-like father reads the sacred page, — 
How Abraham was the friend of God on high, etc. 

Then kneeling down, to heaven's Eternal King 
The saint, the father and the husband prays; 

Hope " springs exulting on triumphant wing," 
That thus they all shall meet in future days; 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 253 

There ever bask in uncreated rays. 

No more to sigh or shed the bitter tear, 
Together hymning their Creator's praise, 

In such society, yet still more dear, 

While circling time moves round in an eternal sphere. 

Once or twice a day, in the morning just before breakfast, or in 
the evening just before retiring to rest, the head of the family would 
call those around him to order, read a chapter in the Bible, announce 
the hymn and tune by commencing to sing it, when all would join; 
then he would deliver a most fervent prayer. If a pious guest were 
present he would be called on to take the lead in all the exercises of 
the evening; and if in those days a person who prayed in the family 
or in public did not pray as if it were his very last on earth, his piety 
was thought to be defective. 

The familiar tunes of that day are remembered by the surviving old 
settlers as being more spiritual and inspiring than those of the pres- 
ent day, such as Bourbon, Consolation, China, Canaan, Conquering 
Soldier, Condescension, Devotion, Davis, Fiducia, Funeral Thought, 
Florida, Golden Hill, Greenfields, Ganges, Idumea, Imandra, Ken- 
tucky, Lenox, Leaiider, Mear, New Orleans, Northfield, New Salem, 
New Durham, Olney, Primrose, Pisgah, Pleyel's Hymn, Rockbridge, 
Rockingham, Reflection, Supplication, Salvation, St. Thomas, Salem, 
Tender Thought, Windham, Greenville, etc., as they are named in 
the Missouri Harmony. 

Members of other orthodox denominations also had their family 
prayers in which, however, the phraseology of the prayer was some- 
what different and the voice not so loud as characterized the real 
Methodists, United Brethren, etc. 

HOSPITALITY. 

The traveler always found a welcome at the pioneer's cabin. 
It was never full. Although there might be already a guest for 
every puncheon, there was still "room for one more," and a wider 
circle would be made for the new-comer at the log fire. If the 
stranger was in search of land he was doubly welcome, and his host 
would volunteer to show him all the " first-rate claims in this neck 
of the woods," going with him for days, showing the corners and 
advantages of every " Congress tract " within a dozen miles of his 
own cabin. 



254 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

To liis neighbors the pioneer was equally liberal. If a deer was 
killed, the choicest bits were sent to his nearest neighbor, a half- 
dozen miles away, perhaps. When a "shout" was butchered, the 
same custom prevailed. If a new-comer came in too late for " crop- 
ping," the neighbors would supply his table with just the same 
luxuries they themselves enjoyed, and in as liberal quantity, until a 
crop could be raised. When a new-comer had located his claim, the 
neighbors for miles around would assemble at the site ot the new- 
comer's proposed cabin and aid him in " gittin' " it up. One party 
with axes would cut down the trees aud hew the logs; another with 
teams would haul the logs to the ground; another party would 
"raise" the cabin; while several of the old men would "rive the 
clapboards " for the roof. By night the little forest domicile would 
be up and ready for a " house-warming," which was the dedicatory 
occupation of the house, when music and dancing and festivity would 
be enjoyed at full height. The next day the new-comer would be as 
well situated as his neighbors. 

An instance of primitive hospitable manners will be in place 
here, A traveling Methodist preacher arrived in a distant neigh- 
borhood to till an appointment. The house where services were 
to be held did not belong to a church member, but no matter for 
that. Boards were raked up from all quarters with which to make 
temporary seats, one of the neighbors volunteering to lead off in 
the work, while the man of the house, with the faithful rifle on his 
shoulder, sallied forth in quest of meat, for this truly was a 
" ground-hog " case, the preacher coming and no meat in the house. 
The host ceased not the chase until he found the meat, in the shape 
of a deer; returning, he sent a boy out after it, with directions on 
what " pint " to find it. After services, which had been listened to 
with rapt attention by all the audience, mine host said to his wife, 
" Old woman, I reckon this 'ere preacher is pretty hungry and you 
must git him a bite to eat." "What shall I git him?" asked the 
wife, who had not seen the deer; '* thar's nuthin' in the house to 
eat." "Why, look thar," returned he; "thar's deer, and thar's 
plenty of corn in the field; you git some corn and grate it while I 
skin the deer, and we'll have a good supper for him." It is need- 
less to add that venison and corn bread made a supper fit for any 
pioneer preacher, and was thankfully eaten. 



III.STOUY OF INDIANA. 255 

TRADE. 

In pioneer times the transactions of commerce were generally 
carried on by neighborhood exchanges. Now and then a farmer 
would load a flat-boat with beeswax, honey, tallow and peltries, 
with perhaps a few bushels of wheat or corn or a few hundred 
clapboards, and float down the rivers into the Ohio, and thence to 
New Orleans, where he would exchange his produce for substantial 
iu the shape of groceries and a little ready money, with which he 
would return hy some one of the two or three steamboats then run- 
ning. Betimes there appeared at the best steamboat landings a 
number of " middle men " engaged in the " commission and for- 
warding " business, buying up the farmers' produce and the tro- 
phies of the chase and the trap, and sending them to the various 
distant markets. Their winter's accumulations would be shipped 
in the spring, and the manufactured goods of the far East or dis- 
tant South would come back in return; and in all these transactions 
scarcely auy money was seen or used. Goods were sold on a year's 
time to the farmers, and payment made from the proceeds of the 
ensuing crops. "When the crops were sold and the merchant satis- 
fied, the surplus was paid out in orders on the store to laboring men 
and to satisfy other creditors. When a day's work was done by a 
working man, his employer would ask, " Well, what store do you 
want your order on?" The answer being given, the order was 
written and always cheerfully accepted. 

MONET. 

Money was an article little known and seldom seen among the 
earlier settlers. Indeed, they had but little use for it, as they 
could transact all their business about as well without it, on the 
" barter " system, wherein great ingenuity was sometimes displayed. 
When it failed in any instance, long credits contributed to the 
convenience of the citizens. But for taxes and postage neither the 
barter nor the credit system would answer, and often letters were 
suffered to remain a long lime in the postoffice for the want of the 
twenty-five cents demanded by the Government. With all this 
high price on postage, by the way, the letter had not been brought 
500 miles in a day or two, as the case is nowadays, but had prob- 
ably been weeks on the route, and the mail was delivered at the 
pioneer's postoffice, several miles distant from his residence, only 



256 HISTORY OF IXDIAXA. 

once in a week or two. All the mail would be carried by a lone 
horseman. Instances are related illustrating how misrepresenta- 
tion would be resorted to in order to elicit the sympathies of some 
one who was known to have "two bits" (25 cents) of money with 
him, and procure the required Governmental fee for a letter. 

Peltries came nearer being money than anything else, as it came 
to be custom to estimate the value of everything in peltries. Such 
an article was worth so man} - peltries. Even some tax collectors 
and postmasters were known to take peltries and exchange them for 
the monej 7 required by the Government. 

When the first settlers came into the wilderness they gener- 
ally supposed that their hard struggle would be principally over 
after the first year; but alas! they often looked for "easier times 
next year" for many years before realizing them, and then they 
came in so slily as to be almost imperceptible. The sturdy pioneer 
thus learned to bear hardships, privation and hard living, as good 
soldiers do. As the facilities for making money were not great, 
they lived pretty well satisfied in an atmosphere of good, social, 
friendly feeling, and thought themselves as good as those they had 
left behind in the East. But among the early settlers who came to 
this State were many who, accustomed to the advantages of an older 
civilization, to churches, schools and society, became speedily home- 
sick and dissatisfied. They would remain perhaps one summer, or 
at most two, then, selling whatever claim with its improvements 
they had made, would return to the older States, spreading reports 
of the hardships endured by the settlers here and the disadvantages 
which they had found, or imagined they had found, in the country. 
These weaklings were not an unmitigated curse. The slight im- 
provements they had made were sold to men of sterner stuff, who 
were the sooner able to surround themselves with the necessities 
of life, while their unfavorable report deterred other weaklings 
from coming. The men who stayed, who were willing to endure 
privations, belonged to a different guild; they were heroes every 
one, — men to whom hardships were things to be overcome, and pres- 
ent privations things to be endured for the sake of posterity, and 
they never shrank from this duty. It is to these hardy pioneers 
who could endure, that we to-day owe the wonderful improvement 
we have made and the development, almost miraculous, that has 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 257 

brought our State in the past sixty years, from a wilderness, to 
the front rank among the States of this great natiou. 

MILLING. 

Not the least of the hardships of the pioneers was the procuring 
of bread. The first settlers must* be supplied at least one year 
from other sources than their own lauds; but the first crops, how- 
ever abundant, gave only partial relief, there being no mills to 
grind the grain. Hence the necessity of grinding by hand-power, 
and many families were poorly provided with means for doing this. 
Another way was to grate the corn. A grater was made from a 
piece of tin sometimes taken from an old, worn-out tin bucket or 
other vessel. It was thickly perforated, bent into a semicircular 
form, and nailed rDugh side upward, on a board. The corn was taken 
in the ear, and grated before it got dry and hard. Corn, however, 
was eaten in various .ways. 

Soon after the country became more generally settled, enterprising 
men were ready to embark in the milling business. Sites along 
the streams were selected for water-power. A person looking for 
a mill site would follow up and down the stream for a desired loca- 
tion, and when found he would go before the authorities and secure 
a writ of ad quod damnum. This would enable the miller to have 
the adjoining land officially examined, and the amount of damage by 
making a dam was named. Mills being so great a public necessity, 
they were permitted to be located upon any person's land where the 
miller thought the site desirable. 

AGRICULTURAL IMPLEMENTS. 

The agricultural implements used by the first farmers in this 
State would in this age of improvement be great curiosities. The 
plow used was called the "bar-share " plow; the iron point con- 
sisted of a bar of iron about two feet long, and a broad share of 
iron welded to it. At the extreme point was a coulter that passed 
through a beam six or seven feet long, to which were attached 
handles of corresponding length. The mold-board was a wooden 
one split out of winding timber, or hewed into a winding shape, in 
order to turn the soil over. Sown seed was brushed in by dragging 
over the ground a sapling with a bushy top. In harvesting the 



25S HISTORY OF INDIANA.. 

change is most striking. Instead of the reapers and mowers of to- 
day, the sicdde and cradle were used. The grain was threshed with a 
flail, or trodden out by horses or oxen. 

HOG KILLING. 

Hogs were always dressed before they were taken to market. The 
farmer, if forehanded, would call in his neighbors some bright fall 
or winter morning to help ''kill hogs. 7 ' Immense kettles of water 
were heated; a sled or two, covered with loose boards or plank, con- 
stituted the platform on which the hog was cleaned, and was placed 
near an inclined hogshead in which the scalding was done; a quilt 
was thrown over the top of the latter to retain the heat; from a 
crotch of some convenient tree a projecting pole was rigged to hold 
the animals for disemboweling and thorough cleaning. When 
everything was arranged, the best shot of the neighborhood loaded 
his rifle, and the work of killing was commenced. It was consid- 
ered a disgrace to make a hog '"squeal" by bad shooting or by a 
"shoulder stick," that is running the point of the butcher-knife 
into the shoulder instead of the cavity of the breast. As each hog 
fell, the "sticker" mounted him and plunged the butcher-knife, 
long- aud well sharpened, into his throat; two persons would then 
catch him by the hind legs, draw him up to the scalding tub, which 
had just been filled with boiling-hot water with a shovelful of good 
green wood ashes thrown in; in this the carcass was plunged 
and moved around a minute or so, that is, until the hair would slip 
off easily, then placed on the platform where the cleaners would 
pitch into him with all their might and clean him as quickly as 
possible, with knives and other sharp-edged implements; then two 
stout fellows would take him up between them, and a third man to 
manage the "gambrel " (which was a stout stick about two feet long, 
sharpened at both ends, to be inserted between the muscles of the 
hind legs at or near the hock joint), the animal would be elevated to 
the pole, where the work of cleaning was finished. 

After the slaughter was over and the hogs had had time to cool, 
such as were intended for domestic use were cut up, the lard " tried " 
out by the women of the household, and the surplus hogs taken 
to market, while the weather was cold, if possible. In those 
days almost every merchant had, at the rear end of his place of 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 259 

business or at some convenient building, a " pork-bouse," and 
would buy tbe pork of bis customers and of sucb others as would 
sell to him, and cut it for tbe market. This gave employment to a 
large number of hands in every villa^ \ who would cut and pack 
pork all winter. The hauling of all this to the river would also 
give employment to a large number of teams, and the manufacture 
of pork barrels would keep many coopers employed. 

Allowing for the difference of currency and manner of market- 
ing, the price of pork was not so high in those days as at present. 
Now, while calico and muslin are eight cents a yard and pork is five 
and six cents a pound, then,whilc calico and muslin were twenty-five 
cents a yard pork was one to two cents a pound. When, as the 
country grew older and communications easier between the seaboard 
and the great West, prices •went up to two and a half and three 
cents a pound, the farmers thought they would always be content 
to raise pork at such a price; but times have changed, even con- 
trary to the current-cy. 

There was one feature in this method of marketing pork that 
made the country a paradise for the poor man in the winter time. 
Spare-ribs, tenderloins, pigs' heads and pigs' feet were not con- 
sidered of any value, and were freely given to all who could use 
them. If a barrel was taken to any pork-bouse and salt furnished, 
the barrel would be filled and salted down with tenderloins and 
spare-ribs gratuitously. So great in many cases was the quantity 
of spare-ribs, etc., to be disposed of, that they would be hauled 
away in wagon-loads and dumped in the woods out of town. 

In those early times much wheat was marketed at twenty-five to 
fifty cents a bushel, oats the same or less, and corn ten cents a 
bushel. A good young milch-cow could be bought for $5 to $10, 
and that payable in work. 

Those might truly be called "close times," yet the citizens of 
the country were accommodating, and but very little suffering for 
the actual necessities of life was ever known to exist. 

PEAIRIE FIRES. 

Fires, set out by Indians or settlers, sometimes purposely and 
sometimes permitted through carelessness, would visit the prairies 
every autumn, and sometimes the forests, either in autumn or 
spring, and settlers could not always succeed in defending them- 
selves against the destroying element. Many interesting incidents 
are related. Often a fire was started to bewilder game, or to bare 



260 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

a piece of ground for the early grazing of stock tlie ensuing spring, 
and it would get away under a wind, and soon be beyond control. 
Violent winds would often arise and drive the flames with such 
rapidity that riders on the fleetest steeds could scarcely escape. 
On the approach of a prairie fire the farmer would immediately 
set about " cutting off supplies " for the devouring enemy by a 
" back fire." Thus, by starting a small fire near the bare ground 
about his premises, and keeping it under control next his property, 
he would burn off a strip around him and prevent the attack of the 
on-coming flames. A few furrows or a ditch around the farm con- 
stituted a help in the work of protection. 

An original prairie of tall and exuberant grass on fire, especially 
at night, was a magnificent spectacle, enjoyed only by the pioneer. 
Here is an instance where the frontiersman, proverbially deprived 
of the sights and pleasures of an old community, is privileged far 
beyond the people of the present day in this country. One could 
scarcely tire of beholding the scene, as its awe-inspiring features 
seemed constantly to increase, and the whole panorama unceasingly 
changed like the dissolving views of a magic lantern, or like the 
aurora borealis. Language cannot convey, words cannot express, 
the faintest idea of the splendor and grandeur of such a conflagra- 
tion at night. It was as if the pale queen of night, disdaining to 
take her accustomed place in the heavens, had dispatched myriads 
upon myriads of messengers to light their torches at the altar of 
the setting sun until all had flashed into one long and continuous 
blaze. 

The following graphic description of prairie fires was written by 
a traveler through this region in 1849: 

" Soon the fires began to kindle wider and rise higher from the 
long grass; the gentle breeze increased to stronger currents, and soon 
fanned the small, flickering blaze into fierce torrent flames, which 
curled up and leaped along in resistless splendor; and like quickly 
raising the dark curtain from the luminous stage, the scenes before 
me were suddenly changed, as if by the magician's wand, into one 
boundless amphitheatre, blazing from earth to heaven and sweeping 
the horizon round, — columns of lurid flames sportively mounting 
up to the zenith, and dark clouds of crimson smoke curling away 
and aloft till they nearly obscured stars and moon, while the rush- 
ing, crashing sounds, like roaring cataracts mingled with distant 
thunders, were almost deafening; danger, death, glared all around; 
i* screamed for victims; yet, notwithstanding the imminent peril 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 261 

of prairie fires, one is loth, irresolute, almost unable to withdraw 
or seek refuge." 

WILD HOGS. 

"When the earliest pioneer reached this Western wilderness, game 
was his principal food until he had conquered a farm from the 
forest or prairie, — rarely, then, from the latter. As the country 
settled game grew scarce, and by 1S50 he who would live by his 
rifle would have had but a precarious subsistence had it not been 
for "wild hogs." These animals, left by home-sick immigrants 
whom the chiils or fever and ague had driven out, had strayed into 
the woods, and began to multiply in a wild state. The woods each 
fall were full of acorns, walnuts, hazelnuts, and these hogs would 
grow fat and multiply at a wonderful rate in the bottoms and along 
the bluffs. The second and third immigration to the country found 
these wild hogs an unfailing source of meat supply up to that 
period when they had in the townships contiguous to the river be- 
come so numerous as to be an evil, breaking in herds into the 
farmer's corn-fields or toling their domestic swine into their 
retreats, where they too became in a season as wild as those in the 
woods. In 1S38 or '39, in a certain township, a meeting was called 
of citizens of the township to take steps to get rid of wild hogs. At 
this meeting, which was held in the spring, the people of the town- 
ship were notified to turn out en masse on a certain day and engage 
in the work of catching, trimming and branding wild hogs, which 
were to be turned loose, and the next winter were to be hunted and 
killed by the people of the township, the meat to be divided pro 
rata among the citizens of the township. This plan was fully 
carried into effect, two or three days being spent in the exciting 
work in the spring. 

In the early part of the ensuing winter the settlers again turned 
out, supplied at convenient points in the bottom with large kettles 
and barrels for scalding, and while the hunters were engaged in 
killing, others with horses dragged the carcasses to the scalding 
platforms where they were dressed; and when all that could be 
were killed and dressed a division was made, every farmer getting 
more meat than enough, for his winter's supply. Like energetic 
measures were resorted to in other townships, so that in two or 
thrae years the breed of wild hogs became extinct. 



262 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

NATIVE ANIMALS. 

The principal wild animals found in the State by the early get- 
tier were the deer, wolf, bear, wild-cat, fox, otter, raccoon, generally 
called "coon," woodchuck. or ground-hog, skunk, mink, weasel, 
muskrat, opossum, rabbit and squirrel; and the principal feathered 
game were the quail, prairie chicken and wild turkey. Hawks, 
turkey buzzards, crows, blackbirds were also very abundant. Sev- 
eral of these animals furnished meat for the settlers; but their 
principal meat did not long consist of game; pork and poultry 
were raised in abundance. The wolf was the most troublesome 
animal, it being the common enemv' of the sheep, and sometimes 
attacking other domestic animals and even human beings. But 
their hideous bowlings at night were so constant and terrifying 
that they almost seemed to do more mischief by that annoyance 
than by direct attack. They would keep everbod} 7 and every ani- 
mal about the farm-house awake and frightened, and set all the dogs 
in the neighborhood to barking. As one man described it: "Sup- 
pose six boys, having six dogs tied, whipped them all at the same 
time, and you would hear such music as two wolves would make." 

To effect the destruction of these animals the county authorities 
offered a bounty for their scalps; and, besides, big hunts were 
common. 

WOLF HUNTS. 

In early days more mischief was done by wolves than by any 
other wild animal, and no small part of their mischief consisted in 
their almost constant barking at night, which always seemed so 
menacing and frightful to the settlers. Like -mosquitoes, the 
noise they made appeared to be about as dreadful as the real depre- 
dations they committed. The most effectual, as well as the most 
exciting, method of ridding the country of these hateful pests, was 
that known as the " circular wolf hunt," by which all the men and 
boys would turn out on an appointed day, in a kind of circle com- 
prising many square miles of territory, with horses and dogs, and 
then close up toward the center of their field of operation, gather- 
ing not only wolves, but also deer and many smaller " varmint." 
Five, ten, or more wolves by this means would sometimes be killed 
in a single day. The men would be organized with as much 
system as a little army, every one being well posted in the meaning 
of every signal and the application of every rule. Guns were 
scarcely ever allowed to be brought on such occasions, as their use 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 2G3 

would be unavoidably dangerous. The dogs were depended upon 
for the final slaughter. The dogs, by the way, had all to be held 
in check by a cord in the hands of their keepers until the final 
signal was given to let them loose, when away they would all go to 
the center of battle, and a more exciting scene would follow than 
can be easily described. 

BEE-HUNTING. 

This wild recreation was a peculiar one, and many sturdy back- 
woodsmen gloried in excelling in this art. He would carefully 
watch a bee as it filled itself with the sweet product of some flower 
or leaf-bud, and notice particularly the direction taken by it as it 
struck a "bee-line" for its home, which when found would be 
generally high up in the hollow of a tree. The tree would be 
marked, and in September a party would go and cut down the tree 
and capture the honey as quickly as they could before it wasted 
away through the broken walls in which it had been so carefully 
stowed away by the little busy bee. Several gallons would often be 
thus taken from a single tree, and by a very little work, and pleas- 
ant at that, the early settlers could keep themselves in honey the 
year round. By the time the honey was a year old, or before, 
it would turn white and granulate, yet be as good and healthful as 
when fresh. This was by some called " candid " honey. 

In some districts, the resorts of bees would be so plentiful that 
all the available hollow trees would be occupied and many colonies 
of bees would be found at work in crevices in the rock and holes in 
the ground. A considerable quantity of honey has even been taken 
from such places. 

SNAKES. 

In pioneer times snakes were numerous, such as the rattlesnake, 
viper, adder, blood snake and many varieties of large blue and green 
snakes, milk snake, garter and water snakes, black snakes, etc., etc. 
If, on meeting one of these, you would retreat, they would chase 
you very fiercely; but if you would turn and give them battle, they 
would immediately crawl away with all possible speed, hide in the 
grass and weeds, and wait for a "greener " customer. These really 
harmless snakes served to put people on their guard against the 
more dangerous and venomous kinds. 

It was the practice in some sections of the country to turn out in 
companies, with spades, mattocks and crow-bars, attack the princi- 
pal snake dens and slay large numbers of them. In early spring 



264 HISTOKY OF INDIANA. 

the snakes were somewhat torpid and easily captured. Scores of 
rattlesnakes were sometimes frightened out of a single den, which, 
as soon as they showed their heads through the crevices of the rocks, 
were dispatched, and left to be devoured by the numerous wild hogs 
of that day. Some of the fattest of these snakes were taken to the 
house and oil extracted from them, and their glittering skins were 
saved as specifics for rheumatism. 

Another method was to so fix a heavy stick over the door of their 
dens, with a long grape-vine attached, that one at a distance could 
plug the entrance to the den when the snakes were all out sunning 
themselves. Then a large company of the citizens, on hand by ap- 
pointment, could kill scores of the reptiles in a few minutes. 

SHAKES. 

One of the greatest obstacles to the early settlement and pros- 
perity of this State was the " chills and fever," " fever and ague," 
or " shakes," as it was variously called. It was a terror to new- 
comers; in the fall of the year almost everybody was afflicted with it. 
It was no respecter of persons; everybody looked pale and sallow as 
though he were frost-bitten. It was not contagious, but derived 
from impure water and air. which are always developed in the 
opening up of a new country of rank soil like that of the Xorthwest. 
The impurities continue to be absorbed from day to day, and from 
week to week, until the whole body corporate became saturated with 
it as with electricity, and then the shock came; and the shock was a 
regular shake, with a fixed beginning and ending, coming on in 
some cases each day but generally on alternate days, with a regu- 
larity that was surprising. After the shake came the fever, and 
this " last estate was worse than the first." It was a burning-hot 
fever, and lasted for hours. When you had the chill you couldn't 
get warm, and when you had the fever yon couldn't get cool. It 
was exceedingly awkward in this respect; indeed it was. Nor would 
it stop for any sort of contingency ; not even a wedding in the family 
would stop it. It was imperative and tyrannical. When the ap- 
pointed time came around, everything else had to be stopped to at- 
tend to its demands. It didn't even have any Sundays or holidays; 
after the fever went down you still didn't feel much better. You 
felt as though you had gone through some sort of collision, 
thrashing-machine or jarring-machine, and came out not killed, but 
next thing to it. You felt weak, as though you had run too far after 
something, and then didn't Catch it. You felt languid, stupid a*4 



HISTOKY OF INDIANA. 205 

sore, and was down in the mouth and heel and partially raveled 
out. Your back was out of fix, your head ached and your appetite 
crazy. Your eyes had too much white in them, your ears, especially 
after taking quinine, had too much roar in them, and your 
whole body and soul were entirely woe-begone, disconsolate, sad, 
poor and good for nothing. You didn't think much of yourself, 
and didn't believe that other people did, either; and you didn't 
care. You didn't quite make up your mind to commit suicide, but 
sometimes wished some accident would happen to knock either the 
malady or yourself out of existence. You imagined that even the 
dogs looked at you with a kind of self-complacency. You thought 
the sun had a kind of sickly shine about it. 

About this time you came to the conclusion that you would not 
accept the whole Western country as a gift; and if you had the 
strength and means, you picked up Hannah and the baby, and your 
traps, and went back "yander" to " Old Virgiuny," the " Jar- 
seys," Maryland or " Pennsjdvany." 

" And to-day the swallows flitting 
Round my cabin see me sitting 
Moodily within the sunshine, 

Just inside my silent door, 
Waiting for the ' Ager,' seeming 
Like a man forever dreaming ; 
And the sunlight on me streaming 

Throws no shadow on the floor ; 
For I am too thin and sallow 
To make shadows on the floor — 

Nary shadow any more ! " 

The above is not a mere picture of the imagination. It is sim- 
ply recounting in quaint phrase what actually occurred in thousands 
of cases. Whole families would sometimes be sick at one time 
and not one member scarcely able to wait upon another. Labor or 
exercise always aggravated the malady, and it took General Lazi- 
ness a long time to thrash the enemy out. And those were the 
days for swallowing all sorts of roots and " yarbs," and whisky, 
etc., with some faint hope of relief. And finally, when the case 
wore out, the last remedy taken got the credit of the cure. 

EDUCATION. 

Though struggling through the pressure of poverty and priva- 
tion, the early settlers planted among them the school-house at the 
earliest practical period. So important an object as the education 



2G6 HISTOEY OF INDIANA. 

of their children they did not defer until they could build more 
comely and convenient houses. They were for a time content with 
such as corresponded with their rude dwellings, but soon better build- 
ings and accommodations were provided. As may readily be sup- 
posed, the accommodations of the earliest schools were not good. 
Sometimes school was taught in a room of a large or a double log 
cabin, but oftener in a log house built for the purpose. Stoves 
and such heating apparatus as are now in use were then unknown. 
A mud-and-stick chimney in one end of the building, with earthen 
hearth and a fire-place wide and deep enough to receive a four to 
six-foot back-log, and smaller wood to match, served for warming 
purposes in winter and a kind of conservatory in summer. For 
windows, part of a log was cut out in two sides of the building, 
and maybe a few lights of eight by ten glass set in, or the aper- 
ture might be covered over with greased paper. Writing desks 
consisted of heavy oak plank or a hewed slab laid upon wooden 
pins driven into the wall. The four-legged slab benches were in 
front of these, and the pupils when not writing would sit with 
their backs against the front, sharp edge of the writing-desks. 
The floor was also made out of these slabs, or " puncheons," laid 
upon log sleepers. Everything was rude and plain; but many of 
America's greatest men have gone out from just such school-houses 
to grapple with the world and make names for themselves and re- 
flect honor upon their country. Among these we can name Abra- 
ham Lincoln, our martyred president, one of the noblest men 
known to the world's history. Stephen A. Douglas, one of the 
greatest statesmen of the age, began his career in Illinois teaching 
in one of these primitive school- houses. Joseph A. Wright, and 
several other statesmen of the Northwest have also graduated 
from the log school-house into political eminence. So with many 
of her most eloquent and efficient preachers. 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 2G7 

SPELLING -SCHOOLS. 

The chief public evening entertainment for the first 30 or 40 
years of Western pioneering was the celebrated "spelling-school." 
Both young people and old looked forward to the next spelling- 
school with as much anticipation and anxiety as we nowadays look 
forward to a general Fourth-of-July celebration ; and when the time 
arrived the whole neighborhood, yea, and sometimes several neigh- 
borhoods, would flock together to the scene of academical combat, 
where the excitement was often more intense than had been expect- 
ed. It was far better, of course, when there was good sleighing; 
then the young folks would turn out in high glee and be fairly 
beside themselves. The jollity is scarcely equaled at the present 
day by anything in vogue. 

When the appointed hour arrived, the usual plan of commencing 
battle was for two of the young people who might agree to play 
against each other, or who might be selected to do so by the school- 
teacher of the neighborhood, to " choose sides," that is, each con- 
testant, or " captain," as he was generally called, would choose the 
best speller from the assembled crowd. Each one choosing alter- 
nately, the ultimate strength of the respective parties would be 
about equal. When all were chosen who could be made to serve, 
each side would "number," so as to ascertain whether amid the 
confusion one captain had more spellers than the other. In case he 
had, some compromise would be made by the aid of the teacher, the 
master of ceremonies, and then the plan of conducting the campaign, 
or counting the misspelled words, would be canvassed for a moment 
by the captains, sometimes by the aid of the teacher and others. 
There were many ways of conducting the contest and keeping tally. 
Every section of the country had several favorite methods, and all 
or most of these were different from what other communities had. 
At one time they would commence spelling at the head, at another 
time at the foot; at one time the}' would " spell across," that is, the 
first on one side would spell the first word, then the first on the 
other side; next the second in the line on each side, alternately, 
down to the other end of each line. The question who should spell 
the first word was determined by the captains guessing what page 
the teacher would have before him in a partially opened book at a 
distance; the captain guessing the nearest would spell the first word 
pronounced. When a word was missed, it would be re-pronounced, 
or passed along without re-pronouucing (as some teachers strictly 



268 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

followed the rule never to re-pronounce a word), until It was spelled 
correctly. If a speller on the opposite side finally spelled the missed 
word correctly, it was counted a gain of one to that side; if the 
word was finally corrected by some speller on the same side on 
which it was originated as a missed word, it was " saved," and no 
tally mark was made. 

Another popular method was to commence at one end of the 
line of spellers and go directly around, and the missed words 
caught up quickly and corrected by " word-catchers," appointed by 
the captains from among their best spellers. These word-catchers 
would attempt to correct all the words missed on his opponent's 
side, and failing to do this, the catcher on the other side would 
catch him up with a peculiar zest, and then there was fun. 

Still another very interesting, though somewhat disorderly, 
method, was this: Each word-catcher would go to the foot of the 
adversary's line, and every time he " catched " a word he would go 
up one, thus "turning them down" in regular spelling-class style. 
When one catcher in this way turned all down on the opposing side, 
nis own party was victorious by as many as the opposing catcher 
was behind. This method required no slate or blackboard tally to 
be kept. 

One turn, by either of the foregoing or other methods, would 
occupy 40 minutes to an hour, and by this time an intermission or 
recess was had, when the buzzing, cackling and hurrahing that en- 
sued for 10 or 15 minutes were beyond description. 

Coming to order again, the next style of battle to be illustrated 
was to "spell down," by which process it was ascertained who were 
the best spellers and could continue standing as a soldier the longest 
But very often good spellers would inadvertently miss a word in 
an early stage of the contest and would have to sit down humilia- 
ted, while a comparatively poor speller would often stand till nearly 
or quite the last, amid the cheers of the assemblage. Sometimes 
the two parties first " chosen up " in the evening would re-take 
their places after recess, so that by the " spelling-down " process 
there would virtually be another race, in another form ; sometimes 
there would be a new " choosing up " for the " spelling-down " con- 
test; and sometimes the spelling down would be conducted with- 
out any party lines being made. It would occasionally happen that 
two or three very good spellers would retain the floor so long that 
the exercise would become monotonous, when a few outlandish 
words like " chevauxdefrise," "Oinpompanoosuc" or "Baugh- 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 269 

naugh-claugh-ber," as they used to spell it sometimes, would create 
a little ripple of excitement to close with. Sometimes these words 
would decide the contest, but generally when two or three good 
spellers kept the floor until the exercise became monotonous, the 
teacher would declare the race closed and the standing spellers ac- 
quitted with a " drawn game." 

The audience dismissed, the next thing was to " go home," very 
often by a round-about way, " a-sleighing with the girls," which, 
of course, was with many the most interesting part of the even- 
ing's performances, sometimes, however, too rough to be com- 
mended, as the boys were often inclined to be somewhat rowdyish. 

SINGING-SCHOOL. 

Next to the night spelling-school the singing-school was an occa- 
sion of much jollity, wherein it was difficult for the average singing- 
master to preserve order, as many went more for fun than for music. 
This species of evening entertainment, in its introduction to the West, 
was later than the spelling-school, and served, as it were, as the second 
step toward the more modern civilization. Good sleighing weather was 
of course almost a necessity for the success of these schools, but how 
many of them have been prevented by mud and rain! Perhaps a 
greater part of the time from November to April the roads would be 
muddy and often half frozen, which would have a very dampening 
and freezing effect upon the souls, as well as the bodies, of the 
young people who longed for a good time on such occasions. 

The old-time method of conducting singing-school was also some- 
what different from that of modern times. It was more plodding 
and heavy, the attention being kept upon the simplest rudiments, 
as the names ot the notes on the staff, and their pitch, and beating 
time, while comparatively little attention was given to expression 
and light, gleeful music. The very earliest scale introduced in the 
West was from the South, and the notes, from their peculiar shape, 
were denominated " patent " or " buckwheat " notes. They were 
four, of which the round one was always called sol, the square one 
la, the triangular owe fa, and the "diamond-shaped" one mi, pro : 
nounced me; and the diatonic scale, or "gamut" as it was called 
then, ran thus:_/<z, sol, la, fa, sol, la, mi, fa. The part of a tune 
nowadays called "treble," or "soprano," was then called " tenor;" 
the part now called " tenor " was called " treble," and what is now 
"alto" was then "counter," and when sung according to the oldest 
rule, was sung by a female an octave higher than marked, and still 



2', HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

on the " chest register." The "old" "Missouri Harmony" and 
Mason's " Sacred Harp " were the principal books used with this 
style of musical nutation. 

About 1850 the " round-note" system began to " come around," 
being introduced by the Yankee singing-master. The scale was 
do, re, mi, fa, sol, la, si, do; and for many years thereafter there 
was much more do-re-mi-ing than is practiced at the present day, 
when a musical instrument is always under the hand. The Car- 
mina Sacra was the pioneer round-note book, in which the tunes 
partook more of the German or Puritan character, and were gener- 
ally regarded by the old folks as being far more spiritless than 
the old " Pisgah," " Fiducia," " Tender Thought," « New Durham," 
" "Windsor," " Mount Sion," " Devotion," etc., of the old Missouri 
Harmony and tradition. 

GUARDING AGAINST INDIANS. 

The fashion of carrying fire-arms was made necessary by the 
presence of roving bands of Indians, most of whom were ostensi- 
bly friendly, but like Indians in all times, treacherous and unreli- 
able. An Indian war was at any time probable, and all the old 
settlers still retain vivid recollections of Indian massacres, murders, 
plunder, and frightful rumors of intended raids. While target 
practice was much indulged in as an amusement, it was also neces- 
sary at times to carry their guns with them to their daily field work. 

As an illustration of the painstaking which characterized pioneer 
life, we quote the following from Zebulon Collings, who lived about 
six miles from the scene of massacre near Pigeon Roost, Indiana: 
" The manner in which I used to work in those perilous times 
was as follows: On all occasions I carried my rifie, tomahawk and 
butcher-knife, with a loaded pistol in my belt. When I went to 
plow I laid my gun on the plowed ground, and stuck up a stick by 
it for a mark, so that I could get it quick in case it was wanted. 
I had two good dogs; I took one into the house, leaving the other 
out. The one outside was expected to give the alarm, which would 
cause the one inside to bark, by which I would be awakened, hav- 
ing my arms always loaded. I kept my horse in a stable close to 
the house, having a port-hole so that I could shoot to the stable door. 
During two years I never went from home with any certainty of 
returning, not knowing the minute I might receive a ball from an 
unknown hand." 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 271 

THE BRIGHT SIDE. 

The history of pioneer life generally presents the dark side of the 
picture; but the toils and privations of the early settlers were not a 
series of unmitigated sufferings. No; for while the fathers and 
mothers toiled hard, they were not averse to a little relaxation, and 
had their seasons of fun and enjoyment, They contrived to do 
something to break the monotony of their daily life and furnish 
them a good hearty laugh. Among the more general forms of 
amusements were the " quilting-bee," "corn-husking," "apple-par- 
ing," " log-rolling" and "house-raising." Our young readers wili 
doubtless be interested in a description of these forms of amuse- 
ment, when labor was made to afford fun and enjoyment to all par- 
ticipating. The "quilting-bee," as its name implies, was when the 
industrious qualities of the busy little insect that " improves each 
shining hour " were exemplified in the manufacture of quilts for the 
household. In the afternoon ladies for miles around gathered at an 
appointed place, and while their tongues would not cease to play, 
the hands were as busily engaged in making the quilt; and desire 
a? always manifested to get it out as quickly as possible, for then 
the fun would begin. In the evening the gentlemen came, and the 
hours would then pass swiftly by in playing games or dancing. 
" Corn-huskings " were when both sexes united in the work. They 
usually assembled in a large barn, which was arranged for the oc- 
casion; and when each gentleman had selected a lady partner the 
husking began. When a lady found a red ear she was entitled to 
a kiss from every gentleman present; when a gentleman found one 
he was allowed to kiss every lady present. After the corn was all 
husked a good supper was served; then the "old folks" would 
leave, and the remainder of the evening was spent in the dance and 
in having a general good time. The recreation afforded to the 
young people on the annual recurrence of these festive occasions 
was as highly enjoyed, and quite as innocent, as the amusements of 
the present boasted age of refinement and culture. 

The amusements of the pioneers were peculiar to themselves- 
Saturday afternoon was a holiday in which no man was expected 
to work. A load of produce might be taken to " town " for sale or 
traffic without violence to custom, but no more serious labor could 
be tolerated. "When on Saturday afternoon the town was reached 
"fun commenced." Had two neighbors business to transact, here 
it was done. Horses were " swapped." Difficulties settled and 



272 HISTOKY OF INDIANA. 

free fights indulged in. Blue and red ribbons were not worn in 
those days, and whisky was as free as water; twelve and a half 
cents would buy a quart, and thirty-five or forty cents a gallon, 
and at such prices enormous quantities were consumed. Go to any 
town in the county and ask the first pioneer you meet, and he would 
tell you of notable Saturday-afternoon fights, either of which to-day 
would fill a column of the Police News, with elaborate engravings 
to match. 

Mr. Sandford C. Cox quaintly describes some of the happy feat- 
tures of frontier life in this manner: 

We cleared land, rolled logs, burned brush, blazed out paths 
from one neighbor's cabin to another and from one settlement to 
another, made and used hand-mills and hominy mortars, hunted 
deer, turkey, otter, and raccoons, caught fish, dug ginseng, hunted 
bees and the like, and — lived on the fat of the land. "We read of a 
land of " corn and wine," and another " flowing with milk and 
honey;" but I rather think, in a temporal point of view, taking into 
account the richness of the soil, timber, stone, wild game and 
other advantages, that the Sugar creek country would come up to 
any of them, if not surpass them. 

I once cut cord-wood, continues Mr. Cox, at 31J cents per cord, 
and walked a mile and a half night and morning, where the first 
frame college was built northwest of town (Crawfordsville). 
Prof. Curry, the lawyer, would sometimes come down and help for 
an hour or two at a time, by way of amusement, as there was little 
or no law business in the town or country at that time. Reader, 
what would you think of going six to eight miles to help roll logs, 
or raise a cabin? or ten to thirteen miles to mill, and wait three or 
four days and nights for your grist? as many had to do in the 
first settlement of this country. Such things were of frequent oc- 
currence then, and there was but little grumbling about it. It was 
a grand sight to see the log heaps and brush piles burning in the 
night on a clearing of 10 or 15 acres. A Democratic torchlight 
procession, or a midnight march of the Sons of Malta with their 
grand Gyasticutus in the center bearing the grand jewel of the 
order, would be nowhere in comparison with the log-heaps and 
brush piles in a blaze. 

But it may be asked, Had you any social amusements, or manly 
pastimes, to recreate and enliven the dwellers in the wilderness? 
We had. In the social line we had our meetings and our singing- 
schools, sugar-boilings and weddings, which were as good as ever 



HISTORY OF INDIANA. 273 

what would you think of going six to eight miles to help roll logs, 
or raise a cabin? or ten to thirteen miles to mill, and wait three 
or fonr clays and nights for your grist? as many had to do in the 
first settlement of this country. Such things were of frequent 
occurrence then, and there was but little grumbling about it. It 
was a grand sight to see the log heaps and brush piles burning 
in the night on a clearing of 10 or 15 acres. A Democratic 
torchlight procession, or a midnight march of the Sons of Malta 
with their grand Gyasticutns in the center bearing the grand 
jewel of the order, would be nowhere in comparison with the 
log-heaps and brush -piles in a blaze. 

But it may be asked, Hail you any social amusements, or manly 
pastimes, to recreate and enliven the dwellers in the wilderness? 
We had. In the social line we had our meetings and our singing- 
schools, sugar-boilings and weddings, which were as good as ever 
came off in any country, new or old; and if our youngsters did 
not " trip the light fantastic toe" under a professor of the Terp- 
sichorean art or expert French dancing master, they had many a 
good " hoe-down" on puncheon floors, and were not annoyed by bad 
whisky. And as for manly sports, requiring mettle and muscle, 
there were lots of wild hogs running in the cat-tail swamps on Lye 
creek, and Mill creek, and among them many large boars that 
Ossian's heroes and Homer's model soldiers, such as Achilles, Hec- 
tor and Ajax would have delighted to give chase to. The boys and 
men of those days had quite as much sport, and made more money 
and health by their hunting excursions than our city gents nowa- 
days playing chess by telegraph where the players are more than 
70 miles apart. 

WHAT THE PIONEERS HAVE DONE. 

There are few of these old pioneers living as connecting 
links of the past with the present. What must their thoughts 
be as with their dim eyes they view the scenes that surround them ? 
We often hear people talk about the old- fogy ideas and fogy ways, 
and want of enterprise on the part of the old men who have gone 
through the experiences of pioneer life. Sometimes, perhaps, 
such remarks are just, but, considering the experiences, education 
' and entire life of such men, such remarks are better unsaid. 
They have had their trials, misfortunes, hardships and adventures, 



2i4 HISTORY OF INDIANA. 

and shall we now, as they are passing far clown the western decliv- 
ity of life, and many of them gone, point to them the finger of 
derision, and laugh and sneer at the simplicity of their ways'? 
Let us rather cheer them up, revere and respect them, for beneath 
those rough exteriors beat hearts as noble as ever throbbed in the 
human breast. These veterans have been compelled to live for 
weeks upon hominy and, if bread at all, it was bread made from 
corn ground in hand-mills, or pounded up with mcrtors. Their 
children have been destitute of shoes during the winter; their 
families had no clothes except what was carded, spun, wove and 
made into garments by their own hands; schools they had none; 
churches they had none; afflicted with sickness incident to all 
new countries, sometimes the entire family at once; luxuries of 
life they had none ; the auxiliaries, improvements, inventions and 
labor-saving machinery of to-day they had not; and what they 
possessed they obtained by the hardest of labor and individual ex- 
ertion, yet they bore these hardships and privations without mur- 
muring, hoping for better times to come, and often, too, with but 
little prospect of realization. 

As before mentioned, the changes written on every hand are 
most wonderful. It has been but three-score years since the white 
man began to exercise dominion over this region, erst the home of 
the red men, yet the visitor of to-day, ignorant of the past of the 
country, could scarcely be made to realize that within these years 
there has grown up a population of 2,000,000 people, who in all 
the accomplishments of life are as far advanced as are the inhab- 
itants of the older States. Schools, churches, colleges, palatial 
dwellings, beautiful grounds, large, well-cultivated and produc- 
tive farms, as well as cities, towns and busy manufactories, have 
grown up, and occupy the hunting grounds and camping places of 
the Indians, and in every direction there are evidences of wealth, 
comfort and luxury. There is but little left of the old landmarks. 
Advanced civilization and the progressive demands of revolving 
years have obliterated all traces of Indian occupancy, until they 
are only remembered in name. 




&r G^,%&*L~ 



PART II. 



HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY. 



HISTORY OF JOHNSON COUNTY. 



CHAPTER I. 



BY D. D. EANTA. 




Indian History — Pre-historic Races — Early Indian Occu- 
pants — The Miamis, Their Habits and Characteristics 
— Indian Relics — The Delawares — Their Residence in 
Indiana — Remnants From Other Tribes — Last of the 
Red Men. 



HE history of the Indian occupation of a county situ- 
ated as Johnson County is, prior to its colonization 
by the white man, must necessarily be meager and 
unsatisfactory. Occupying the level lands lying between 
the White and Blue rivers — lands covered by a rank 
and gloomy forest, and predominated by marshes and 
sluggish streams, it is no cause for wonder if neither 
that vanished race we call the Mound Builders, nor that 
vanishing one we call the Indians, found much encouragement to 
establish, within the region, permanent homes. While the surround- 
ing counties are said to abound in the remains of the handiwork 
of the people who built the mounds, in all of Johnson County only 
the feeblest evidence of their occupation remains. On Sugar 
Creek, two miles above its confluence with Blue River, two mounds 
are to be seen which have never been examined by digging, but 
which appear to have had an artificial origin. In White River 
Township, on the farm of Levi Guseclore are two low mounds 
which have yielded ashes, which seems to settle the question of 
their artificial origin. The land between the rivers was, unques- 
tionably, in the remote past, under the dominion of, and parts of it 
no doubt, actually occupied as places of residence by, the Mound 
Builders. But the prints of their occupation are far more numer- 
ous in Shelby County on the east, and Morgan on the west. The 
river hills in these counties afforded them both dry home sites, and 
dry fields for tilling maize. Trails leading from river to river con- 
nected the east and west communities, and the territory since framed 



278 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

into Johnson County, was thus, no doubt, as well known to them 
as if they had made their homes on its every knoll. Besides, the 
Mound Builders were hunters as well as agriculturists, and the for- 
ests of the unoccupied country, we may well suppose, teemed with 
game. 

During the past two years I have made such collection of John- 
son County "Indian Relics," as time and opportunity permitted, 
and of the stone implements in my possession, or that I have seen, 
that were found in the county, quite a number are identical in pat- 
tern with implements that have been found in mounds. None of 
the implements referred to, were taken from mounds, but all are 
what is known as "Surface Finds," and were, of course, once 
lost by owners. It does not follow, however, that the losing 
owners were Mound Builders. Some stone implements taken 
from mounds, and which the Mound Builders had in common 
use, notably, the flints and axes, it is well known the Indians 
manufactured, and for aught we know, they made about even- 
thing out of stone that the Mound Builders themselves made. 
Furthermore, it may readily be seen that the stone implements 
found in Johnson County, while not manufactured by the Indians, 
may have come into their possession bv finding elsewhere, and been 
lost again. It is a curious fact that man}' of the best specimens, 
and those most nearly allied to the mound-implement forms, have 
been found in places where there never could have been habitations, 
snch as marsh lands. The losers must have been traveling at the 
time their loss occurred; and while this fact exists, another is 
equally prominent. On the knolls and high banks near the " Deer 
Licks," the places where we would expect the Indian encampments 
to have been, and where thev were, judging from the great abun- 
dance of implements found, man}' implements are picked up be- 
longing to the Mound Builders' patterns. Xo doubt, the Mound 
Builder hunters encamped at, and watched, the deer licks, and thev 
may have lost the implements in question. And so, too, may the 
Indian. The onlv conclusive evidence after all, that the county 
was ever occupied by the people called the Mound Builders, must 
be found in the mounds themselves. 

Of the Indian occupancy we know more, and yet how little of 
that! When the Ohio Valley first became known to Europeans, 
the Miami Indians were found occupying all the countrv from the 
Wabash to the Muskingum, and from the Ohio well up toward the 
lakes. Thev had no traditions of former migrations, but declared 
they had occupied the countrv from time immemorial. " The 
Miamis," says Bancroft, " were the most powerful confederacv in 
the West." When the countrv was first discovered their seat of 



INDIAN HISTORY. 279 

empire was on the Wabash, but for the sake of trading with the 
English " they moved their chief towns eastward." Their town of 
Piequa contained about 400 families, and was one of the strongest 
in that part of the continent." Of their occupancy we know little 
more than in a territory large enough for an empire they had few 
centers bt permanent settlement, and their entire population must 
have been considerably less than the population of Johnson County 
at the present time. Bancroft says: " On the discovery of Amer- 
ica, the number of scattered tenants of the territory which now 
forms the States of Ohio and Michigan, of Indiana and Illinois and 
Kentucky, could hardly have exceeded 18,000."* In 1760, accord- 
ing to Parkman, the same sparseness of population continued. 
" So thin and scattered was the native population, that even in 
those parts which were thought well peopled, one might sometimes 
journey for days together through the twilight forests and meet no 
human form. Broad tracts were left in solitude. All Kentucky 
was a vacant waste, a mere skirmishing ground for the hostile 
parties of the north and south. A great part of Upper Canada, of 
Michigan and of Illinois, besides often portions of the west, were 
tenanted by wild beasts alone. To form a close estimate of the 
number of erratic bands who roamed this wilderness would be im- 
possible; but it may be affirmed, that between the Mississippi on 
the west and the ocean on the east, between the Ohio on the south 
and Lake Superior on the north, the whole Indian population at the 
close of the French War, did not greatly exceed 10,000 fighting 
men. Depending on the chase as the Miamis did for a livelihood, 
it is a most reasonable supposition that the wild animals found on 
their river, Wanfie Kom-i (White River) and its tributaries, con- 
tributed to their support. From time immemorial their trails led 
from the Wabash across the Ohio into the Kentucky canebreaks, 
one of which passed through this countv. Bands of Miami hunters 
could not fail to pursue the game inhabiting the White River coun- 
try, and that meant the migration of families and the establishment 
of camps, and probably of villages, which were occupied during the 
hunting season. When the red •man went to war he left his family 
behind, but when he went on an extended hunting excursion he 
took his family and all his personal belongings with him. His 
abiding place depended in the main, on the means of securing live- 
lihood close at hand. Whenever, for any cause, the game migrated, 
he followed it. That every high and dry creek bank', and every 
dry knoll near living water in the count}', has been occupied as a 
camping site, if not a village site, in the remote past, we have indu- 
bitable proof in the skeletons and other Indian remains found in 

'The author evidently refers to the number of warriors. 



28o JOHNSON COUNTY. 

the gravel pits and other excavations made. One of these places 
is in the northern part of White River Township. A line of 
broken ridges extends through parts of Sections 33, 34 and 35, in 
Congressional Township 14. Springs were within convenient dis- 
tance, and excellent deer licks were found in the vicinity by the 
pioneer settlers. All the conditions were favorable to the occu- 
pancy of the knolls and ridges by an aboriginal population, and the 
remains found prove they took advantage of it. In the excava- 
tions made for gravel, human skeletons, stone implements, earthern 
pots, deer horns and bones, and in one place a buffalo's head and 
feet have been found, and that in such numbers as to lead to the 
conclusion that the occupancy was long continued. 

Another place where the signs point to an ancient place of abor- 
iginal habitation, is at the headwaters of Young's Creek. When 
the early settlers came to Johnson County, they found on that 
creek beginning on Section 31, and extending up through Section 
30, in Township 13, an unusual number of deer licks, to which the 
deers resorted in large numbers during the summer season. In 
consequence of the sport to be had in that vicinity, it soon became 
a noted hunters' resort. Since the country has been cleared up, it 
transpires that the red hunters were in the habit of visiting this 
region of licks in pre-historic times. So numerous are the flints, 
stone axes and nondescript stone implements that have been picked 
up on the plowed fields in that vicinity, and that are yet to be found, 
that the conclusion cannot be avoided that there was a period when 
the Indians spent a considerable part of the year there. The 
knolls which were most used as places of habitation can be found 
from their relics, and it is even believed that on different knolls, a 
difference in the pattern of a majority of the flints found can be 
detected, which, if true, is a fact worthy of note, for it points to 
occupancy by different tribes, and consequently different periods. 

Another place where the aboriginal hunters, with their families, 
made their abiding place, was on the banks of Young's Creek at 
Franklin. Over forty years ago while an excavation was being 
made for the foundation of a county seminary, numerous skele- 
tons were found which attracted a good deal of attention at the 
time by reason of their unusually large size. In so many places in 
Indiana and the adjoining states have skeletons of extraordinary 
size been found, as to point to the fact of an occupation at one time 
by a tribe of unusually large men. This does not imply a differ- 
ent race — only a difference in the conditions of growth of the same 
race. We are not without an example of a similar development 
within a limited area since the occupation of the country by the 
white people. Fifty years after the disastrous defeat of Gen. St. 



INDIAN HISTORY. 28l 

Clair, the skeletons of the Kentucky soldiers killed in that battle 
were exhumed, and out of more than seventy taken from one 
grave, two only were of men who had been less than six feet in 
height. In the early days of the country's history a skeleton was 
exhumed at Edinburg, the lower jaw of which was of such extraor- 
dinary development that it would readily fit mask-like over the 
lower jaw of the largest man in the community. 

The Franklin skeletons were the theme of the first poetical 
effusion ever written or printed in Johnson County. On the 13th 
of December, 1845, the first number of the Franklin Examiner 
was issued by John R. Kerr, " the blind printer," in which ap- 
peared the following verses written by himself : 

Lines on seeing human bones of extraordinary size taken from an excavation at the Jolmson 

County Seminary. 

Thy body for ages in silence hath slept, 
And moulder'd in darkness, unknown and unwept; 
For thy tribe and thy kindred have bowed to the ban, 
Which dooms to the dust all glory of man. 

A race though more feeble, more ruthless have come, 
Who reck not to scoff as they break up thy tomb; 
They scatter thy bones with the sands on the street, 
To be trodden like dirt by the vilest of feet. 

Thy relics, tho' mangled and scatter'd we see, 
Yet plead for man's dignity, leaving him free; 
His lore from the wide book of nature to draw, 
Untrammeled by labor, by letters or law. 

They carry us back to the records of Time, 
When nature in majesty wild and sublime, 
Bade all tilings of life to perfection expand, 
And giant with mastodon strove for command. 

JHut destruction did come like a merciless wave, 
Sweeping widely the land of the mighty and brave; 
And the tumuli standing in silence, are all 
That record their existence, their might, or their fall. 

Many other places might be pointed out, tending to prove that 
the country was occupied for centuries before the white men 
took possession. The vast number of flints and other stone imple- 
ments that have been sown broadcast over the whole face of the 
country tends to prove this. The flint, the axe, the celt, all required 
labor and skill to fashion. With fair usage all would last a life- 
time, and unless buried with the owner, would at his death descend 
to someone else, and without accident, last him a lifetime. Practi- 
cally, the Indian's stone implement was imperishable, and the ones 
found represent the ones lost. We may well imagine that when- 
ever a hunter shot an arrow tipped with a flint he did not shut his 
sharp eyes against the place of its descent. A large per cent, he 



282 JOHXSOX COUNTY. 

would lose, but he lost no more than he could help. Much less 
would he be apt to lose his other implements. To him thev were 
expensive; he had few of them to look after, and it is a reasonable 
supposition that a red man seldom lost an axe, a scraper, a gorget 
or other like implement. And vet what a harvest of these things 
have been picked up one time or other in Johnson county! And 
what a long period of occupancy by men of the stone age, do the 
great number of implements which have been lost in as circum- 
scribed a territory as Johnson Count}-, indicate ! 

Between 1736 and 174S, according to Schoolcraft, the Dela- 
ware Indians, who at the time of the discovery of America, pitched 
their tents in the valleys of the Delaware and Schuylkill, were 
driven from their ancient home by the six nations, and migrated 
toward the setting sun, establishing themselves by permission of the 
Miamis, on the banks of the Muskingum. Here they ultimately 
joined in the league with the Miamis, Wvandotts and other tribes, 
against the encroachments of the Big Knife, of the Virginia frontier. 
" After a few years," continues Schoolcraft, " they took shelter on 
the White Water " (White River). This was with the consent of 
the Miamis. In truth it seems to have been a sort of exchange of 
territory, for it was not far from this time that the Miamis broke 
up their settlements on the Wabash, to a considerable extent, and 
went into the Ohio country to be near to the British in Canada. 

By the consent of the Miamis, and their own act, the Delawares 
became involved with all the lands watered bv the White River 
and its tributaries. Before 1791, there was a Delaware village at 
the junction of the east and west forks of White River, and it may 
be assumed in the absence of evidence to the contrarv that the 
rirst migrations to the White River country, took place about the 
middle of the last half of the eighteenth centurv. Thev were river 
Indians, and kept to the streams. Their beautiful river thev named 
the Opecomeecak. So says H. W. Beckwith in the Twelfth Indiana 
Geological Report, 41. On Daniel Hough's map in the same report 
the name is spelled Wah-mc-ca-mc-ca . The late John B. Dillon, 
Esq., gave the writer the following as the Miami name of the river, 
viz. : Waupekomica. The orthography was his. These are differ- 
ent spellings, evidently of the same name. The Delawares mav 
have utilized the Miami name. All their villages were on rivers. 
From the headwaters of the west branch of White River, to its 
junction with the east fork, Delaware villages were to be met with. 
The river afforded them an easy means of communication with all 
the towns. From these centers, hunters went on excursions for 
game, usually taking their families with them and building their 
lodges in the woods where the game was to be found. One of 



INDIAN HISTORY. 283 

these villages was in Johnson County. The reader who will ex- 
amine a map of the county will observe that White River cuts off 
the northwest corner, a fraction over a 1,000 acres. On the west 
side of the river was the site of that ancient town. The first knowl- 
edge we have of it, conies from John Tipton, one of the commis- 
sioners to locate the State Capital, who visited the spot on two 
occasions in the spring of 1S20. The first notice of the ancient vil- 
lage is in his "Journal," under date of May 26: " We then returned 
to our camp and set out to examine the northwest side of the river. 
Crossed into an overflowed bottom; came to a place where the 
river turns to the west, making a very short bend; runs hard 
against the west shore and seems to be a very difficult pass for 
boats of burthen. At this place the growth is all young timber. 
Some remains of old cabins. I am told there was an Indian village 
here. Mr. William Landers, who lives one mile back from the 
river, told me that an Indian said the French once lived here and 
that he, the Indian, went to school to a Frenchman in this place; 
but thev left it about the time of Hardin's campaign, which was 
about thirtv-three years ago." On the 5th of the month following, 
John Tipton again visited the place, and writes in his Journal as 
follows: " Here I am told was once a French village; then oc- 
cupied by Delaware Indians, but evacuated by them about thirty- 
three years ago." 

The statements taken together are very interesting. They es- 
tablish the fact that the French began a settlement at the place in- 
dicated; that they subsequently abandoned it; that the Delaware 
Indians then took possession of it, and that, about 1787, thev, in 
turn, abandoned it. Now, if the Delawares migrated to the White 
River country about 1775, as we may assume they did, the aban- 
donment of the town by the French was before that time. How 
long. -1 Not many years. Mr. Landers moved to the country in 
1820, and the Indian told him that while the French vet lived there, 
he '-went to school to a Frenchman." They had therefore aban- 
doned the place within the lifetime of a man who told his story not 
later than in the spring of 1820. This would put the time some- 
where between 1760 and 1775; and the first named year was the 
one in which, by treaty, French Dominion over the West passed 
to the English. How long before that they founded the town we 
have no means of conjecturing. Judge Franklin Hardin who has 
lived for fifty years in the neighborhood of the ancient town site, 
and who has been much interested in its history, says, that when 
William Landers came to the country there was a tract of land of 200 
acres, and was overgrown with bushes, which had once been farmed 
by the Indians. Indians still lived on that portion of the once 



2S4 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

cleared land, lying in White River Township on the west side of 
the river. Capt. Big Fire, Little Duck, and Johnny Quack, are 
remembered, while on the east side, and lower down on the old 
Morgan, or Denny place, lived Capt. White, another Indian. Here 
also, was an ancient cleared field. Still below Capt. White's place, 
on the left bank of the river, was, says Judge Hardin, another 
Indian location and burial ground, but no cultivation. This encamp- 
ment was owned bv Big Bear. On the old Morgan County part 
of the old Indian field, Capt. Tunis had his wigwam, and just ad- 
joining in Marion, Old Solomon, his. The wigwams were situated 
en the right bank of the river, at the southeast corner of the farm, 
near the middle of Section 31. Here seems to have been, once, 
a stone wall thirty or forty feet long and five or six feet high, built 
of portable undressed stones, and laid parallel with the river, and 
a hundred feet distant. The Indians said this wall was built for 
defensive purposes against the Kentuckians; that thev had seen a 
bloody battle fought there once, between them and the whites, be- 
ginning on the east bank of the river, where they were surprised, 
and that they were forced over the river, assaulted in the town, and 
finally driven out. " That thereafter the farm had never been occu- 
pied, except by a few returning families. The size of the brush 
growing on and about the once cleared land at that date, 1820, 
showed that it had but recently been abandoned. An old Ken- 
tuckian of great reliability, Stephen Watkins, on a visit to White 
River Township, twenty-five years ago, repeated precisely the 
same history of this town, and the battle and all the circumstances 
of the fight. He went so far as to point to the near battlefield; 
he said he had the particulars from one of the actors, and knew 
them to be true. Does history give any account of this battle? 
In Dillon's History of Indiana, it is shown that the Pigeon Roost 
Massacre took place in the north part of Scott County, about 
eighty miles south of this Indian town, on the 3d day of Septem- 
ber, 1S12. The next evening, 150 mounted riflemen, under com- 
mand of Col. John McCov, followed the trail twenty miles. On 
the 6th, the militia of Clark County (no number given) was re-en- 
forced by sixty mounted volunteers from Jefferson County, and, on 
the evening of the 7th, 350 volunteers from Kentucky were ready 
to unite with the Indiana militia of Clark and Jefferson, for the pur- 
pose of making an attack on the Delaware Indians, some of whom 
were suspected of having been engaged in the destruction of the 
Pigeon Roost settlement. * * * But, it is said, a spirit 
of rivalry which prevailed among some of the officers defeated the 
intention of those, who, at the time proposed to destroy the towns 
of the friendly Delawares who lived on the western branch of White 



INDIAN HISTORY. 2S5 

River. Now hear what Maj. John Tipton says about these 
'friendly Indians' on White River: 'In their way out, they (the 
escaping Indians) passed the Saline or Salt Creek, and I there took 
an old trail leading- direct to the Delaware towns, and it is my 
opinion that while the Government is supporting one part of that 
tribe (the Delawares), the other part is murdering our citizens. 
"It is much to be desired that those rascals of whatever tribe they 
may be harboring about these (Delaware) towns, should be routed, 
which could be done with ioo men in seven days.' With 
this spirit and purpose openly declared by the whites, how long do 
we imagine they waited for an opportunity to execute it? Will any 
one make me believe that 600 armed men at the Pigeon Roost 
Massacre, after viewing the slaughtered and roasted human 
bodies and burning houses, quietly dispersed and went home? Col. 
Joseph Bartholomew raided these towns on White River with 137 
men on the 15th day of June, 1S13. He found three towns, 
two of which had been burnt about a month before. ( See Dillon, 
524.) Who destroyed them? The reason that the battle at the 
Delaware towns, if a battle did occur, and the breaking them 
up on White River was never reported, is that the Government 
during the war with the other Indian tribes in 1S11, 181 2 and 
1813, was supporting and protecting the Delawares who had 
promised to engage in peaceful pursuits. Gen. Harrison had 
directed the Delawares to remove to the Shawanee's Reservation 
in Ohio, and most of them had clone so soon after the battle of Mis- 
sissinewa, December 17, 1S12. Those who refused to go received 
but little mercy. But another proof of this battle is in the fact that 
on the twenty-acre field, in the southeast corner of northwest 
quarter, Section 32, Township 14 north, Range 3 east, near Capt. 
White's old camp, large numbers of leaden bullets of eveiy size, 
battered and bruised, have been found. I have had at least 100 
of them myself, and have picked up at least nine, recently, 
in a wash of the river, and have been told of hundreds being found 
by others. I have passed a short distance from this field, on other 
grounds more suitable for finding them, but never yet found any 
except in this locality. And about three years since, on John Sut- 
ton's farm, one mile and a fourth west of the battle-field, and only 
one mile east of the Indian town, four frames of human bodies were 
washed out of a low, wet piece of bottom land. The skulls were 
carried off before I had an opportunity of examining them. No 
Indian ever buried his dead in a low, wet piece of land. The)' 
must have been buried there under pressing circumstances, and by 
white men." 
Judge Hardin is a close and accurate observer. He has studied 



286 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

the subject conscientiously, and his proofs are entitled to full 
"faith and credit' in all the courts of history. But I cannot agree 
with his conclusions as to the time when the battle he records was 
fought. I think it ante-dates by many years the campaigns of 1812. 
In October, 1818, the Delaware Indians ceded their lands on 
the White River to the United States, reserving the possession 
thereof for a term of three years. But before their time was up 
they left their White River homes for a country beyond the Mis- 
sissippi. They numbered, according to John Johnson, an Indian 
Agent residing in Ohio, but who seems to have been well ac- 
quainted with them, 2,300.* In the fall of 1820, a part of them 
were removed to Arkansas, j- In the spring of 182 1, the remainder 
were removed.;}; The county disagreeing with them, they were 
soon after given lands in Kansas, where a remnant yet remains to 
draw a yearly stipend from the United States. Parkman thus 
photographs the Delaware brave of the far west: ' ; At the present 
dav. the small remnant settled beyond the Mississippi, are among 
the bravest marauders of the west. Their war parties pierce the 
farthest wilds of the Rocky Mountains; and the prairie traveler 
may sometimes meet the Delaware warrior returning from a suc- 
cessful foray, a gaudy handkerchief bound about his brows, his snake 
locks fluttering in the wind, and his rifle resting across his saddle, 
bow while the tarnished and begrimed equipments of his half wild 
horse, bear witness that the rider has wa\ laid and plundered some 
Mexican cavalier." The cession of their country and final aban- 
ment by the Delawares, seems to have been the signal for the 
hunters of other tribes to rush in. For a period of five or six years, 
following 1820, numerous bands of Indians visited the county in the 
sugar-making season, and again in the fall-hunting season. Some 
families wintered here. It would be difficult and perhaps serve no 
good purpose, to give in this place an enumeration of the camping 
grounds occupied by the Indians, subsequent to the settlement of the 
county. It will be enough to refer to a few of the more noticeable 
places. The highlands of Sugar Creek were a favorite Indian 
camping ground. The Indian name of this stream was Thcn-a-mc- 
say. In the falls of 1824 and 1825, the Indians camped on the 
creek bluff not far from the " Sugar Creek Bridge." They are 
supposed to have been Wvandotts and were professors of the Chris- 
tian faith. It is related that they had killed a bear and one Sunday 
morning some of the white men of the vicinity visited their camp 
to purchase bear meat. They found the Indians sitting quietly in 

*See Historical Collections of Ohio, published by Henry Howe, in 184S, p. 146. 

t.Xiles Register, vol. 19, p. 191. 

} Fourteenth Geological Report of Indiana, p. 31. 



INDIAN HISTORY. 287 

their camp. " What do you want?" asked one of them who could 
talk English. "Bear meat," was the answer. " Come to-morrow, 
Indians do not sell to-day." The next year, or the year after, a band 
were encamped near the headwaters of Young's Creek. One Sun- 
day morning Daniel Covert heard a strange noise in the distance 
and went to investigate. It led him into an Indian camp. They 
were at their devotions, and motioning him to a seat, he heard them 
sing hymns and utter prayers in their own tongue. They are sup- 
posed to have been the same Indians who had before that camped 
on Sugar Creek. A young Indian hunter, belonging to the same 
band, was accidently killed on Sugar Creek, and buried at the roots 
of an oak, still standing on the bluff, between John Owens' house 
and the bridge. While "tire hunting" on the creek one night, he 
was shot by one of his own band by mistake. His comrades made 
a trough of an ash tree into which they put his body and covered 
it with a slab. Over his grave they set a post, as tall as a man, 
which they painted red, with a cross-piece painted black. The 
grave was enclosed with ash palings, driven into the earth. 

When Judge Franklin Hardin, a lad of sixteen, first visited the 
countiy in 1825, riding double with his mother, they traveled along 
the Whetzel Trace, through what is now known as Clark Township. 
"Added to the gloom of this dismal place (the Grand Gulf), 
away to the northwest," savs the Judge, " was an Indian encamp- 
ment, making the most of their privilege to hunt here. They 
seemed to be making a drive of the game southward, the direction 
we were traveling to Loper's, on Camp Creek. The constant 
crack of the rifle, the crash of the brushwood, caused by the troops 
of the flving, frightened deer, as they rushed thundering on with 
branching horns and tails erect, widespread, grandly leaping high 
above the shrubbery, with heads averted, as if to see the dis- 
tant foe, and the widely scattered flock of wild turkeys as thev sped 
on with long outstretched necks, half on foot, half on wing, far as 
the eye could reach, was altogether a sight — one never to be for- 
gotten by an old lady and a boy unused to such a wild scene." The 
Indian hunters who were making such a wild display at that time, 
belonged to a Pottawattamie band that were encamped on Section 
36, Township 14, Range 4 east. James Kinnick moved to his place 
in 1832, and found thereon the remains of their camp. One of the 
wigwams was in a good state of preservation. 

On a little creek which empties into Young's Creek from the 
northeast, in Section 16, Township 12, Range 4 east (it runs about 
a mile northwest of Franklin), the Indians were in the habit of 
camping early in the year, trapping and making sugar. The little 
creek bears the name of Indian Creek, which was given it by Levi 



288 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Moore, who settled on Young's Creek, close to its union with that 
creek. Moore was charged by the Indians with stealing their furs. 
But no harm ever came to him on account of it. At Henry Byers' 
place ( near Mount Pleasant Church ), was a noted camping ground. 
On one occasion the Indians left that camp for a few days, first 
tying their peltries in a bundle and springing it into a sapling be- 
yond the reach of any prowling beast. On their return, their 
bundle was gone. It had evidently been stolen, but by whom, was 
never known. Not long after, William and David Burkhart, two 
brothers, living at no great distance from Bvers', each had a horse 
stolen in one night. Like the furs, the horses were never heard 
of. It was thought by many of the pioneer settlers, that the Indians 
believing the Burkharts had stolen their furs, had taken their horses 
in retaliation. 

In 1825 or 1826, a band of Wyandotte from Bellefontaine, 
camped " up the Hurricane " a short distance from Franklin. Samuel 
Herriott who was living in the town at the time, had a field of corn, 
and sold occasionally to the Indians, corn for their ponies. Fre- 
quently, when they would come after corn, Mr. Herriott would not 
be at home, when Mrs. Herriott, would see that they got their 
corn. She was, however, afraid of them, and always gave them 
something to eat, which kindness the Indians highly appreciated. 
There was a squaw belonging to the party by the name of Matilda, 
who had a pappoose, and Mrs. Herriott having heard of it, and her 
fear of the Indians having abated, she invited Matilda to come and 
see her and bring her uappoose. One evening at dusk, three In- 
dian men, Matilda and a boy, walked unannounced into the Her- 
riott home. After seeing that her company was seated around the 
fire and duly inquiring after their health, she turned to Matilda and 
asked, "Where is your baby?" "O, sitting up to the outside of 
the house!" was the mother's answer, and sure enough, on going 
out, there in the gathering gloom of the night, was the baby 
strapped firmly to a board. 

During that evening's visit, an incident occurred that greatly 
frightened Mrs. Herriott. The baby had been brought in out of the 
night air and leaned up against the wall on the inside, and host and 
hostess and their guests were sitting around the blazing fire engaged 
in conversation. Mrs. Herriott and Matilda were at one side, and 
Mr. Herriott next to them, and after him came Dr. Grev Eyes, and 
then Jocko, and last of all an "ill-looking Indian" whose name has 
been forgotten. During the conversation, Jocko arose to his feet 
and presented Mr. Herriott a paper, which, on reading, he found to 
be a certificate from Gen. Cass, showing that Jocko had rendered 
important services to the United States in the War of 181 2. Ma- 



INDIAN HISTORY. 289 

tilda had become interested in the matter by this time, and as some- 
thing had been said about Pittsburg, she said to Mr. Herriott to ask 
Jocko if he had ever been there; and in response to the question, 
Jocko took a coal and making a map on the floor, pointed out the 
place where Pitsburg should be, and said "Yes." "Ever been to 
Philadelphia?" "Yes." "To Baltimore?" "Yes." "To Wash- 
ington?" "Yes." And to other questions as to what places he 
had been in and persons seen in Washington, prompt answers came. 
After that Matilda and Mr. Herriott became engaged in conver- 
sation and during its progress Mr. Herriott noticed a pallor over- 
spread his wife's face, followed by a visible trembling. Becoming 
alarmed, he was in the act of going to her relief, when he felt a 
clutch at his hair, and on turning around encountered Jocko, who 
had his knife out and was iroino- throutrh the motions of taking his 
scalp. This was Jocko's joke. 

The high and dry lands bordering upon Indian Creek, in Hens- 
ley Township, afforded inviting camping grounds to the Indians. 
From this circumstance came the name. In the fall of 1824, the 
largest number of Indians ever known to enter the count}', camped 
on Indian Creek. The number was estimated by the settlers at 
100, consisting mainly of Miamis, with a few Pottawattmies. 
After a short time there the last, numbering about twelve, withdrew 
from the Miami camp, and made another on the south fork of the 
creek, in the southeast quarter of Section 27. After the fall hunt 
was over, about half of the 'entire number went elsewhere, and 
those left behind staid there all through the winter and until late 
in the fall of 1825. These Indians seem to have behaved them- 
selves quite well. Among so man}-, it would be strange if there 
were not some who would steal. Richardson Hensley had cause 
to complain of the squaws in green corn time. Under pretense of 
buvin<r his roasting ears, thev would steal them before his eyes. 
" In spite of me," he said to the writer, " they would pull the ears 
and hide them in their blankets. Often I have jerked at one cor- 
ner of the blanket and scattered the stolen corn on the ground." 
Thev also stole a dog belonging to John Stevens. His boys, Alex- 
ander and Gideon, and a foster son, Ephraim Hareell, went to their 
camp on Sunday in search of the dog, which they found tied securely, 
and took him home with them. The camp was deserted save an old 
man and his squaw. Their wigwam was made by stretching- 
skins over a pole frame. In the center of the ground floor was a 
fire over which thev had hung a brass pot, in which the}- were 
cooking an unwashed and un skinned bear's head, together with a 
quantity of black beans. 

It seems that no Indian ever seriouslv violated the civil laws in 



29O JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Johnson Count}-. If the Burkhart horses were stolen by the Indians, 
it was never known. On one occasion a riot was threatened by the In- 
dians in Franklin, which at the time, foreboded evil. It was in 1825, 
and most likely the Indians from Indian Creek were the chief 
actors. It was on the occasion of the fall muster, and Bartholo- 
mew Carroll, of Union Township, came, provided with whisky and 
honey, to sell to all who would buy. The Indians present were 
among his best patrons. Toward evening they became somewhat 
boisterous and some of them insisted on having whisky and honey 
free. This being refused, they mounted the wagon and proceeded 
to help themselves. With the aid of the cooler heads of the band, 
they were induced to desist. Mounting their ponies, however, they 
galloped around the public square whooping and screeching at the 
top of their voices, and finally left town. The militia present were 
armed and it required all the persuasive influence of the leading 
citizens, to hold the more hot-headed in check and prevent a collis- 
ion. After 1826, but few, if any, Indians ever returned to the county 
to engage in any of their pursuits. 



CHAPTER II. 



BY D. D. I'.ANTA. 



Early Settlements — Territorial Times — Traces and 
Early Roads — The Whetzels — The Bluffs — Strug- 
gle for the State Capitol — First Permanent Settle- 
ment — Story of the Settlement by Townships — The 
White and Blue River Settlements — Founding Frank- 
lin — Reminiscences. 

■"NDIANA was admitted as a State of the Union in 
1S16. Delegates from thirteen counties framed the new 
State's constitution. The population at the time of ad- 
mission was 63,897. The settled parts constituted a nar- 
row fringe, extending from Wayne County, down the 
Ohio State line, to the Ohio River, thence down that to 
the Wabash, and thence up that to Fort Harrison, now 
Terre Haute. Throughout the entire region north of the 
border, savage Indians roamed. The White River, and its numerous 
tributaries, were owned and occupied mainly by the Delawares. The 
region was no less remarkable for the great abundance of game 
found in its forests, and of rish in its waters, than for the fertility of 




EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 29 1 

its soil. The Indians were loth to part with their possessions, and 
the white people eagerly desirous of having them do so. After 
one or two abortive attempts to procure a cession, in October, 1S18, 
a treaty was made, under which the Delawares surrendered their 
claim, and consented to their removal to a new home beyond the 
Mississippi, which was effected in the spring of 1S21. Thereafter, 
their old possessions were known far and wide as the " New Pur- 
chase." Bands of Weas, Potawattamies and Miamis claimed small 
parts of this territory, and ceded the same, as did the Delawares, 
but the latter held undivided claim to all of Johnson Count}'. 

Before the time of their going, the smoke from white men's 
cabins was seen in many places throughout their domains. Bloom- 
ington, on the border, was settled in the early part of 1819. The 
same year, three permanent settlements were planted in Barthol- 
omew County, one in Morgan and one in Marion, where Indianapolis 
was subsequently located. In 1S1S, James Wilson settled on the 
Blue River banks, four miles north of the present site of Shelby- 
ville, and in the following year, a number of other pioneers, with 
their families, moved into Shelby County. 

Trappers' and hunters' camps were to be met with along the 
streams, and in other favored places, all through the ceded region. 
It was not only celebrated for its great abundance of game, but 
also for its fur bearing animals, the most valuable of which was the 
beaver. Their dams and ponds were everywhere to be seen in 
the level lands of the country. Long anterior to the time of the 
treaty, the White River country had been the scene of the trappers' 
exploits. The Canadian voyageurs came as early as in the latter 
half of the seventeenth century. A hundred years afterward they 
were followed by the agents of the Northwest Company, and of 
the Mackinaw Company, which were British corporations. The 
American Fur Company, with John Jacob Astor at its head, fol- 
lowed about the beginning of the present century. All these drew 
large supplies of furs from the White River country. 

The territory framed into Johnson County, lay along the line 
of an ancient Indian highway. Geologists tell us that in the night 
of time there flowed a glacial river southward through Johnson 
County toward the Falls of the Ohio, at Louisville. The print of 
its bed remains to this day. That ancient river bed presents a 
comparatively smooth and even surface, nearly or quite all the way 
to the Falls. The buffalo that once traveled in herds from their 
winter feeding grounds in the Kentucky canebrakes to their sum- 
mer pastures, on the Wabash, doubtless traveled over that smooth 
and level, ancient river bed. Certain it is the Indians did, and after 

l 9 



2Q2 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

the day of civilization had come, the engineers laid out the line of 
railroad'from Jeffersonville to Indianapolis upon it. 

The Falls was a celebrated Indian crossing place. At the mouth 
of the Kentucky River was another. Thence, bearing northwesterly, 
a trail ran till it united with the Ancient River trail, not far from 
the upper rapids of the Inqiiah sahguak, the Indian name for the 
Driftwood River. At the mouth of the Kentucky, Brig. Gen. Charles 
Scott, with 800 mounted men, crossed the Ohio, on the 23<i-of May, 
1 791, on the march to the Wea village, eight miles below the 
present site of Lafayette. The route he took was, according to his 
report, " the most direct," and this would be along the line of 
the Kentucky River trail to the Driftwood, and thence along the 
Ancient River trail, through the territory of Johnson County. Not 
many years ago a broken sword blade and hilt with a pistol attached, 
was found in a running stream four miles south of Franklin. It be- 
longed to a pattern of cavalryman's weapon that has long been out 
of vogue, but was to be met with a hundred years ago, and the in- 
ference seems reasonable that it was cast aside or lost by one of 
Gen. Scott's troopers on that march. All through the period of 
border warfare, the Indians living upon the Wabash and upon the 
upper waters of the White River, made frequent forays along these 
trails to the Kentucky settlements. Many a pale face's scalp has, 
no doubt, been carried at the belt of a brave, and many a white 
prisoner, foot sore and weary, has been driven by his savage cap- 
tors, through the gloomy forests of this county. Later, in the con- 
tests between civilization and savagery, the yeomen soldiery from 
the settlements in the river counties, not infrequently followed the 
Ancient River trail in pursuit of their savage foes. Maj. Tipton, 
Col. Bartholomew, and others, were leaders in these expeditions, 
but there came a day when the wars were ended, and the trails be- 
came highways of peace. In the settlement of central Indiana the 
Kentuckv River trail and the Ancient River trail were for a time 
important highways. Some of the first settlers found their 
way to the White River wilderness by them. Some time in 1S19, 
Capt. Richard Berry, following the Kentucky River trail out to the 
Blue River crossing, built a cabin and established a ferry. North 
and south of his new home he blazed the old trail, and thereafter 
it came to be known as " Berry's trail." From the crossing at 
Blue River (a mile below the present site of Edinburg), it ran in a 
general northwest direction till it crossed Burkhart's Creek, in Sec- 
tion 20, Township 12 north, Range 4 east. Thence it kept a gen- 
eral north course, passing the Big Spring at Hopewell, and entering 
Marion County territory near the northwest corner of Pleasant 
Township. 



EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 2q^ 

Long after the settlement of the county, and the abandonment 
of the trail, evidences of it could be seen in the notches and blazes 
on the trees along its course. Two miles north of the Bio- Spring 
at Hopewell, near the late residence of Daniel Covert, and in the' 
near vicinity of a deer lick, in addition to axe marks on the trees 
inscriptions cut in the bark were long to be seen. On one were the 
letters: ibmal 1S12. On another : e. maxwell 1814.* Still another 
was the legend, " forty rods to water jgp." A never-failing 
spring burst from the banks of the creek at" the place indicated. 

In 181S, Jacob Whetzel, an inhabitant of Franklin County in 
this state, became the owner of a tract of land in what was known 
as - Harrison's Purchase," near the mouth of Eel River, to reach 
which, by the ordinary route of travel, required a journey by the 
way of Louisville. But Jacob Whetzel was not the man to ""o 
a round-about way when a nearer lay through the woods. He was 
of that Whetzel family so celebrated in border warfare. He had 
been used to the wilderness all his life, and was not a strano- er to 
Indian fighting. *\ hen eleven years of age, his father had been 
killed, and himself and Lewis, a brother two years older taken 
prisoners. Crossing the Ohio River, near which his father's cabin 
stood (which was not far from Wheeling, W. Va.Y, the Indians led 
the lads a distance of twenty miles in the Ohio woods, and camped 
for tne night. Under cover of the darkness they escaped, and 
eluding their enemies, who followed in hot haste, they reached the 
Ohio, which they crossed in safety, to find their father's cabin in 
ashes, and his mutilated body a prey to the wild beasts. It is said 
the boys vowed eternal enmity to the Indians, a vow which the elder 
kept in letter and spirit to the day of his death. His name never 
ceased, as long as he lived, to be a terror to the red men, and it is 
connected with many of the most romantic and thrilling episodes 
of border warfare. 

Jacob Whetzel seems to have been of a less sanguinary disposi- 
tion than his brother Lewis, although he bore his part well in the 
Indian wars of his time. He was in many of the principal cam- 
paigns, and rendered to both Generals St. Clair and Harrison, sig- 
nal service as a spy. But when the lighting was done, he settled 
down to the peaceable life of an agriculturist. Nevertheless he 
remained a woodsman in a sense, and so the Eel River purchase 
being made, he applied to Anderson, the chief of the Delawares 
and from him obtained a license to cut a trace from Brookville, on 
Uie White Water, to the White River. This was in June. r8i8, 
and in July following, he set out to perform the work. His 



son 



Ks^S^'S' MaxweI1 ' who afte ™ rd livedand died - 



29+ JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Cvrus a vouth of eighteen, accompanied him, as also did Thomas 
H?we' Thomas Rush, Richard Rush and Walter Banks. His plan 
wi to >each White River, and work back to Brookville. Talung 
^ of the m en ; Thomas Rush, he went in advance marking the 
?oute 1 aving his son and the rest of the men to follow with nine 
H V provisions. Cvrus and his men had not entered Ear into the 
tMerneTwhen, late one evening, they met a party of Indians 
whose actions, notwithstanding their warm protestations of end- 
ship excited suspicion. The two parttes passed each other, but 
the white men who were unarmed, kept a more vigilant guard that 
ni^ than « as common even in that day. The night set in c oudy 
and rain soon began falling, but the hours passed quieth on, until 
he camp fire burned low, when the man on guard discovered In- 
dians lurking in the vicinity. Quietly waking his sleeping com- 
panions thef as quietly abandoned their camp, and notwithstand- 
ETS?gS of 1 the night, they followed Jacob ^ ^ 
man bv" feeling of the notches and blazes cut n the trees. 
Whatever the motive that led the red men to prowl around their 
Empire that night, nothing more was seen of them again on that 

J ° Ur Me y eting with no other hindrances, save such as were incident 
to he trackless wilderness, Cyrus Whetzel and ta '££"£■ 
iourneved on in the path indicated by the blazing of the trees, and 
crossed Fla^ Rock about seven miles below the present; site of Rush- 
•Ue and Blue River, about four miles above f ^y^le^uga 
Creek a little north of Boggstown. On reaching a w atei-couise a 
few mues east of White River, a nest of honey bees was discovered 
n he hollow limb of a walnut tree, which yielded a liberal 1 supply 
of honey: but it was too bitter to be eaten, and reluctanth the) 
threw t away. Nevertheless, from this circumstance, came the 
name of "Honey Creek," the first creek within the borders of this 
countv to receive a name at the hands of white men 

Wh te River was struck at the Bluffs, the place being so ) named 
bv Jacob Whetzel at the time, and we may well imagine tl at the 
sine which met the gaze of himself and companions was such as 
the" li u e pec ed tosee. Jacob Whetzel had set out to reach by 
So cut aSome at the mouth of the Eel River: but standing on 
?he Bluff in the July days, he looked out over a wide, deep and 
raoidlv flowing river, through whose clear depths the eye could 
nenSate to the white pebblls that lay on the bottom, far below, 
I ho "rs'varmeAith fish, and whose level bottoms and the 
adjacent rolling uplands were covered with great ^^1 «,, * 
from a soil of wonderful richness, and there on the b k * °^™ 
Opc-co-mcc-cah, of the Delaware tongue, he resolved to establish 
his future home. 



EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 295 

Jacob Whetzel went alone down the river to his Eel River pos- 
sessions, while young Cyrus, with the axemen, turned back and be- 
gan the work of cutting out what was long known as "Whetzel's 
Trace." Their progress was slow. A path was cut of sufficient 
width to admit the passage of a team. Their chosen route led 
them bv what is now known as " Doty"s Hill." After passing the 
rolling land extending a short distance back from the river, the}' 
found a level countrv, which at that season of the year, was one con- 
tinuous swamp. In the dry seasons of previous years the Indians )/ 
had burned it off, and the road makers went farther in their work 
that first day than any succeeding one. They reached the place of 
an ancient beaver dam near the present eastern boundary line of 
Pleasant Township. It was built across the outlet of a swamp and 
made a pond of water a half mile long, and varying in width from 
a few yards to several hundred, but at that time it apparently had 
long been deserted by its furry inhabitants. 

The road these men made wound in and out among the trees 
and around the fallen logs as sinuous as a "runway."' The pur- 
pose of its makers was to make a path along which the Whetzel 
teams could travel to the White River. They had no thought of 
any subsequent travel. 

At the Hurricane, which they crossed in Section iS, Town 13 
north, Range 5 east, and which afforded the only running water 
between Honey Creek and Sugar Creek, thev established their 
camp, and thence worked on the road east and west. This they 
found to be a good camp site, and it occurred to Cyrus Whetzel to 
name the stream Camp Creek, a name that afterward gave place to 
Covert's Creek, and that in time to the present name, Hurricane, 
so given to commemorate a wind storm that prior to the settlement l/ 
of the country had prostrated much of the timber along "its course. 

Slowly hewing their way through the woods eastward, the axe- 
men came at length to a great swamp about two miles west of the 
present east boundary line of the county, which was known in the 
early day as the Great Gulf. This was a mile in width and two 
miles in length. Two streams, Flat Creek and the Leatherwood, 
entered the low land, constituting the gulf at its northern end, and 
their combined waters at the southern made Little Sugar Creek. 
Sugar Creek was already named when the Whetzels came. Its 
Indian name of Thcu-a-mc-sax was not in use among the white 
trappers and hunters who were alreadv familiar with it. Great for- 
ests of sugar trees grew at intervals along its banks, to which the 
Indians themselves, in the sugar making season, came, and to the ' 
circumstance of these growing trees, it is supposed the present 
name of the stream is owing. 



2 q6 JOHNSON COUNTS". 

Cyrus Whetzel never forgot the hardships endured while cut- 
ting out the "Whetzel Trace," and especially that part of it lying 
between Camp Creek and Sugar Creek. "We were often mid- 
sides in water," said he, "and at night we had to make brush heaps 
on which to sleep." 

After crossing Sugar Creek they cut through to the next 
considerable stream, a distance of five miles, encamping on its banks 
late one evening, when Jacob Whetzel, on his return from his Eel 
River expedition, rejoined them. After the scanty meal of the 
evening, Jacob produced a bottle of peach brandy, which he 
had procured in Owen County, and over it, the party in a merry 
mood, pledged the memory of wives and sweethearts at home. 
To the inspiration due to that bottle, are the people of Shelby 
Countv indebted for the name of one of their prettiest streams— 
Brandy-wine. The name was given that night. Soon after, then- 
provisions giving out, the road making was abandoned, and \\ het- 
zel and his men went on to their homes: but in a short time he re- 
turned and completed his work. Whetzel's trace proved of consid- 
erable importance in the settlement of Marion, Johnson, Morgan and 
Shelby counties. Hundreds of the early settlers traveled over all 
or parts of it in search of wilderness homes. 

The following March, 1S19, Jacob Whetzel, with his son 
Cyrus, returned to the Bluffs. Selecting a camping ground about 
560 yards below the place where the Waverly mills were 
afterward built, he began building a cabin, but ere this was done, 
a violent snow storm came on and lasted until the snow was fifteen 
inches deep. At length, he prepared a place of shelter, and that 
sprincr cleared a small field in which he planted corn, not forgetting 
to plant a quantity of peach seeds he had brought with him. The 
following fall he moved his family to his new home, and thus he 
became the first settler in Morgan County. 

The permanent settlements of the Delaware Indians were on 
White River, and their favorite mode of travel was in canoes along 
that stream. But their towns were nevertheless connected by 
trails, usually winding through the forests not far from the river. 
Through that part of Johnson Countv, in which White River runs, 
the Indian trail was on the east bank of the stream. Indeed, the 
highway from Martinsville to Indianapolis, which passes through 
Waverly and over the Bluffs, runs, in the main, not far from the 
line of "that ancient trail. Other trails intersected it coming from 
the south, and so the White River trail was an important highway 
of the red men. And it cut some figure in the colonization of 
Johnson Countv by the white men. While many of the early set- 
ler s came into White River Township by the Whetzel trace, the 



EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 297 

very first ones came by the White River trail, and it is therefore 
deserving of notice in this place. 

From the year of the admission of Indiana, up to the time of 
the taking of the census in 1820, the population of the State more 
than doubled. The census showed a population of 147,178 in 
1820. Indiana was well advertised abroad during the Indian wars. 
It had been well traversed by a citizen soldiery, principally from 
Kentucky, and the wars being over, the same soldiery and their 
friends came in large numbers in hunt of homes. 

On the nth of January, 1S20, commissioners were appointed 
bv the General Assembly to locate a new seat of government, 
which was clone in the month of June following. John Tipton, who 
was subsequently elected to a seat in the United States Senate from 
Indiana, was a member of that commission, and he has left a Jour- 
nal containing an account of the travels and action of himself and 
the commission, which, although very brief, and written without 
any pretence of literary skill, is nevertheless packed with valuable 
information to the student of the past. Tipton and Gov. Jennings 
set out from their homes at Corydon on the 17th of May. They 
laid in plenty of " baken coffey etc.," 1 and took with them " Bill, a 
black bov"' and a tent. Striking the ancient river trail some- 
where below the present site of Columbus, they traveled thereon 
all the way through this county and on to the mouth of Fall Creek, 
above the present site of Indianapolis. The party, which had in- 
creased on the way till it numbered seven, did not reach Bezzy's 
place till Saturday evening, the 20th of the month. It took them 
four days to ride from Corydon to that place, and two hours and a 
quarter to ride from the upper rapids of the In-quah-sah-quak. 
With Bezzy they staid ovej night. Tipton, who "had an eye for 
good ground, and at various times owned large tracts," saw the 
beauty of the prospect around him. " Good land, good water and 
timber,"' he wrote in his Journal. The next morning at half after 
four o'clock the}- set out again, but now that these commissioners, 
accompanied by the Governor of the State, are traveling through 
Johnson County over an Indian path, and their movements become 
more interesting to the thread of this history, the Journal becomes 
provokingly obscure. It savs: 

" Sunday, twenty-first, set out at half-past four. At five passed 
a corner of Section 36, Township n north, of Range 4 east, passed a 
place where Bartholomew and myself had encamped in June, 181 3, 
missed our way. Traveled east then. At 8 o'clock stopped on a 
muddy branch, boiled our coffev. At 9:30 turned back. I killed 
a deer, the first one I have killed since 1814. Came on the train 
(trail) at 10; found tree where I had wrote my name on the 19th 



298 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

of June, 1S13. We traveled fast and at 7 encamped on a small 
creek, having traveled about Eorty-five miles." 

It was the northeast corner of the southeast Section of 
Nineveh Township, that was passed at 5 o'clock that Sunday morn- 
ing: but where was it that General Bartholomew and himself had 
encamped in June, 1S13? It was after passing that corner they 
missed their way and traveled east. If we knew the time that 
elapsed after passing the Section corner, before they missed their 
way, we might, with some degree of certainty, locate the t; muddy 
branch " and perhaps identify the very farm whereon the future 
United States Senator killed his deer, that Sunday, June morning, so 
many years ago, and may be find the spot where grew the tree on 
which he wrote his name on the 19th of June, 1S13. But the most 
we can say, is, that the encampment must have been in Nieveh 
Township. The boiling of the " coffev " and the shooting of the 
deer, most likelv took place within the borders of Blue River, and 
the tree on which the name was written may have been in Nineveh 
Township, but was probably in Franklin Township. 

The Commissioners were sworn in on the 23rd of May, and 
made the location on the 7th of June, fifteen days having been spent 
traveling up and down the country examining the several places men- 
tioned in connection therewith. One of these was the Bluffs on White 
River. Recurring to Tipton's Journal, we find of the date of May 
26th, this: "The bluff is about 150 feet above the river, but very 
uneven. The water good. * * Out of this bluff issues a num- 
ber of fine springs, one of which some distance back from the river, 
has near twenty feet fall. Back of this bluff is a beautiful creek. 
They (the bluffs) front on the river near one mile. If they were 
level on top it would be the most beautiful site for a town that I 
have ever seen." 

Two of the commissioners favored the Bluff for the capital lo- 
cation, but the majority went for the present site of Indianapolis. 
Before the commission to locate the capital set forth on their work, 
the United States Surveyors had begun their work in the New 
Purchase, and they kept it up, long after the capital site was chosen. 
All of Nineveh Township was surveyed by Abraham Lee, as early 
as the month of September in 1S19. In June, 1S20, John Hen- 
dricks surveyed so much of Franklin Township as lies in Congres- 
sional Township 12, Range 5, and, in August of that year, Thomas 
Hendricks surveyed Congressional Township 12, Range 4, being 
in the west part of Franklin Township. In the same month of 
August, John Hendricks surveved all the lands comprised within 
the present boundaries of Blue River Township, and, as soon as he 
had completed this, he went over and surveyed the Congressional 



EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 



-99 



Township, better known as Union, and, while he was at that, B. 
Bently was surveying Henslev. W. B. McLaughlin surveyed all 
of White River, in Congressional Township 14, and Bently all that 
is in Township 13; and, later in the season, all the territory now con- 
tained within Pleasant Township was surveyed by Thomas Hen- 
dricks, while John Hendricks surveyed all contained within Clark 
Township. 

First Permanent Settlement. — The time has now come when 
the first permanent settlement is to be planted in Johnson Count}'. 
In 1814 a young man by the name of John Campbell, born and 
reared in Tennessee, went to find a home north of the Ohio. Fate 
directed his footsteps to the vicinity of Wavnesville, in the State of 
Ohio, where he married Ruth Perkins, a native of South Carolina. 
In 1817 he moved to Connersville, and in 1S20 to the "new pur- 
chase" on Blue River. It was as early as the latter part of Feb- 
ruary, when, with his wife and four sons he set out through the 
wilderness to become the first settler of a countv that was yet un- 
formed and unnamed. Four little girls belonged to his household, 
but these were left behind to follow on horseback, when the home 
was prepared for them. A neighbor, Benjamin Crews, went with 
him and helped to clear a path and drive his domestic animals and 
team. The road which they cut must have been the most prim- 
itive of paths, for, when two years after, Alexander Thompson, 
Israel Watts and William Reynolds came over the same general 
route, they found a wagon road to Flat Rock, south of Rushville, 
but thence on they were compelled to cut their own way. 

Campbell reached the Blue River on Saturday, the 4th of 
March, and at once began the erection of a pole cabin, on the tract 
of land lying immediately south of the present site of Edinburg, 
and the same spring cleared a small field which he enclosed with a 
brush fence to keep out his own stock, in time to raise a crop of 
corn. Crews returned to Connersville for his family and moved 
to Campbell's neighborhood the same spring, arriving on the 17th 
of April. On a spot already selected by him, which afterward 
proved to be on the Bartholomew side of the line, he encamped 
the evening of his arrival. That night his son Jonathan, a lad 
eight years of age, while lying down and looking at the moon, 
through the limbs of a large tree, "saw something reach out a 
hand and pull up a limb,"' to which he at once called his father's 
attention, who said it was a coon. The next morning, on inspec- 
tion, the tree was found to be hollow, and Benjamin Crews at once 
cut it down, and as it fell crashing to the ground, a she bear and her 
two cubs tumbled to the earth from their den in a hollow limb. 
The dogs at once mounted the old beast, but cuffing them right 



300 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

and left, she made her escape, leaving her cubs in the hands of 
their captors. Stripping the horses of their halters the two young 
bears were soon securely tied, but the horses now thoroughly 
alarmed at the unwonted commotion, and finding themselves at 
liberty, took the back track for the White Water country and ran 
eight miles before being overtaken and recaptured. 

John Campbell's neighbors were Crews and Richard Beny, the 
latter who lived a little over a mile below him, but within the pres- 
ent limits of Bartholomew County, whither he had removed the year 
before. But he did not have to wait long for others to come in. 
A half dozen or more families, it is said, moved into the Blue River 
woods, the same spring, but this is not certain. A large number 
did come in during the vear. The lands since incorporated, in part, 
into Blue River Township, were surveyed in August of that year, 
and on the 4th of October, the same year, were exposed for sale at 
the land office in Brookville. That dav these purchases were made 
of Blue River lands (which were the first within the county) by James 
Jacobs, William W. Robinson, and John Campbell, (who afterward 
lived in Sugar Creek), and on the day following, John Campbell, 
the first settler, and eight others made entries. Thirty-nine entries 
in all were made before the close of the year, covering a total of 
4,400 acres. 

As far as now known, eighteen families moved into the new 
settlement during the year, of which Henry Catsinger, Simon 
Schaffer, Jesse Dawson, Zachariah Sparks, Elias Brock and 
Joseph Townsend, were Kentuckians; William Williams, and as 
already stated. John Campbell, were Tennesseeans; Amos Durbin 
was from Virginia; John A. Mow and Joshua Palmer, were from 
Ohio: Isaac Marshall and John Wheeler were from North Caro- 
lina: Samuel Ilerriott, from Pensylvania, while the native places of 
Louis Bishop, Thomas Ralston and Richard Cormorave are un- 
kown. 

The second year of the settlement, twenty-seven families are 
known to have moved in. Elisha Adams came from Kentucky 
and moved to the north end of the township, and founded the 
Adams neighborhood. Richard Foster and John and William, 
his brothers, Patrick Adams, Patrick Cowan, Arthur Robinson, 
Curtis Pritchard, David Webb, William R. Hensley, William C. 
Robinson, James Farrell, John Adams, John P. Barnett, Jacob 
Cutsinger, Isaac Harvey (a Baptist preacher), Lewis Hays, 
William Rutherford, Jefferson D. Jones, Thomas Russell and 
Samuel Aldridge, all Kentuckians: and Isaac Collier, Israel Watts 
and Jonathan Hougham, Ohioans: and Alexander Thompson, from 
Virginia; Jesse Wells and Thomas Doan, from North Carolina, 



EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 301 

and William Reynolds, from Tennesee, moved in. By the close of 
this year, the lands contiguous to Blue River were taken up, and a 
line of settlement extended nearly across the south side of the town- 
ship, while John Campbell, an Irishman, had laid the foundation of 
a settlement at the mouth of Sugar Creek, and Lewis Hays and 
William Rutherford had joined John Adams 1 settlement higher up 
the creek. 

In 1S22, fourteen families moved in. Of these Able Webb, 
James Connor, Hezekiah Davison, William Hunt, James M. Dan- 
iels, John Shipp, William Barnett, David Durbin, Hiram Ald- 
ridge and Thomas Russell were from Kentucky; Charles Martin 
and Samuel Umpstead were from Ohio; and it is not ascertained 
whence came Baker Wells and Samuel Johnson, who came in 
this year. In 1823, William Freeman moved from Bartholomew 
County into the township, and Richard Shipp and John Hen- 
drickson also moved in. All these were Kentucky born. By the 
close of 1823, there were at least sixty-three families living in the 
township. 

Let us turn now from the southeast to the northwest, from Blue 
River to White River. Capt. White, an Indian, early in 1820, 
was found occupying a tract of land on the east bank of White 
River, since known as the Denny place, and being near the center 
of the northwest quarter of Section 32, in Township 14 north, 
Range 3 east. Here was an extensive Indian clearing. Capt. 
White left the country the same spring, going with his people, the 
Delawares, to Arkansas, and in the " month of April or May," the 
same year, one Daniel Morgan, a bachelor from western Pennsyl- 
vania moved to White's place and took possession. He cultivated 
a small held of corn, but the squirrels devoured his crop before 
maturity, and he returned to the land of his nativity. In the' fall of 
the same year, George Beeler, a resident of Morgan County, with 
his wife and sister-in-law, moved to Capt. White's place, and took 
posession; but Beeler died the same fall, and the White camp was 
once more vacated. 

The following spring another man moved to the Capt. White 
place. This was Abraham Sells, a Virginian, who came to Wash- 
ington County, in Indiana, about the middle of February, 1821. 
" Leaving the female members of his family in that county, accom- 
panied by his brother John Sells and four of his sons, and three of 
his own, Isaac, William and Franklin, he set out for the White 
River and reached Jacob Whetzel's about the 1st of March." He 
had crossed over to the Indian trail, on the east bank of White 
River, up which lie traveled, entering White River Township on 
Friday, the 3d clay of March, 1821, and at once he took possession 



3° 2 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

of White's old wigwam. Abraham Sell's came to stay. He and 
his, brought seventy-five hogs, eleven cattle and eight horses, be- 
sides a goodly assortment of tools and provisions for the summer. 
Their families were to come in the fall. The hogs and cattle were 
turned into the woods to shift for themselves, together with such 
of the horses as were not in immediate use. A field of five or six 
acres was " brushed out" and enclosed with a temporary fence and 
planted in corn. " West of the river was an old hackberry dead- 
Ay ening, containing fifteen acres, requiring but little labor to bring it 
\into cultivation. In the year 1S20, and in years subsequent, a small 
green worm stripped the hackberry trees of all their leaves, killing 
them in a few weeks."** That was also planted in corn. The corn 
grown on the Capt. White place was broken into and destroyed bv 
their own hogs. After the crop was laid by, all except two of the 
company returned to Washington County, where John Sells, the 
brother of Abraham, and the latter's son, Issac, died. Late in the 
fall the others, with their families and household stuff, rejoined 
their White River brethren, and the permanencv of their settlement 
was maintained. 

Abraham Sells may justly be accounted as the first English- 
speaking white man to make a permanent home in White River 
Township. Close upon his heels, came Thomas Lowe, a North 
Carolinian, with his family and his two sons-in-law, Permenter 
Mullenix and William Sanders, and their families. Sells entered 
the township, as we have seen, on the third dav of of March, 1821, 
and Lowe came "between the 3d and 10," a very few days after. 
The latter settled on a choice tract of land in Section 8, about two 
miles northeast of the Bluffs, and at once made preparation for 
raising a corn crop, the ensuing season. About the middle of the 
same month of March, David Scott moved from near Bloomington, 
Ind., to White River Township, and camped just below the mouth of 
Pleasant Run,f near Abraham Sells, and cleared and planted a 
field of corn. His family he left behind, proposing to move them 
out the coming fall. Late in the Summer, however, his horses es- 
caped, and he became so much discouraged, that he sold out to 
Sells, and abandoned the county. 

On Wednesday, the 10th day of May, following, John Doty and 
his family, from Hamilton County, Ohio, entered the township. 
He had set out with his large family and all of his worldlv possess- 
ions in search of a home "in the West," and entering the Whetzel 
trace at its eastern terminus, had traveled upon it till within three 

* Judge Franklin Harden. John Tipton mentions a similar circumstance as being seen 
near the capital location. 

t So named, it is said, because it was a pleasant running stream. 



EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 



303 



miles of its western end at the Bluffs. Coming to a shapely, well- 
wooded hill, then, as now, a landmark, along the northern side of 
which the trace ran, he was so well pleased with the outlook that 
he unyoked his cattle and made a camp, and "went to living." 
The next morning after their arrival, he and his three sons, 
Peter, Samuel, and George, began a clearing, and by hard work 
they managed to plant three or four acres in corn, which, when 
earing time came, fell a prey to the raccoons. It is said these ro- 
dents came in droves, and stripped it of the last nubbin. 

During the time the father and sons were making their clear- 
ing, the family occupied an open camp and were greatly annoyed 
bv rattle snakes. One morning while at breakfast, they were hor- 
rified at the sight of a monster which came crawling in at the open 
door of their camp. It had been attracted, it is supposed, by the 
odor of frying venison. More than thirty of these venemous reptiles 
were killed in and about the hill the first season. The next per- 
sons to move in, were Daniel Boaz and John Ritchev. These men 
with their families moved in one vehicle. Boaz was a Virginian, by 
birth, and Ritchey a Kentuckian. They came to White River in the 
fall of 1S21, and were the last of the arrivals for that A'ear. The 
close of the year saw eight families living in the White River 
settlement. Twelve more, it is certainly known, came the year 
following, 1822. These were Archibald Glenn, and John Murphy, 
from Kentucky; Nathan and Benjamin Culver, from East Tennes- 
see; Nathanial St. John, from Ohio; Daniel Etter, Michael Brown, 
Andrew Brown, and one or two others, who long since left the 
county, from Virginia; and William and Samuel Blean, who were 
born in Ireland. By the close of the second year, after the first 
settlement was made, not less than 100 people were living in the 
White River settlement. 

Two settlement centers, the Blue River and the White River, 
have been under review; let us pass to a third. In the spring of 
1S21, Amos Durbin settled on the outskirts of the Blue River settle- 
ment, so far from its center that when the civil townships came to 
be organized, he was found to be in Nineveh Township, and he is 
therefore entitled to the destinction of being named as the first 
settler of Nineveh. The township derived its name from its prin- 
cipal creek, and it in turn from the following circumstance: Rich- 
ard Berry had a son, Nineveh, who, while hunting one winter's day, 
crossed the creek, which was orginally known as the Leatherwood, 
and killed a deer. With it on his back he undertook to recross the 
stream on a log, but loosing his footing he fell in, and came near being 
drowned. His father ever after spoke of the stream as "Nineveh's 



3C>4 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Defeat," but the early settlers dropped the latter half of the name, 
calling it Nineveh, and it is so known to this day. 

But another man must be accredited with the honor of founding 
the first distinctive Nineveh neighborhood. That man was Robert 
Worl, of whom but little is now known. He was an Ohioan, who 
set out for the New Purchase the latter part of the summer of 
1S21. With his family and a few personal effects he floated down 
the Ohio in a boat to some point on the Indiana shore, whence 
he made his way over the Indian trails to the Blue River Settle- 
ment, and thence through a pathless forest to Leatherwood Creek, 
or as it is now known, the Nineveh, where he arrived sometime in 
the month of September, and at once erected a pole cabin on the 
bank of the creek, a mile east of the present site of Williamsburg. 
Worl and his family lived alone through the fall and winter, de- 
pending for food mainly on the rifle. The region round about 
was filled with- game. W 7 ild turkeys, deer and bears were as 
plentiful as domestic stock in the same neighborhood is to-dav. 

Doubtless, the first fall and winter spent by the Worls in the 
Nineveh woods, they found exceedingly long and dismally lone- 
some; but the season of leaf and flower came at last, and with it 
three neighbors. On Friday, the 15th of March, Joah Woodruff 
and William Strain, came directly from Ohio, and Benjamin Crews, 
who two years before moved to the Blue River neighborhood, and 
settled over the line in Bartholomew Count\ . All three had 
families, and had been Worl's neighbors in Ohio. That was a 
busy spring on the Nineveh. Crews camped by the side of a log 
for eight weeks, from the middle of March to the middle of May, 
by which time he had nine acres cleared after the fashion of the 
times, which he planted in corn, and then he built a cabin. 

During the year of 1822, eleven men, with their families, are 
known to have moved into the Township. In addition to those 
already mentioned, were Adam Sash, Daniel and Henry Mussul- 
man, and James Dunn from Kentucky, David Trout from Vir- 
ginia, and John S. Miller from North Carolina. 

The next year, James and William Gillaspv, William Spears, 
Curtis Pritchard, Louis Pritchard and Richard Perry, Kentuckians; 
and Jeremiah Dunham, an Ohioan, and Elijah De Hart, from North 
Carolina, moved in. In 1824, Robert Moore and George Baily 
Aaron Dunham, of Ohio, arrived, and Isaac Walker, Perry Baily, 
Joseph Thompson and Robert Forsyth, all from Kentucky. In 
1825, Daniel Pritchard, John Parkhurst, William Irving and Amos 
Mitchel, from Kentucky, and Jesse Young, from Ohio, moved in, 
and, in the year following, came Thomas Elliott, Prettyman Bur- 



EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 305 

ton, William Keaton, Clark Tucker, Daniel Hutto, John Hall, John 
Elliot, all Kentuckians, and Thomas Griffith, Samuel Griffith, 
Richard Wheeler, James McKane, James and John Wylie, 
Ohioans. In 1827, of those who came, John Kindle, Aaron Bur- 
gett and the Calvins — James, Luke, Thomas and Hiram — Milton 
McQuade, John Dodd, Robert Works and, as is supposed, George 
Henger and Jeremiah Ilibbs, are all believed to have been from 
Ohio, and James Mullikin, David Forsyth and James Hughes, 
from Kentucky. The next year Joseph Featherngill, Gabriel 
Givens, Mrs. Sarah Mathes and James White came, followed by 
Hume Sturgeon, in 1S29, and by Walter Black, David Dunham, 
John Wilks and Aaron Burgett, in 1S30. Sturgeon was from 
Kentucky, Mrs. Mathes from Virginia, and the others from Ohio, 
save Black, whose native place is uncertain. 

In the year 1822, the Burkhart brothers, David, Lewis, George, 
Henry and William came to this county from Greene County, Ky., 
bv the way of the ancient river trail. Henry and George settled 
on the north side, while David built his cabin within the borders of 
Franklin Township on the land on which the late Michael Canary 
so long lived, and ultimately died. All three built cabins on the 
trail, and they have left their family name in Buckhart's Creek, in 
their old neighborhood. About the time of the arrival of the Burk- 
harts, came Levi Moore along the trail, from the south as far as 
the Big Spring (now Hopewell), whence he turned to the east and 
built a cabin on the high ground, a few hundred yards west of the 
place where the Bluff road crosses Young's Creek. This cabin 
site has never ceased to be a place of residence. It is now occu- 
pied by John McCashin. Of Moore, but little is known. In the 
summer of 1825, he built a cabin and log stable on the east side of, 
and close to the line dividing the east and west halves of the south- 
west quarter of Section 9, in Township 12, afterward owned and 
occupied by Aaron LeGrange. Moore had entered the west half 
of that quarter, and publicly gave out that he owned the east half, 
but Adam Sash learning otherwise, entered that half, and the owner- 
ship of Moore's cabin and stable thus fell to him. 

On Young's Creek, which flowed through the west eighty, he 
built a mill, but the site was inauspicious. At that point the creek 
run between low banks through a wide valley, and he found it im- 
possible to construct a dam that would withstand the freshets. His 
log mill-house was built over the creek bed on piles driven into the 
earth with a maul, and he put in machinery with which he could 
grind " from ten to fifteen bushels of corn per day." Driven to 
desperation by repeated washouts, he at last felled a large sycamore 
tree top on his dam, hoping in this way to hold it down; but find- 



306 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

ing it a vain effort, after a year or two he abandoned the enterprise, 
and soon after left the country and went, no one knew where. The 
foundation logs of his mill, after sixty-three years, are still to be 
seen, embedded in the Young's Creek mud, apparently as sound 
as the day they were placed there. 

Moore left a bad reputation behind him. He was charged with 
over-tolling the grists that went to his mill, and, not content with 
that, he caught a portion of the descending meal in his wide sleeyes 
which he transferred to his own barrel, a trick not uncommon with 
rascally millers of his day. It was laid to his charge also that he 
stole his neighbors hogs, and scrupled not to rob the Indians, who 
camped now and then in his vicinity. Certain, it is, that he and his 
family were phenomenally untidy about their home. Under the 
high porch of his cabin, his little flock of sheep were penned every 
night, winter and summer, to keep them from the wolves, a pre- 
caution that his pioneer neighbors could have excused perhaps, but 
the ducks and geese that slept upon the porch and in the cabin it- 
self, to keep them from their prowling enemies, the foxes, and 
minks, the neighbors could not excuse. Moore could not build 
cabins and mill houses and roll logs without calling upon his neigh- 
bors for assistance, nor could thev assist without dining at his table. 
But the memory of the combined odors of the sheep-pen, of the 
goose and duck sleeping apartment, and of the Moore cookery, re- 
mains to this day. It is said that a boiled egg was the only article 
of food a man could eat at the Moore table without a qualm. 
Nevertheless, Levi Moore left his name in a certain sense indelibly 
impressed upon the county. Upon the little creek, that, taking its 
rise a mile north of Franklin and flowing thence southwesterly till 
it discharges into Young's Creek, not far from the site of his first 
cabin, he gave the name of " Indian Creek," from the circumstance 
that the Indians frequently encamped upon it in the early days, and 
by that name it is still known. In another stream, Moore's Creek. 
which unites with Young's Creek, near Hopewell, his name will be 
held in perpetual remembrance, for it carries his name. 

In the month of February. 1821, Elisha Adams, a Pennsvlvanian 
by birth, but moving from Kentucky, and Joseph Young, a North 
Carolinan, and Robert Gilchrist, from Washington County, Ind., 
came to the county. Young settled in the delta formed bv the 
union of Sugar and Lick Creeks, while Adams moved farther 
north, and built a cabin near the present site of Amity. Lick 
Creek was so named bv the United States surveyors, because of 
the great number of most excellent deer licks found near its 
source. But Young's cabin soon came to be known better than 
the licks, and the first settlers caring little for the name bestowed 



EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 307 

by the surveyors, changed Lick Creek into Young's Creek, and 
time has sanctioned their act. 

In the autumn succeeding Adams' arrival William Rutherford 
moved on Sugar Creek in Section 33, less than two miles northeast 
of Adams', and became the first settler in what is now known as 
Needham Township. 

About the time Rutherford was building his cabin, Adams' 
horses strayed off, and while hunting for them in Bartholomew 
County, he met with John Smiley of Washington County, who 
said he was looking for a mill site. While hunting game, Adams 
had more than once noticed a place on Sugar Creek in Section 34, 
where he thought a mill could be advantageously built, and he not 
Only acquainted Smiley with the fact, but gave him such a glowing 
account of the country adjacent to the site, that Smiley came to see 
for himself, the following summer. The place suiting him, he made 
a purchase, and in the ensuing fall moved his family to the county, 
and after erecting a cabin in which to live, began at once building 
a mill, which was finished the same fall, and which was the first mill 
in the county. 

In October, 1S20, George King, Simon Covert, Samuel and 
Cornelius Demarer, Peter A. Banta, William Porter, James and 
Wallace Shannon and Prettyman Burton, all of whom were resi- 
dents of Henry and Shelby counties in Kentucky, made a tour of 
parts of Indiana, to "look at the country." Crossing the Ohio, a few 
miles below Madison, they traveled eastwardly through Jefferson 
and Switzerland counties, thence to Versailles, in Ripley, and 
through Napoleon and on to the "Forks of Flat Rock." Shortly 
after crossing the Ohio, William Hendricks joined them, but at the 
"Forks" he turned aside to become the proprietor of the count}' 
seat of Decatur Count}-. King and his company kept on till the}' 
reached Connor's Prairie, where they took the back track on the 
Indian trail till they came to the location of the seat of government, 
where "four little cabins" were all there was of the future city. 
Crossing the White River at that place, they visited Eagle Creek 
and then White Cieek, after which they re-crossed the river at 
Whetzel's. Riding up to the Bluffs, they followed Whetzel's trace 
out to the Indian trail, where they saw Loper's unfinished cabin, 
and thence they traveled southward past the Big Spring and Berry's 
ford, and so on to their homes, having been absent seventeen days. 

The following fall. King and Covert, who were brothers-in-law, 
and William Shannon, a neighbor, returning to the state, made 
another journey to examine the country. This time they went 
direct to Indianapolis, passing through Johnson County, and at- 
tended the first sale of lots in that new city. Crossing White River 
20 



J 



OS JOHNSON COUNTY. 



the same day, they rode to the neighborhood of Eagle Creek where 
they camped. The next morning they set out in earnest for the 
Wabash country and saw but one cabin from Tuesday morning 
till the following Sunday evening. The journey was a disappoint- 
ment to them. The country was not apparently as good as they 
had been led to expect. " Good land was like the milk sick, still 
ahead." They returned to their homes by the way of the Vermil- 
ion River country. 

After another year, King and Covert made a third trip to the 
state. This time they were accompanied by Garrett C. Bergen, 
and the purpose of their journey seems to have been to enter lands 
in Johnson County. King, who was the leader in all these expe- 
ditions, was of the age of forty years. His native place was 
Wythe County, in Virginia, whence he had moved with a widowed 
mother to Kentucky while a lad. where he had been apprenticed to 
a wheelwright with whom he had learned the trade. He had the 
knack of money getting, and having accumulated a small sum, he 
was desirous of settling himself in a new country at such a place 
as he would be enabled to control the location of a county town, on 
lands he might himself own. On this third visit he saw his op- 
portunity. On the 8th of January, 1S21, an act had been passed 
organizing Bartholomew County, and on the 31st of December 
following, bills to incorporate Morgan, Marion and Shelby counties 
had been approved bv the Governor, leaving the territory lying 
between, to be incorporated thereafter. The situation was patent 
to every one, but King seems to have been the only one who was 
able to take advantage of it. On reaching the Blue River settle- 
ment he fell in with Samuel Herriott, whom he questioned concern- 
ing a suitable town site in the neighborhood of the center of the 
unorganized territory, and from him learned of what was supposed 
to be a suitable tract lying in the angle formed bv the confluence 
of Lick and Camp creeks. The land lookers went at once to it, 
and after looking the land over and each selecting his tract, they 
rode off to Brookville to make their entries. But when there they 
learned that the unexpected thing had happened. Twenty-two 
daws before, Daniel Pritchard had entered the very eighty that 
King had marked as his own. But George King was not the man, 
when once he had put his hand to the plough, to look back. He 
purchased the eighty adjoining the Pritchard tract on the west, 
while Bergen bought on the north and Covert on the east, as they 
had originally intended, after which they returned to the neighbor- 
hood of their purchases, and King rinding the owner of the coveted 
eighty, paid him two hundred dollars for his bargain and took a 
conveyance in fee. Covert and Bergen returned to their homes, 



EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 3O9 

but King remained. Securing names to a petition to the Legisla- 
ture, praying for the organization of the territory lying between 
Morgan and Shelby into a county, he went by the way of Corydon, 
then the capital of the State, and procured the passage of an act 
organizing the new county, which receiving the signature of the 
Governor, became a law on the 31st of December, 1S22, and the 
county was named Johnson, in memory of John Johnson, one of 
the Judges of the Supreme Court of the State. 

John Smiley, the miller, was appointed by Governor Hendricks, 
sheriff of the county, and in accordance with the law, issued a writ 
of election to be holden on Saturday, the Sth day of March, 1S23. 
Two voting places were named, one at the house of Hezekiah 
Davison, on Blue River, and the other at the home of Daniel Boaz, 
on White River. Israel Watts and Daniel Boaz, were elected 
associate judges; Samuel Herriott, clerk of the circuit court; 
William Shaffer, county recorder; and William Freeman, John S. 
Miller and James Ritchey, commissioners, and a county govern- 
ment was thereupon duly organized. 

Here let us pause in our story and take a look backward. Up 
to the close of the year, 1S22, there were three centers of settle- 
ment in the county, Blue River, Nineveh and White River, the 
first of which contained fifty-nine families, the second twenty and 
the third fourteen. There were a few cabins scattered here and 
there throughout the county, outside of these settlements as we 
have seen, enough by actual court to bring the whole number up 
to an even 100, which according to the usual method of computa- 
tion in such cases, gives a population of 500.* 

All these original settlers were poor men. It is hard for the 
people of this more favored age to form a clear conception of the 
depth of their poverty. The greater part were land owners, it is 
true, but unimproved land was selling at " Congress price," and a 
cabin and five or six acres of cleared land added from fifty to 
seventy-rive dollars to that price. The number of acres of cleared 
land contiguous to the 100 cabins in the county did not exceed 
500. Probably there were as many horses in the county as heads 
of families, and three times as many cattle. Hogs were becoming 
numerous, in a few localities, but were worth little more than so 
many wild deer. All the furniture in the 100 cabins did not cost 
as much as the furniture to be found in a single one of a good 
man}- houses in the count}' to-day. It is hard to estimate aggre- 
gate values in the absence of the assessor, but it is believed that 

In my History of Johnson County, published in iSSi, by a printer's mistake the num- 
ber is put at 550. It was written 500. I inadvertently repeated the mistake in " Making 
a Neighborhood." 



3IO JOHNSON" COUNTY. 

excluding land values, an assessor on the first day of January, 1823, 
could not have found over $5,000 or $6,000 worth of property in 
the whole county. 

Returning from this digression, we find that George King, hav- 
ing secured the county organization, early in the following spring 
(1823), moved to his purchase, that he might be on the ground 
when the time for locating the county seat came round. It was in 
the latter part of February or first of March, that accompanied by 
his two unmarried daughters and his married daughter and her 
husband, David McCaslin, and Simon Covert, whose wife staid be- 
hind until the ensuing fall, and Isaac Yoorheis, a young and un- 
married man. King left his Kentucky home and came to Johnson 
Count}-. The movers found a road cut out to Elisha Adams' place, 
and thence on, assisted by Robert Gilchrist,* they made their own 
road up the east bank of Young's Creek to the mouth of Camp 
Creek." 

It was late in the day when the axemen followed bv the teams 
and cattle reached the creek, where they found a dark and turbu- 
lent stream rolling between them and their destination. Not 
knowing the fords the teams were driven back to a high dry knoll 
where a camp fire was started and a camp made. Little did the 
campers on that knoll, as they watched bv the light and warmth of 
their camp fire that night, dream that they would live to see the 
day when that knoll would become the site of a college devoted to 
" Christianity and Culture." f 

Hardly were the teams unhitched that evening, when it was 
discovered that the meal and sieve had been left at Adam's, where- 
upon King and Gilchrist and McCaslin returned, leaving Covert 
and Voorheis to occupy the camp alone. Other things it seems 
had been left behind, also, for the campers milked into and drank 
milk out of the bells, which had been brought for use in the range. 
The next morning on the return of King and McCaslin the pilgrims 
sought for and found a place to safely cross the " swollen stream." A 
beautiful tract of high and dry land on the north bank of Young's 
Creek, which has since been graded down and is now occupied by 
the residence of Judge Woollen and of others, was their objective 
point, but such a network of down logs overgrown with spice wood 
and other bushes all woven together, with wild grape vines, not to 
mention a forest of beeches, maples, hackberries, sycamores and 
buckeyes, did they encounter that the whole day was consumed in 
reaching their destination. The writer has repeatedly talked with 

" In the early records this name is spelled Gilcrees. The family have since changed the 
spelling as in the text. 
t This is the motto placed on the seal of Franklin College. 



EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 311 

three of the men who cut the first road through what is now known 
as the Old Bear Plat of the city of Franklin and also with others 
who saw the place before the town site was cleared off and all 
agreed in pronouncing it the most impenetrable thicket in all the 
cduntry round about. A hurricane not many years before had 
passed down Young's Creek and up Camp (now Hurricane), leav- 
ing a wide swath of fallen timber in its wake and it was through 
this the road was made that day. 

In the evening, wearied and hungry, the emigrants reached the 
hitrh around King had selected for his cabin site. A tent was 
erected and a hasty camp made. The meal bag and the seive, 
having been brought up from Adams', a supper of corn cake and 
bacon was enjoyed. Tin cups took the place of cow bells for 
drinking vessels. At an early hour the men lay down on a browse 
bed before a glowing camp fire, under cover of a tent to sleep. 
Thev were too tired to talk and soon were in the land of dreams. 
During the night, however, a tempest of rain, accompanied by 
thunder and lightning and wind arose, and such commotion ensued 
in the forest around them that they felt their lives were in peril. 
At intervals the crashing of falling trees could be heard, and be- 
fore the blast had expended its force a large tree, close by, was 
wrenched from its roots and fell thundering to the earth, but hap- 
pily in a direction from them. More than fifty years afterwards 
Col. Simeon Covert, speaking of that falling tree, said: " It shocked 
us greatly," and sure it must, as it crashed to the earth amid the 
blackness of night, in a tempest-tossed forest. The next morning 
work was begun on King's cabin, a two-roomed structure with an 
entry between, which served as a house for all, till the little fields were 
cleared and the crops laid by. That cabin stood on the highest 
part of the knoll which has since been cut down, crosswise of the 
present line of Jefferson street. The next step taken was to make 
clearings for corn. Covert's patch was amid the fallen timber in 
the track of the old hurricane. Over three acres he grubbed, 
chopped and burned, clearing after a fashion, and planting on the 
30th of May. At the end of seventeen days he laid his corn by, 
and the following fall gathered at the rate of fifty bushels to the 
acre, of good corn. The particulars of King's and McCaslin's 
planting has not been remembered. 

In the latter part of September, Simon Covert, having returned 
during the summer to Kentucky, moved his family to his new 
home. Quite a company accompanied him. John B. Smock, and 
his brother Isaac, who settled at Greenwood, and Daniel Covert, 
Moses Freeman and Joseph Voorheis, who subsequently settled on 
Young's Creek, in what was afterward known as the Hopewell 



312 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

neighborhood, were of the company. About the time Cover set 
out for Kentuucky after his family. Thomas Williams, a Pennsyl- 
vanian by birth, but hailing from "Washington County, in this state, 
came to the neighborhood, and began the erection of a cabin on the 
south side of the creek: and in the same month Covert returned, 
Williams moved his family and goods into his new home. He 
brought with him the first yoke of oxen that ever came to Franklin. 

Five commissioners had been named, in the act of organizing 
the county, whose duty it was to meet on the first Monday in May, 
1 82 3, and select a town site for the new county. For some reason 
the meeting was deferred, till the 22nd of the month, at which 
time three of the five met at the house of John Smilev, on Sugar 
Creek, whence they proceeded to discharge that dutv. " A paper 
village" had been laid out by Amos Durbin, near the mouth of Sugar 
Creek, the site of which the three commissioners went to see. On 
the northeast quarter of Section S, in Township 13 north, Range 4 
east, which lay a half mile from the geographical center of the 
county, was the highest, dryest and best drained tract of land to be 
found short of the Sugar Creek or White River highlands — a 
tract on which was an elevation, now known as Donnell's Hill, and 
there were some who thought the commissioners might make the 
location in that place. George King, sharing in that thought, had 
already entered the quarter section, but it is quite evident he pre- 
ferred the location to be made on his Pritchard purchase. While at 
his house, and after examining the proposed site in the angle of the 
creeks, the commissioners inquired about the country at the center 
of the county, and even set out through the pathless woods to ex- 
amine the place for themselves. But, for some reason, they went 
without a guide, and in a violent rain storm, that came up while 
they were on the journey, they lost their way, and finally, came 
back to King's cabin, without having seen the hill, whereupon, they 
at once proceeded to locate the town on the southwest quarter of 
the southeast quarter of Section 13, Township 12 north, Range 4 
east, which forty acre tract King donated to the county, together 
with eleven acres lving between it and Youngs Creek. It was 
made the duty of the locating committee to report their action to 
the county commissioners, and this being done, Samuel Herriott 
suggested that the new town be called Franklin, and it was so done. 

In the following August* Franklin was surveyed, and on Sat- 
urday, the 2nd of September, the first sale of lots took place. John 

'There is no written evidence of the dale. Of two men who remembered the circum- 
stances, one said it was in August, and another September. In my history of Johnson 
County, published in 1881, I adopted the latter date, but the fact that the sale of lots toolc" 
place on the second of September, of which there is written evidence, excludes that month. 



EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 313 

Campbell, of Sugar Creek, who had been appointed county agent, 
superintended the sales, and to encourage bidding he laid in a sup- 
ply of whisky, with which to treat the thirsty crowd. The record 
shows that he presented a claim for whisky and paper of " Si.i8? 4 ," 
and George Adams, who was present, and still survives, remembers 
that "there was plenty of whisky on hand." This was not the 
first whisky which had been at the new county seat. The sur- 
veyor, who ran the town lines, was drunk at the time, and the 
bend in Madison street remains a silent witness of that fact, to this 
day. Nor was it the last. In 1S26, a further allowance was made 
to the agent of $2.61^, for " whisky and paper." At the time of 
the first sale of lots, the town site was covered with trees, logs, 
bushes and vines. The bush had been cut out enough to mark 
the lines, but it was several years before the streets and public 
square were entirely clear of bushes and logs. In the fall of 
1824, when Daniel Covert made his second visit to view the coun- 
try, the town site was yet uncleaned. During that year, however, 
improvements were begun. A man by the name of Kelly, from 
Jennings County, built a cabin on the west side of the square, and 
under the pretence of keeping a bakery, sold beer and cakes. In 
the same year of 1824, a log court house was erected on lot num- 
ber 22, the site now occupied as a dwelling place by Christian Axt. 
William Shaffer, the county recorder, who was a carpenter by 
trade, had the contract for building the court house, and no sooner 
was that contract off his hands, than he erected a dwelling for 
himself on the southeast corner of the square. While he was at 
that work, John Smiley, the sheriff, built a log house on the north- 
west corner of Main and Jefferson streets, and about the same 
time a log cabin was erected on the lot west of Smiley's house, in 
which Daniel Taylor, hailing from Cincinnati, opened the first store 
in the new town. 

In that year of 1824, or the following, Edward Springer built a 
cabin in the west side close to Kelly's and opened a smithy. In 
1S25, Joseph Young and Samuel Herriott erected the first frame 
building in the town which adjoined Shaffer's home on the north, 
and in which they conducted a general store and tavern business. 1/ 

The town developed slowly. The brush and logs and trees were 
still in the public square and the roads wound in and out among 
the trees and around the largest logs. Fire wood was convenient, 
and as late as 1S28, when John Tracy came to the county, he 
found the town "still full of logs. The trees had been cut 
down and the tops used for firewood." The brush was grubbed 
in the public square by Nicholas Shaffer, who was paid for the 
work out of the count}- treasury, $6.58. Preparing the logs for 



314 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

rolling, and rolling and burning, seems to have been done volun- 
tarily by the citizens, but they evidently made a long job of it. In 
the fall of 1826, Daniel Covert helped roll logs on the public square. 
The late John Herriott said: "I came here in May, 1827, and helped 
to cut the brush out of the public square. We met every evening 
for two or three weeks to burn logs and brush.* " After the logs 
were ready for rolling," said the late Jefferson D. Jones, " the citi- 
zens would meet about sundown and roll a few heaps." In 1828, 
the work was still going on. " All the trees were down in the pub- 
lic square" when John Tracy came in that year, "but a good many 
were still on the ground." "When these were rolled and burned, 
the historian has been unable to learn. There are so/ne secrets 
sealed even to him. 

In 1826, one John Williams put up a saw-mill, which was pro- 
pelled by oxen on a tramp-wheel; but it seems to have been a 
failure. Among the early settlers was John K. Powell, a hatter. 
It is remembered that for want of better material, he made his 
" sizing " of wheat flour, and that his hats in consequence had the 
infirmity of melting in rainy weather and of breaking in dry. 
Caleb Vannoy started a tan yard, in those early days, and Pierson 
Murphey and James Pitchey came as physicians and Fabrius M. 
Fuch and Gilderoy Hicks, as lawyers and Samuel Headly and 
Samuel Lambertson, as tailors. Others remembered were : Robert 
Gilchrist, Hezekiah McKinney, Harvey Sloan, Eli Gilchrist, James 
Frary, Simon Moore, Jesse Williams, John High, the Joneses and 
others. 

The country around Franklin was settled slowly. One of the 
first to move in was John Harter, who settled on Young's Creek, 
about a mile below town, where he built a mill. He bought his 
mill irons of John Smiley, for which he agreed to pay in corn, two 
bushels to be due every other week, until the irons were paid for. 
The late Jefferson D. Jones, used to tell that Harter had no bacon and 
he no meal, and that by agreement, he took a half bushel of meal 
every other week from" the mill, for which he left with the miller, its 
worth in bacon. 

In 1825, Simon Covert and George King made an exchange of 
lands whereby the former became invested with title to King's 160 
acres at the center of the county, to which he at once cut out a road 
and moved. Shortly after, Thomas Henderson,^ from Kentucky, 
located the quarter section containing the Big Spring, and made 
preparation to move to it. A large immigration soon followed, of 
Presbyterians, all of whom were from Henry, Shelby and 'Mercer 
counties, in Kentucky. Most of them were related, and all were 

'History Presbyterian Church of Franklin, 1S74, p. 196. 






EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 315 

descendents of Dutch or French families, that had settled in or 
around New Amsterdam (New York), during' the seventeenth 
century. Among those who moved to the Hopewell neighborhood, 
as it has since been called, during the early years of its history, 
may be mentioned, Moses Freeman, Daniel, John and Cornelius 
Covert, brothers of Simon; Joseph Voorheis and Isaac, the latter 
of whom came to the country as we have seen, with George King; 
Isaac Vannice and Samuel Vaunuvs, Stephen Luyster, David Banta, 
Peter LeGrange and his sons, Peter D. and Aaron; John Voris, 
Simon Yanarsdall, Zachariah Ramsdall, Melvin Wheat, William 
Magill, John P. Banta, John Bergen, Peter Demaree, Andrew Car- 
nine, Theodore List, Stephen Whitenack, Peter Banta, Henry Van- 
nice, Peter Shuck, John Davis, Simon Vanarsdall, Joseph Combs 
and Thomas Roberts. On the south and west sides and south- 
west corner of the township, we find that Thomas Mitchel, 
Michael Canary, Dr. Robert McAuley, Jacob Demaree, Henry 
Byers and Ebenezer Perry, John Brunk and Joseph Hunt moved in 
quite early, and passing up the south side are the names of Major 
Townsend, John D. Mitchell, John Gratner, Joseph Ashley, John 
Harter, Alexander McCaslin, John C. Goodman, John Gibben and 
Jonathan Williams. In the central and northern parts were Will- 
iam Magill, Garrett C. Bergen, Peter A. Banta, Milton Utter, 
Henry, James, John and William Whitesides, Stephen and Lem- 
uel Tilson, Thomas J. Mitchel, John Brown, Elisha Dungan, Ed- 
ward Crow, David McCaslin, Harvey McCaslin, Robert Jeffrey, 
John Herriott, Middleton Waldren, Travis Burnett, David Berry, 
Samuel Overstreet, John Wilson, David, Thomas and George Al- 
exander, and William and Samuel Alison. 

Needham Township was originally part of Franklin Township, 
and was settled as such. The first settlement made within its bor- 
ders is generally accredited to William Rutherford, who built his 
cabin in the fall of 1S21, a short distance below the place where 
Smiley built his mill. The same year John Ogle settled within 
Johnson County, near the present site of the mill now owned by 
William Clark, Esq., where he himself built the first mill on the 
site about 1826. In 1822, John Smilev, as we have seen, moved to 
his place on the creek. The next year, the same in which King 
and Covert and McCaslin began the settlement at Franklin, John 
Mozingo, Squire and Lewis Hendricks, Abner Taylor, and William 
D. Smith, moved in. Afterward, in quick succession came Landron 
Hendricks, Jacob Fisher, Thomas Needham, Samuel Owens, Will- 
iam and Isaac Garrison, Jacob Wiles, James Tetrick, Jacob Bowers, 
and Jesse Beard. 

In October, 1S20, George King and a number of others as we 



316 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

have seen, made a tour through Central Indiana, during which tour 
the_v passed the crossing of Whetzel's trace and the old Indian 
trail, where they discovered a little cabin, newly built and with the 
roof partly on. It had never been occupied, but as the travelers 
rode by they noticed a wagon containing movers close at hand, com- 
ing through the woods, from the east, and they surmised that the 
movers were coming to the cabin. This is the first that is known 
of the cabin, at that crossing, and whether the movers then seen by 
King and his companions, took possession or not, it was Daniel Loper's 
cabin, and he moved into it about that time. He was distinguished 
for being the first white man to make a settlement in two townships 
of Johnson Count}' — Pleasant and Clark — and yet of him very 
little is certainly known. No one knows whence he came nor 
whither he went. He seems to have been a genuine backwoods- 
man, a lover of the forest solitudes, and gave his confidence to no 
one. With him came a man by the name of John Varner, who 
was reputed to be of somewhat feeble intellect, and was his depen- 
dent and henchman. Loper owned a wagon and a yoke of oxen, 
with which Varner is known to have made several trips to the 
White Water country with the fruits of the chase which he ex- 
changed for provisions and whisky. 

But Loper did not remain long at the crossing. The following 
year, Nathaniel Bell, from Ohio, traveled the Whetzel trace in 
search of a home. " He rode on horseback with a sack under 
him, in which he carried his provisions. His horse carried a bell 
around his neck, which was kept silent by day, but when night 
came Bell made a camp, unloosed the bell, hobbled the horse, 
turned him out to graze, and then lav down to sleep. Bell having 
explored the Eel River lands, and not liking them, returned and called 
at the cabin of John Doty. * * Here he disclosed his purpose, 
and that was to get a description of the land at the crossing of the 
traces and enter it at Brookville, on his way home, and then settle 
there anil keep a tavern and build a house, mill and a distillery for 
whisky. Applying to Peter Doty, son of John Doty, for aid in 
getting a description of the land, Peter agreed to furnish it for $1, 
but Bell declared he had no money beyond the sum necessary to 
enter the land. Finally, Peter agreed to accept the bell on the 
horse and the desired information Was thus obtained." * 

In December, 1821, Bell entered Loper out, and the latter 
seems to have moved shortly after, to Whetzel"s old camp, on Camp 
Creek, where he put up a cabin and thus became the first settler 
of Clark Township. Sometime after his removal to that place, 
John Varner died of a sudden illness, and was buried in a walnut 

* Judge Hardin. 



EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 3 I 7 

trough, covered with a slab, by Loper, with the assistance of the 
Dotys, a mode of burial not unfrequently adopted by the Indians. 
When they reached the place of the funeral, they found Loper 
digging a grave with a garden hoe and throwing the dirt out with 
his hands. A belief prevailed among some of the early settlers 
that Loper had been instrumental in the death of Varner, which was, 
no doubt, groundless. Soon after his death, Loper left the country, 
and his going was as mysterious as his coming had been. No one 
knew when he went nor to what place. Jacob Fisher, who saw 
his place in 1S25, says: "It looked like it had been deserted two 
or three years." He was a thriftless, and doubtless a harmless 
frontiersman, who was mean-spirited enough to flee from a rumor, 
however groundless it may have been, rather than stay and fight 
it. After Loper left, his place continued to be a camping-ground 
for movers, but it ultimately gained the reputation of being haunted 
by a ghost. Old John Varner's spirit was believed in some 
quarters to rest uneasily in its walnut coffin. On one occasion, it 
is said, a company of movers were aroused in the dead hour of 
night by a mysterious appearance, and horror stricken they hitched 
up their teams and fled in hot haste, not halting until they reached 
John Dotv's, at the hill. 

If Lope^r was shiftless, Bell was worse. Loper courted the soli- 
tudes and meddled with no one; Bell loved company and that of the 
worst. He courted the patronage of land-lookers, and other trav- 
elers, but it was told of him and generally believed, that he or his 
confederates extorted money from his guests, by secreting their 
horses in the woods and demanding rewards for their return: and in 
consequence his cabin soon ceased to be a stopping place. Judge 
Hardin, in his account of a journey, made by himself and mother, 
through Johnson County in 1825, says: " Bell's location * * 
was renowned for a hundred miles away in every direction, and 
was a prominent point in all the travels of the pioneers in the New 
Purchase." At an early day he built a mill at the crossing which 
for a few years served to furnish an occasional sack of meal to the 
settlers. Judge Hardin who saw the mill, thus graphically describes 
it. " It was a strange piece of machinerv, and when in motion pro- 
duced unearthly sounds in its rattlings and creakings and rumblings. 
The hoop inclosing the runner was a section of a hollow log, sitting 
loosely over and around the grinder, to prevent the escape of the 
meal. When the team made a sudden movement, the revolving 
momentum often communicated to the enclosed hoop, and it, too, 
was thrown into a sudden circular motion. The strange drummings 
so frightened the horses, that they increased their gait beyond con- 
trol, and the increased whirl of the grinder overcame its gravity 



.1 



iS - JOHNSON COUNTY. 



and caused it'to take a tangential leap from above down among the 
horses and men. His mill was never profitable." 

It was current report that Bell so managed matters at his mill 
as to steal more of the grist in corn or meal, or both, than he took 
bv lawful toll. He wore the sleeves of his " warmus" or hunting 
shirt unusually large, in which he not only managed to pick up a 
few extra grains while tolling the grist, but on the pretense of ex- 
amining the meal, as it came from the spout, he caught in his large 
open sleeves, a tolerable share of the meal as it poured to the chest 
below, after which folding his arms about him, he would saunter off 
to his own chest or cabin and unload. Sometimes his victims would 
remonstrate with him, but his usual reply was, " Well the little old 
man must live." On one occasion, it is said, his sleeves being well 
gorged with meal, the horses became frightened and ran off, 
knocking the mill-stones from their frail scaffolding to the ground 
below. Bell received a blow that knocked him down and scattered 
the meal, stored in his ample sleeves, in every direction. He was 
not seriously hurt, but he was badly scared and promised to do 
better in the future, a promise he soon forgot. 

In addition to Bell's other misdeeds, he was accused of harbor- 
ing horse thieves, and of being a hog thief himself. At a log roll- 
ing, Permenter Mullenix and he got into a quarrel, and the latter 
charged him outright with the crime of hog stealing. This was 
more than " the little old man " could stand, and so he went to 
Indianapolis and employed Judge Wick and Calvin Fletcher to 
prosecute Mullenix for slander. The action was begun, but Mul- 
lenix defended on the ground the charge was true, and making 
proof of the fact, to the satisfaction of the jury, had judgment for 
his costs. The case then went before the grand jury, the re- 
sult of which was, Bell was indicted, tried and sent to the peniten- 
tiarv. After serving his term he returned to his home, but soon 
after he abandoned the county, and his confederates were sent to 
the state's prison, or followed him. His place "became one of 
the most lonely and desolate places in the county, being overgrown 
by briers and brush, and deserted." 

When Simon Covert moved his family to Franklin, in Septem- 
ber, 1S23, John B. Smock, and Isaac, his brother, from Mercer 
Countv. Kv., came with their families, and household goods also. 
Thev were destined to the neighborhood of the after site of Green- 
wood — a neighborhood soon to be known as the Smock neighbor- 
hood. Between Franklin and their destination, a pathless woods 
lav. and thev were two days " bushing " a way to it. During the 
following year, 1S24, the state road leading from Madison to 
Indianapolis was cut out, over which the same year, James Smock, 



EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 



319 



a brother, came to join them. In 1825, one over an even half a 
dozen of families joined them, viz. : Garrett Brewer's, Garrett Van- 
diver's, Garrett Sorter's, Robert Lyon's, and Joseph and John and 
Samuel Alexander's — all Kentuckians, from Mercer County. 
The Smock settlement was a half-way place between Franklin and 
Indianapolis, and from this may be accounted the fact of its com- 
paratively slow growth, for many years. Up to about 1830, it ap- 
pears that the number moving in was quite small. In addition to 
those already mentioned, may be named John Comingore, who 
came, in 1826, Cornelius Smock, in 1827, Alexander Wilson, in 1828, 
and Isaac Voris, in 1829. 

In 1824, the state road was cut out, and notwithstanding the 
country in the center and south side of the township was inclined 
to be wet, settlers shortly began making entries of land, and, in 
1828, David Trout, and a little later in the year, James Tracy and 
his grown sons, Nathaniel, Thomas and John, William Pierce and 
James Chenoweth built cabins and started clearings extending from 
the center of the townships outhward. All these men — excepting the 
Alexanders, who were.Pennsylvanians, and David Trout, who was 
a Virginian, had moved from Nineveh — were Kentuckians. 

On the fourth day of May, 1S29, Pleasant Township was created 
by striking off from White River all the territory east of the range 
line, making the west boundary the same as it now is; but, up to 
1838, Clark Township formed a part of Pleasant. Elections were 
ordered to be held at the house of Isaac Smock, and Isaiah Lewis 
was appointed inspector. The township took its name from its 
principal stream, Pleasant Run. Two explanations have been 
given, accounting for the name of the creek, one of which is, that 
when the country was first settled the stream was a gently flowing, 
pleasant running stream; and the other that it was the reverse of 
this, and the name was given by the way of irony. 

Here, as everywhere else, it is difficult to fix upon the years 
when men moved in, but it is certain that an impetus was now given 
to immigration into the township. By mid-summer of 1834, the 
following persons are known to have moved into and about the 
Smock neighborhood, to wit: the Comingores, Henry and Samuel, 
the McColloughs, John Lyons, Peter Whitenack, Samuel Eccles, 
the Henrys, Robert, Hiram and Samuel, J. D. and William Wilson, 
John and James Carson, Dr. William Woods, William McGee and 
sons, William and Joseph Brenton, Marine D. West, Berryman 
Carder, and the Todds. All these were from Kentucky, except the 
v Henrys, from Virginia, the Wilsons who were from North Caro- 
lina, the Woods, the McCulloughs and the Carsons, who were from 
Tennessee. Lower down in the Tracy and Trout neighborhoods, 



320 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Thomas Gant, the Hills, Littleton, Joseph, Squire and Charles, 
James Stewart, David Lemmasters, Reuben Davis, William Mc- 
Clelland, Daniel, David and John Brewer, Robert Smith, Abraham 
Sharp, and probably others, moved in, while over toward the south- 
east corner and east side came in Thomas Graham and his three 
sons, Samuel, James and Archibald, and also Lewis Graham, Isaac 
Clam and Andrew McCaslin, followed soon after by Ashford Dow- 
den. Abraham Banta, Solomon Steele, Jacob Peggs and others. 
Bv the close of 1834, persons were located all over the township, 
but it could not be said to be fairly inhabited before 1840. 

In 1S21, Daniel Loper having been " entered out" by Nathaniel 
Bell, moved eastward on the "trace" to Whetzel's old camp on 
Camp Creek, where he made the first permanent home in what is 
now known as Clark Township. Shortly after. John Ogle moved into 
the northeast corner of what is now known as Needham Township 
(some sav in the same year, but others in the year after), and, at 
the same time, his brother Levi, moved into the southeast corner of 
Clark. In 1822, a settlement was made on the east side of Sugar 
Creek, in Shelby County, by Joseph Reese, John Webb, and some 
others, and, attracted by this settlement, a few more came quite 
early into Clark Township, as also into Needham. In 1822, Will- 
iam and John MeConnell came to the neighborhood, and it ma}' be 
that the Ogles came the same vear. 

It is extremely difficult, at this time, to ascertain with any de- 
gree of certainty, the dates of arrival of the first and subsequent set- 
tlers, but next after Loper's cabin, and the Sugar Creek settlement, 
pioneers began moving upon the highlands in the north. The 
first one to go in was Hugh McFadden, and the second, Glen 
Clark. Both were here in 1S25, and the probability is that both 
came that year. In 1826, there moved into the settlement thus be- 
gun, John L. McClain and Alexander Clark, from Kentucky, and 
three Hosiers, Robert, Jacob and Abraham. The next vear, 
James and Moses McClain, and Robert Ritchey came in from Ken- 
tucky, and Moses Rains from Virginia. The vear after, Jacob 
McClain, from Kentucky, and the vear after that, Thomas Clark 
and Thomas Robinson, Kentuckians, and Edward Wilson and 
Samuel Billingsly, North Carolinians. In 1832, David Justice, 
Abraham Jones, Matthias Parr and James Kinnick, from North 
Corolina; and, in 1S33, Andrew Wolf, George Wolf, Tennesseeans, 
and all those mentioned above, save the few Sugar Creek settlers, 
and David Parr and John Fitzpatrick went into the neighborhood 
of Loper's old cabin. In 1S34, there was quite an influx of immi- 
grants: Allen Williams, John Tinkle, Robert Farnsworth, David 
Farnsworth, Henry Farnsworth, Aaron Huffman and Daniel Mc- 



EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 3 21 

Lean, Tennessecans, and Henry White, Ellis White, Joseph Hamil- 
ton, Henry Grayson and Taylor Ballard, Kentuckians, and Charles 
Dungan, a Virginian; John Eastburn, a North Carolinian, and Oliver 
Harbert, born in Dearborn County, Ind., moved to the township in 
1S34. Clark Township was now filling- up quite fast. The follow- 
ing persons are believed to have moved in during the year 1835, to 
wit: Joseph Hamilton, Theodore Vandyke, John Wheatly, Lyman 
Spencer, Parker Spencer, Caleb Davidson, Conrad McClain, 
Thomas Portlock and Samuel McClain; and James Williams, 
David McGauhey, John Harbert and James White, followed the 
next year, while James Magill, David McAlpin and Jacob Halfaker 
came in 1S37. 

Let us now go from the northeast corner of the county, to the 
southwest, and note the progress of settlement there. In the 
month of September, 1823, two young men, David and Alexander 
Stevens, sons of John Stevens, living in Jackson County, came to 
the Nineveh settlement to view the country. The best lands 
having been taken up in that neighborhood, Curtis Pritchard and 
William Spears went with them to look at the Indian Creek coun- 
try in the next Congressional township on the west. It was on the 
1 2 th of September when the brothers and their guides reached the 
desired place. The latter had hunted game on Indian Creek, and 
had observed several choice locations. They struck the South 
Fork, or near the place where the Martinsville road now crosses, 
and (roin£ down that, not far from the confluence of the North and 
South forks, they encountered a man with a deer on his back who 
had a camp on a mound on the south side of the creek. His 
name was John Davis, and accepting his hospitality, they staid with 
him that night. He was living in a pole cabin about twelve feet 
square, with the fire place on the ground in the center, with a hole 
through the puncheon roof for the smoke to escape. Over the 
door was hung a bear skin, and bear and wolf and deer skins 
made the bed around the fire on which Davis and his guests and 
his two big dogs slept that night. Before retiring, the guests 
parcook of an ash pone and of a wild turkey, which the woods- 
man hung before the fire over a broken pot lid to catch the 
dripping gravy, with which he basted the roasting fowl, using 
for that purpose a wooden spoon. 

Davis was a hunter and trapper, who said he had come to the 
county from Clark County, in 1822. One William Horton, had come 
with him, and for a time they had camped together, but a disagree- 
ment arising, Horton had moved by himself and was living in a hut 
a half mile southward. Davis seems to have been quite a suc- 
cessful hunter and trapper, while Horton was less so. During the 



322 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

winter of 1S22 and 1824, it is remembered that the former trapped 
six beavers on Indian Creek, and killed five bears. The raccoons, 
muskrats and grey foxes taken, is not known. On one occasion 
he caught three wolves in a pen at one time. The following sum- 
mer he married Polly Elkins, and continued to reside in the neigh- 
borhood till 1827, when he moved away. Horton left the country 
shortly after the visit of the Stevenses. 

The next morning after the night of the feast, John Davis went 
with his guests, and showed them the lands on which John Stevens 
and Richardson Henslev and their families. were so soon to make 
settlement; and then the bovs returned home.. Richardson Hens- 
lev, John Stevens' neighbor, shortly before the return of the two 
young men, had sold his farm and proposed returning to Kentucky, 
but thev gave such a glowing report of the country they had seen, 
that both Stevens and he determined to move to it. Accordingly, 
on Wednesday, the 23rd of September, Henslev, with his family, 
and his two sons-in-law, William Davenport and Ambrose, his 
brother, and William Mitchell and their families, and John Stevens 
and his two sons, Alexander and Gideon, and a boy he had brought 
up, Ephraim Harrell, set out for the new country. The movers 
came in three wagons, Henslev and Stevens had one each drawn 
bv three yoke of oxen, and Davenport and Mitchell joined in one 
drawn by one yoke of oxen and one pair of horses. Forty head of 
cattle and 100 hogs and a flock of sheep accompanied them. 

They were rive days on the road to the Nineveh, and four thence 
to the final stopping, a distance less than seven miles in a straight 
course. They had to cut a road every foot of that four days' travel. 
John Stevens and Richardson Henslev went before and chose the 
way, while William Mitchell, William Davenport and Alexander 
Stevens followed with their axes, and made a path for the wagons. 
On the evening of the third day they camped by a dead poplar 
tree, which caught lire during the night. The next morning, Fri- 
day, October 3, the journey was resumed, and at five o'clock that 
evening, they camped on a " black haw bush knoll " a half mile 
from what was soon to be known as Hensley"s Spring. As the 
night closed in they looked back in the direction they had come, 
and were startled to see, barely two miles away, the flames blazing 
\ in the top of the poplar the}' had left burning that morning. The 
~~^next morning the pioneers selected their respective tracts of land, 
and Henslev " without saying a word,"' cut down a straight sugar 
tree, measured off sixteen feet, cut it off, saving, " I've got the first 
cabin log cut." Cabins were erected as soon as could be, and were 
covered with lin bark. John Stevens returned to his family in Jack- 
son County in about three weeks, leaving his son, Alexander, and 



EARLY SETTLEMENTS. 323 

his foster son, Ephraim Harrell, who remained during- the winter, 
taking care of the cattle and hogs. Early the next spring they re- 
turned to their father's home, and assisted him to make the final 
move, landing at their new home on Indian Creek, on Tuesday, the 
6th day of April. 1824. 

The work of clearing the land was begun as soon as the men 
could get at it. Bv the time for planting in the spring, Hensley had 
six acres cleared for corn and four acres for an orchard; each 
of his sons-in-law about three acres, and Stevens seven acres. 
The wild turkeys annoyed them by scratching up their coin 
as soon as it was planted. The squirrels followed the turkeys, 
and by the time for harvesting, the crop was nearly destroyed. 
Hensley sowed his orchard in turnips, and raised an immense 
crop — about 500 bushels, on which he wintered his cattle. In 
the following fall (1824), William Holman, Isaac Holman, Ar- 
thur Bass and Nathaniel Elkins moved to the township. Dur- 
ing the ensuing winter, William Chase arrived, and the next 
season Peter Titus, and Charles and Mitchel Ross and Richard 
Perry. Following soon after came Henrv Mussulman, Albert 
Roberts, John Schrem, John and Lewis Shouse and Aaron Hol- 
man : and at intervals during the years intervening between 1826 
and 1S33. James Taggart (who was afterward killed at the battle 
of Buena Vista), William Skaggs, Holland Jones, John Brunk, 
Nicholas Hobbs, Hiram Porter, Reason and John Slack, John 
Voris, Simpson Sturgeon, Montgomery Smith, Andrew Under- 
wood, Leonard Lefller, John McNutt, William Mitchell, Thomas 
Lyman. S. W. Weddle, Thomas Lockhart, Thomas Alexander, 
John Clark, Jesse Wells, Samuel Fleener, Hiram T. Craig, John 
Boland, Samuel Woollard, Frederick Ragsdale, George Bridges, 
William Clark, Abraham Masse v, McKinnev Burk, Averv M. 
Buckner, Levi Petro, James Wiley, Elijah Moore, Stith Daniel, 
Thomas L. Sturgeon, James Forsyth, David and Uriah Young, 
Godfrey Jones, R. W. Elder, James Hughes, George White, Rich- 
ard Joliffe and Perry Bailv. 

Let us turn to Union Township on the north of Hensley. Some 
time in 1823. Bartholomew Carroll moved from Kentucky bv the 
way of the Three Notched Line road, then newly cut out. and 
found his way through the bush to the South Fork of Stott's 
Creek, and settled in Section 34, where John Vandiver afterward 
built a mill. Carroll had a family, consisting of his wife, three sons, 
William, John and Samuel, and two girls. The grandfather of his 
children lived with him — a very aged man, who died, it is said, 
when he was one hundred and ten years old. Bartholomew Car- 
roll was a genuine backwoodsman. He spent his time in the wil- 
21 



n 2 A JOHNSON COUNTY. 

derness hunting game and wild honey. The country about him 
was well stocked with all kinds of game, common to the country^ 

and an experienced bee-hunter could take honey in vast quantities. 
It is said that Carroll would sometimes have as many as ioo bee- 
trees marked in the woods at a time. 

There is some uncertainty as to the time when many ot the 
pioneers moved into Union Township. It is next to impossible at 
this time to ^et the names of all who came in, or the time when 
they came. In fifty years, much that was at the time of interest, 

sinks into oblivion. 

In October, 1826, Peter Vandiver, John Garshuiler, Joseph 
Simpson and Mrs. Christina Garshuiler settled on the east side of 
the township, not far from the headwaters of the South Fork of 
Stott's Creek. The North and South forks of btott s Creek run 
through this township. Both afforded mill sites in the west side of 
the township in the early times. They were so named from a 
family by the name of Stotts, who settled at the mouth of the stream in 
the early times. Another stream of this township is Kootz s t ork, 
which taking its rise between the two Forks of Stott s Creek, 
empties into the south one. A frontiersman by the name of Kootz 
lived at the outlet of this stream long enough to give immortality to 
his name. The same year Mrs. Gwinnie Utterback, with her 
family of eight sons and one daughter, settled on a tract of land ly- 
ing half a mile south of the present site of Union village. In 1827, 
George Kepheart moved to Section 23, and Alexander Gilmer, to 

the northeast corner. 

In 1828 there was growth. Nearly 2,000 acres of land were 
entered, and a dozen families moved in. Peter Zook Samuel 
Williams, Henry Banta and John James stopped in the \ andiver 
neighborhood. "Jacob List and Philip Kepheart located near the 
east boundary line. Benjamin Utterback moved near to his sister- 
in-law, and Adam Lash and James Rivers moved to the north side, 
and Tohn Mitchell not far from the northwest corner, and Jesse 
Youncr near the center. In 1S29 ten more families moved into 
Union, Robert Moore and Joseph Young into Jesse \oungs 
neighborhood, afterward known as Shiloh, William Bridges and 
Tohn Tames near Vandiver's, William Kepheart and James 
Vaughan in the Utterback neighborhood, and Henry Guseclore in 
the northwest corner. Peter Bergen and Andrew Carmne moved 
on the east side adjoining the Hopewell neighborhood, and John 
Millis settled not far from the center of the township. I he next 
year Garrett and James Terhune, two brothers, settled a mile west 
of Vandiver's; Gideon Drake moved to within a mile of the Morgan 
County line; Bennett, Austin and William Jacobs moved up to the 



EARLY SETTLEMENTS. $2$ 

north side; Nicholas Wyrick settled on the North Fork of Stott's 
Creek, and David and Cornelius Luyster on the east side of the 
township. 

In 1S31, Isaac Knox, John McColgin and Joshua Hammond, 
who were Virginians, settled in the northwest corner on the North 
Fork of Stott's Creek. Willis Deer and Wesley, his brother, and 
John L. Jones, settled near Mrs. Utterback; John Henderson to 
the northwest of them some miles; George Kerlin and Peter 
Shuck on the east side of the township, and Garrett Vandiver not 
far from the present site of Bargersville, while Serrill Winchester 
and Jacob Core moved into Jesse Young's vicinity. The next 
year, Jacob Banta and Samuel Throgmorton moved in, and in 
1S33, Daniel Newkirk, the gunsmith, Peter D. Banta, Peter Banta, 
David Demaree, John Knox, John Gets, Joshua Landers, and, 
probably, Jesse Harris, Peter Voris and John Shuck. The fam- 
ilies moving into the North Fork neighborhood were nearly or 
quite all Virginians, but all the others, with but few exceptions, 
were Kentuckians. Garrett Terhune was New Jersey born, but 
moved from Kentucky. Jesse and Joseph Young, Gideon Drake 
and Robert Moore were from Ohio. Out of more than seventy 
families referred to, three-fourths were from Kentucky. 

What was true of the nativity of the first settlers of Union 
Township, was true of all save Nineveh. That was settled by 
Ohioans mainly. In all the others the majority were Kentuckv born. 
A sprinkling from east Tennessee, Virginia, North Carolina, 
western Pennsylvania, and also Ohio, was to be found in all neigh- 
borhoods. 

We have seen that the population of the county at the time of 
its organization was about 500. In 1828 the number of polls, as 
shown by a report made by the Auditor of State to the Legisla- 
ture, was 506, which would give a population of between 2,500 and 
3,000. In 1830 the census showed a population of 4,019. In 1S32 
there were 908 polls, showing a population of about 5,000. In 
1835, judging from the vote of that year, it had increased to at least 
6,500, and in 1840 the census showed an increase to 9,352. 



o 



26 JOHNSON COUNTY, 



CHAPTER III. 



BY D. D. BANTA. 




The Pioneers — Where They Came From — Who They Were 

— Arrival in the New Country — Deserted Cabins — 
Architecture of the Early Homes — Modes of Travel 

— Hardships of New Comers — Domestic Animals — 
Mast — Hog Stealing — Situation of New Homes — 
Primitive Tools — Mode of Farming — Hunting Incidents 

— WomanV Work — Doctors and Diseases — Morals, 
Social Customs, Etc. 

SETTLEMENTS were first made in Johnson County 

^ early in 1820. All of the New Purchase was open to 

immigrants by that year, and when the time came 

for laving it off into counties, it was found that settle- 

* T 

ments in all had been begun about the same time. In 
all. the growth was slow in comparison to what has been 
seen in new counties further west, in a later day. At 
the end of the first year there were not to exceed twenty 
families in Johnson County. * During the second the number in- 
creased to about fifty-rive, and at the close of the third it was not 
less than 100. It took ten years to bring it up to 800. 

The majority of the first settlers of Johnson County visited the 
country and selected the place of their future abiding before mov- 
ing. The greater part of these made some sort of arrangement 
for shelter before coming. A few bought lands on which cabins 
had already been built by earlier settlers. Others unaided, or with 
hired or volunteer help," built their own cabins, while others still, 
hired the work done altogether. A cabin of two rooms, finished 
after the fashion of the times, usually cost about $50. Not 
a few at the beginning moved to the country without knowing 
-where they were" going to locate, and having no promise of shelter. 
Occasionally one of these found an unoccupied cabin in the woods, 
into which he moved and lived until he could built for himself. 
Samuel Herriott, who came to the county in December, 1820, find- 
ing such a cabin on Sugar Creek, moved in. It had been 
erected the fall before, and was unfinished, having "neither door, 
floor, nor chimney." His wife, after raking a six-inch snow out, 
drove forks in one corner of the cabin and laying poles therein, 



THE PIONEERS. 327 

crossed them with chipboards on which she made the bed. This 
she curtained with the wagon-sheet, making it quite comfortable. 
In the center of the floorless cabin, against a stump, she set a tire 
burning, which gave warmth to the family, and over which she 
hung the pot when she wanted it to boil. In this primitive abode 
Mr. Ilerriott and his wife lived till about the first of February fol- 
lowing, when they moved to their new home on the west side of 
the creek. This new cabin had a puncheon floor when they moved 
in, and Dame Herriott, more than fifty vears afterward, speaking 
of her " one big pot and two splint-bottomed chairs," declared that 
when the men could sit on the edge of that puncheon floor and eat 
their dinners out of that pot, she " felt well fixed."* 

But unoccupied cabins were not of common occurrence. The 
greater number of those who ventured to move to the country 
without having homes prepared beforehand, or friends to give 
them shelter, camped in the woods while building their cabins. 
In 1S22, Andrew Pierce came to the White River settlement. His 
wife and he had walked all the way from Pittsburg, each carrying 
a bundle containing all their worldly goods. At their journey's end, 
which they reached after the winter weather had begun, they 
camped by the side of a log in the woods, till, with the help of 
the neighbors, a rude cabin was built, in which they found shelter. 
Benjamin Crews, who moved to Nineveh early in the spring of 
182 1, camped for eight weeks before his home was made. The 
season was so far advanced, and the necessities for raising a crop 
so great, that the first thing he did was to clear a field and 
plant it in corn, after which he put up a cabin. Sometime in 
1S26, Thomas Henderson, who was living at the Big Spring, 
notified his neighbor, Simon Covert, that a family had moved into 
the woods some miles to the westward of his place, and he proposed 
that thev go and see who it was. Shouldering their axes, they 
set out, and at the end of a five miles' tramp, they found Mrs. 
Gwinnie Utterback, a widow with her family, consisting of eight 
sons and one daughter, camped in the woods a short distance 
south of the present site of Union village. The two pioneers, 
with the assistance of the Utterback boys, fell to with a will, and 
soon had a pole cabin up, into which the widow and her house- 
hold at once moved, and began life in the Indiana wilderness in 
earnest. 

At this distance an air of romance is cast about many occur- 
rences that no doubt were painfully matter of fact to the parties 
concerned, at the time. In the fall of 1830, Garrett Terhune and 

" History Presbyterian Church of Franklin, p. T93. 



32S JOHNSON COUNTY. 

his brother James, arrived from Kentucky, and settled on the east 
side of Union Township, a mile west of Peter Vandiver's place. 
Gai rett Terhune had a family of ten children, and he paid a man 
$30, all the money he had, to move him out. No preparation 
for shelter had been made, and when the end of the journey 
was reached, the movers' goods and their families were literally 
turned out in the woods. The brothers at once built two open 
camps ten feet apart and facing each other. In the space between 
the) made the camp fire, at which the meals were cooked, and 
around which both families gathered of nights listening to the 
moan of the autumn winds in the tree tops and the howl of the 
prowling wolves. At the end of six weeks they abandoned their 
camps for a double cabin which they had erected in the meanwhile. 
Peter Vandiver, Terhune's nearest neighbor, moved to the country 
in 1S26. Ten children were in his family and they were without 
shelter. The father, assisted by the older sons, immediately built 
an open camp, twelve by twenty feet, into which the family moved 
and lived till a better house was made. 

The " open camp," as it was called in the early days, was quite 
frequently met with at one time in the Johnson County forests. 
The most of those who came to the county without homes pre- 
pared beforehand, found shelter till that could be done, in the hast- 
ily constructed open camp. The greater number of the early set- 
tlers had cabins prepared before moving. This was specially true 
of those who came from the southern part of the state, and from 
Kentucky. But it would seem, that of these, the greater part 
moved into unfinished homes. The man who came in advance to 
build was quite often read)' to return for his family and goods, as 
soon as his cabin was raised and had a roof on. Door, window, 
floor and chimney could be attended to afterward. Robert 
Forsyth's cabin was without floor, door, chimney, daubing, chink- 
ing or loft, when he moved to it. John P. Banta came to the 
county, a year before he moved, and built a cabin, put a roof on, 
chinked the cracks, and made a mud and stick chimney. When 
he moved to it in September, 1829, it was without door, window, 
floor or loft. William Keaton and his wife moved into theirs before 
a place for a door, window or chimney, was cut out. The top log 
of the door span had been cut out and the family climbed in and 
out as best they could, till such time as a larger entrance could be 
made. 

It was so common in the pioneer times, this moving into un- 
finished cabins, that it seldom or never caused comment. It may 
be safely assumed that during the first ten years after the first 
white man moved to the countv, more than half of the people who 



THE PIONEERS. 



329 



came to find homes, lived for a time in unfinished cabins. Quilts 
and blankets hung over cabin doors and windows, gave protection 
against wind and weather for weeks, and in some instances, for 
months, to a large per cent, of the people who came during those 
first ten years. 

The "first cabins were primitive structures. They were made 
of round logs felled on or near the home site. Some were square 
enclosures, but most were parallelogram in form. Sixteen by 
eighteen feet was a common size, but some were 18x20. The roof 
was held in place bv weight poles. The cracks between the logs 
were chinked with wood and daubed with tempered mortar to keep 
out the rain and cold. The back wall and jambs were made of 
dry earth invariably dug from beneath the floor and beaten so 
firmly into place as to stand the fires of many winters. Mounting 
above these was the mud and stick chimney, which, after a few 
years, usuallv had to be propped with a pole to keep it from fall- 
ing. Slabs of ash — blue ash preferred — hewn to a face, made 
the floor — a floor that gave a silvery brightness at the touch of the 
scrubbing broom and mopping cloth. There were no carpets in 
those davs, but in most families, Sunday morning saw the cabin 
floor as white as the table linen. If there was poplar plank to be 
had, it went inn the cabin door, but if there was none, riven oak 
boards, smoothed with a drawing knife, answered the purpose. On 
wooden hinges the door was apt to swing, and its fastening might 
be a wooden pin, or better, a wooden latch with the string hang- 
ing out. 

In the construction of many of the first cabins, not a nail, not a 
scrap of iron entered. Wood and clay composed it all. A " worm" 
fence around it protected it and the door-yard, from the cattle and 
hogs. Very soon a better order of cabin architecture followed. 
The two roomed cabin with its clapboard roof nailed on, its logs 
scotched, its doors and windows cased in sawed stuff and painted 
blue or red, was to be seen everywhere. Sometimes the two 
rooms would be separated bv an " entry," making a form of cabin 
known in some quarters as a " saddle-bags cabin," but usually, the 
line dividing the two rooms, consisted of a wall of logs, through the 
middle of which was cut the " inside door." 

Into the majority of the primitive cabins, the Johnson County 
pioneers moved during the autumnal season. Most of them came 
in wagons, but not all. Andrew Pierce and his wife walked all 
the way from Pittsburg, carrying packs on their backs. Stith 
Drniel, who settled near the present site of Trafalgar, packed 
through from Kentuckv on horse back. Richard Perry, who came in 
1823, brought part of his goods in a two wheeled vehicle, drawn by 



330 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

oxen, and packed the residue on horse-back. He was ten days 
traveling 200 miles. Ladd, who settled at the bluffs, close to the 
line, moved all the way from North Carolina in a sled. George 
Bridges came to the country with two wagons, one of which was 
" home-made." The wheels were made of thick oak plank with iron 
tires. Not infrequently the wife and mother rode on horse back, 
and the biggest children walked. Mrs. John Doty rode all the 
way from the North Bend, below Cincinnati, and carried the 
baby. Mrs. Nancy Forsyth rode from her old Kentucky home on 
horse back. At the crossing of the Driftwood, she took on a sack 
of meal and carried her two year old baby in her lap before her, 
while the baby carried the pet house cat. 

The fall of the year was usually chosen as the time to move, of 
necessitv. The wretched condition of the Indiana roads as found 
at almost all other seasons of the year, operated largely to bring 
this about. From the season of the beginning of the fall rain, on 
through the winter and spring and till the summer drouths held the 
land in their dry embrace, it was next to impossible to haul a load 
from the Ohio River to central Indiana. Some years the dry sea- 
son was of such short duration that the mud-roads held sway the 
year round. George Kerlin, who moved to the country in the 
month of September, 1831, found the roads next to impassable 
from the Ohio River out. At any other than during the dry sea- 
son, it was a hard dav's ride from Franklin to Edinburg and return. 
It occupied all of one day to ride to Indianapolis. When once in 
his new home the pioneer was apt to find his lines in any but pleas- 
ant places. His cabin was cheerless. Everything was new. The 
conveniences of life were scant. Much had tc be left at the old 
home that could not be supplied in the new. It is difficult to con- 
vey to the people of this age an adequate idea of the unsupplied 
wants of the people who lived in the early days. Poverty abounded 
evervwhere. There were few, indeed, who had money, and the 
majority lacked in everything that is now deemed essential to 
comfort. 

In 1820, a man with his family, came to Johnson County from 
Tennessee, whose earthly all, was a "rifle-gun and fifty cents worth 
of powder and lead, a little scant bedding and a skillet and piggin." 
Another man had a "straw tick, a broken skillet, a bucket, a rifle- 
gun, a butcher knife and a steelyards."' Still another man's outfit of 
culinary ware was a coffee pot and a few pewter dishes. And one man 
after clearing his little field for corn planted the seed with his axe, 
He had neither horse, plow or hoe, nor money with which to buy 
them. James and Moses McClain, who moved to this count}' from 
Oldham Countv, Ivy., in 1S27, brought their two families and their 



THE PIONEERS. 331 

worldly goods in one two-horse wagon. Moses had no money and 
James had 25 cents. Garrett Terhune, as we have seen, paid all 
his money to the man who moved him. He had a wife and ten 
children to maintain, besides two horses and a dozen head of cattle. 
The story of the hardships endured by this man and his family, as 
told by a son who survives, presents a most pathetic picture of the 
times. The first and second planting of corn failed, and the third 
which came was ruined by the frost. There was no grain for the 
cattle and many of them died. The horses were so poor that they 
could not work in the plow beyond two hours at a time, but had to 
be turned out to graze. Before the second year's crop came, Mr. 
Terhune had to have corn for bread. "I never ate acorns because 
I had to," said James, the son, "but I ate acorns because I was 
hungry." The meal was low in the barrel and the corn pone was 
cut into twelve pieces of equal size at each repast. The father 
without money went to the hawpatch to buy bread, where he met 
a distant relative who sold him the needed grain and waited for the 
pay. Thus they tided over their day of distress till the new crop 
came. 

William Keaton had a somewhat similar experience. Being 
out of breadstuffs, he left a sick wife and a family of little children, 
and went to the neighborhood east of Edinburg to buy corn, with- 
out money. But, unacquainted as he was, everyone refused to sell 
to him, and then he went to Tannehill's mill. It had so hap- 
pened that as he moved from Kentucky, he had brought a few 
pounds of wool which he had left at Tannehill's carding machine. 
The wool was still there and uncarded, and, in his extremity, he 
persuaded the miller to hold the wool as security for a grist of 
corn, and was thus enabled to return home with meal for his 
hungry family. Sometimes, during the first few years, breadstuffs 
could not be had at any price. The years 1S24 and 1S25 were 
exceedingly hard ones. The raccoons and the squirrels destroyed 
the corn patches to such an extent, that many who would have been 
provided otherwise by their own crops, had to work elsewhere. 
John Dotv's family, living on White River, subsisted for weeks on 
dried venison, and his was not the only family reduced to this ex- 
tremity. Twelve miles north of Indianapolis, on Connor's prairie, 
was an abundance of corn, and to that Egypt, many went' from all 
parts of the country, and were supplied. On one occasion, Peter 
and Samuel Doty, John's sons, set out with their axes on their 
shoulders, and a "few dollars in their pockets, to buy corn at the 
prairie. After they had gone four miles, Daniel Etter, a neighbor, 
overtook them. He left at home a wife and nine little children. 
Etter was without money, but he had a butcher knife — probably 



33 2 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

one of his own make (for he was an expert blacksmith) and a 
steelyard that would draw 300 pounds. 

At their journey's end the men found work, and in due time the 
Dotys, with the money they had and, with that earned, announced 
their intention of returning; but Etter was not ready to go. He 
had earned only twelve bushels and had his butcher knife and steel- 
yard still on hand. Never had the outlook seemed to him quite so 
full of gloom before. He had made a hard struggle to maintain 
his family, and it seemed as if every year the difficulties became 
greater. " I cannot," said he, " return to my wife and children with 
only twelve bushels of corn. It is useless to try to live in this coun- 
try any longer, and the sooner my troubles are ended the better." 
His friends, assuring him they had no intention of leaving him 
behind them, proffered to take his knife and steelyard and try 
their luck in the corn trade. That same evening they found a man 
who wanted a steelyard, and with that and the knife, thirty more 
bushels of corn were bought, and Daniel Etter was fairly beside 
himself with joy. The men at once went to work on two large 
dug-outs, into which the corn was laden, and after being lashed 
together they were floated down the river and landed at the mouth 
of Honey Creek, whence the precious grain was distributed among 
the neighbors. 

Most of the Johnson County settlers brought domestic animals 
with them to the new country. In the beginning these were left 
mainly to shift for themselves. Men who were hard pressed to get 
corn to make bread for their families, made little effort to secure it 
for their beasts. There was no pasture, however, according to the 
present signification of that word, but the range was boundless, and 
a pioneer cow, hog, sheep, and even horses, soon learned to find a 
living in it. Probably most of the animals brought to the country 
were woods wise when they came, but if not, they soon became 
so. All soon became "rangers, learning to go where the picking 
was the best. The readiness with which the domestic animals 
adapted themselves to their environments was often a subject of 
comment among their owners. Some curious stories are told relat- 
ing to the early domestic animals. The pioneer describing his 
moving was apt to speak of " driving " his cattle and other stock, 
but he was not always accurate in the use of the word. After a 
few days' travel there was usually no driving, the stock following 
close upon the teams of their own accord. When Charles Dun- 
gan came from Washington County, Va., he brought two cows. 
For a few days they had to be driven, but after that they followed 
the teams as faithfully as the dogs, and although the roads were 
lined with movers, never once did thev make a mistake in wagons. 






THE PIONEERS. 333 

They knew their owner's wagon, and when the camping place was 
reached at night they laV down, and were ready to resume the 
journey in the morning. 

Amid the Johnson Count}- forests, hickory, beech, oak and wal- 
nut trees grew in great abundance, and seldom failed to bear a 
bountiful mast. The strain of hogs common in that day, was a 
shifty one, and usually kept in good condition the year round. Dur- 
ing the fall season when the new mast was falling, they became / 
fat and were killed out of the woods for bacon. As early as 
1824, wild hogs had become quite numerous along the border, and 
there were few men of the county who did not kill their meat in the 
woods. So wild were some droves that it required as great, and 
indeed sometimes greater, skill, to hunt them down than even the 
deer. The habit of the drove of returning at night to their usual 
bed enabled the hunter to creep up and get one or more shots in 
the morning. Not uncommon was it for the pig hunter to dig a 
hole in the earth, and rilling it with water, drop in heated stones till 
a temperature was reached suitable for scalding, after which he 
dressed his meat and hauled it home. 

The fat hog of the early days, it must be borne in mind, differed 
much from the fat hog of these days. It never became so fat it 
could not run with great swiftness, and if a ranger, as most were, 
it was sure to be more or less wild. Indeed, the tendency of the 
hog to relapse into a wild state, was more marked than in any other 
animal. Perhaps it was because the hog was less looked after 
than an\- other domestic animal. The writer remembers a barn- 
yard fowl that had been overlooked by a moving family and left to 
shift for herself on an unoccupied farm. At the end of three 
months she was wilder than a quail, and at the approach of man 
would fly into the top of the tallest tree. The first lot of hogs that 
were driven through from central Indiana to an Ohio River town, 
was in 1S24 or 1825. They were purchased in the vicinity of the 
bluffs on White Rive*r, by a man from Ohio, by the name of Jacob 
Lowe, and were turned into a large field on the old Whetzel farm, 
and men were employed to drive them back and forth for several 
days in order to train them for driving on the road. 

The farmer's anxiety concerning his hogs was less for their 
food than for their safetv. If they did not turn wild and thus 
escape him, they were liable to be killed or stolen. The foxes and 
wolves preyed upon the young pigs, while a bear did not scruple to 
pull down a full grown hog on occasion. But the owner feared 
the hog thieves more than the wild animals. The thieves infested 
every quarter of the county. Amid the dense woods, and far be- 
yond the hearing of the nearest settler, it was no hard matter to 



334 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

run down with trained dogs young swine and mark them with the 
thief's own mark. It was still easier to go into the woods and 
shoot a fat shote. Joseph Voorheis, who settled about three miles 
north of Hopewell, hearing a shot in the woods, went in the direc- 
tion of it till he came to a couple of men who had killed and were 
skinning a hog. They appeared quite friendly, and affecting great 
admiration of his gun. one of them took it as if to look at it. Xo 
sooner was he disarmed than their demeanor changed. They 
threatened his life and the man really thought his end had come. 
The hog thieves reminded him that " dead men tell no tales," but 
finally relenting, they made him swear never to reveal what he had 
seen, and true to his oath, he never told it till after he moved to 
Iowa about thirty years ago, and after both thieves had long been 
dead. One of these men was a son of Nathaniel Bell, the first 
representative Johnson County had in the state's prison. Bell had 
long been suspected of hog stealing. 

The grasses now common on every farm, were not indiginous 
to the soil. Blue grass, timothy, red-top, are all interlopers, and 
came after the settlements were begun. In the nature's deadenings, 
and along the margins of the open swamps, wild grasses grew 
scantily in patches. There were not many of these places to be 
found, however. Wild pea vines afforded a more bountiful and 
nutritious herbage than the wild grasses of the country. As the 
" deadenings " increased in acreage and age, the pasturage grew 
better. But the pioneers had to wait a good many years for the 
grass in the deadenings. In the autumnal season, the cattle fed on 
the acorns, like the deer, and at all seasons the thick underbrush af- 
forded a nutritious browse on which cattle, horses and sheep 
"picked for a living." During the inclement winter weather when 
stock were loth to leave the clearing, the farmer felled lin, ash, 
maple and other trees that his stock might browse on the twigs. 
He, whose animals ranged the woods in quest of food, faced a con- 
stant fear of their loss by straying. The habit of wandering was 
apt to grow on all ranging animals, unless they were driven back 
to their homes at stated intervals. Statutes were passed providing 
for the return of straying beasts by the finders, but so common was 
the evil, that at one time hardly a farm could be found on which 
the recent loss of an animal was not lamented, or a posted one 
could not be pointed out. Every farmer had his " ear-mark," and 
even - hoof of stock he owned, save his horses, bore it. This mark 
was made of public record, and by means of it, many a wandering 
beast was reclaimed. Upper and under-bits, smooth crops, half- 
crops, slits, swallow-forks, holes, and the like, at one time, disfig- 
ured one or both ears of every cow, hog, or sheep in the country. 



THE PIONEERS. 335 

The hardships from the straying propensity of animals was felt 
in its greatest severity by the new-comer. We know that he and 
his wife and children suffered from home-sickness. So severe was 
the attack now and then, that families moved back to the old home, 
to return to the new after the spell was over. Most families visited 
the old home in a year or two, and thus tided over the spell. 
Among the early settlers was a wide-spread belief that their domes- 
tic animals not infrequently suffered the pangs of home-sickness. 
At times an irresistible desire would seem to overcome a horse, 
a pig, and sometimes a cow, to return to the old place, and much 
trouble came to the settler in consequence. Samuel Owens had a 
horse that repeatedly went back to the old home in Clark Count}'. 
Some curious stories have been told, illustrating this disposition to 
return, the following two of which are well vouched for: 

Daniel Covert moved to the county in September, 1825, bring- 
ing with him horses, hogs and cattle. His horses becoming dis- 
quieted, set out for their old Kentucky home, but he overtook them 
near Columbus, and brought them back. Next, his hogs disap- 
peared, but he recovered them all save one sow and eight shotes. 
These, after a vain hunt, he gave up for lost. Sometime dur- 
ing the winter, business called him to Kentucky, where he re- 
mained for a few weeks, and then set out for his Johnson County 
home. On his way back, a short distance south of Graham's Fork, 
in Jennings County, and not less than rifty miles from home, he 
met his sow and eight shotes, and a new litter of pigs, on the 
march southward. On inquiry, he ascertained where she stopped 
on the way for her new progeny to be born and to grow in 
strength sufficient to bear the hardships of the further journey. 
In the early part of January, 1823, Daniel Pritchard moved to the 
Blue River settlement, from Henry County, in Kentucky. Among 
other domestic animals he brought a sow with a family of pigs, six 
weeks old. In a day or two she and her pigs were missing, and 
after much hunting he gave them up as lost. But in a few weeks 
a letter came from his old home, announcing their safe return. 
The entire journey they had made, of over a hundred miles, swim- 
ming the river on the way, and not one was missing. 

Central Indiana, at the time the first settlers came, abounded in 
wild animals, some of which, the deer, notably, was a blessing, 
while the most of the others proved a curse. Of all, the most ma- 
levolent was the wolf. He was a prowler and a thief. He hunted 
singly and in packs. The pioneer who killed a deer, dare not 
leave it in the woods over night, unless he sprung it to the top of a 
sapling. John Smiley, while living on Sugar River Creek, left his 
meat hanging under a shed at the end of his cabin, far above the 



/ 



33^ JOHXSON COUNTY. 

reach of the most active dog, but the wolves came, and leaping up 
to it, dragged it down and devoured it. Young calves found by 
them in the woods they were sure to devour, and on one occasion, 
a pack ran down a full grown cow, belonging to Garrett Terhune, 
and killed her. When found, they had chewed one leg off, and 
eaten other portions. 

But it was in the destruction of sheep that the wolves did the 
greatest injury to the pioneer settler. To the wool he looked for 
his winter clothing. It made jeans for his own coat, and flannels 
and linsey woolseys for his wife's dresses; and it was therefore next 
in his economy to bread. Levi Moore, as written elsewhere, 
penned his sheep under his cabin; a few pioneers joined the pen to 
the cabin, while the greater number built a sheep house more or 
less remote from the dwelling place. If. by any chance, the flock 
was left unhoused over night, its decimation was probable be- 
fore mornin<r. On the occasion of a yreat storm of wind and rain 
that arose late one afternoon, John Doty's sheep failed to reach 
shelter. That night the wolves assailed them, but the leader of the 
flock, an old ram, made such a valiant defence, that he brought 
home early the next morning, every ewe and lamb unscathed. Un- 
fortunately, however, for the hero of the occasion, his injuries were 
so severe, that after a few days he died. Of ten sheep taken to the 
Indian Creek neighborhood by Richardson Henslev, in 1824, seven 
fell victims to the wolves within three weeks. 

Let us approach the pioneer's new home. We find his cabin 
in the heart of the <rreen woods. If a creek flows in the nei<rhbor- 
hood of his location, we will be quite sure to find him living on a 
bit of high ground near that creek, for there he will find natural 
drainage; but if no creek be near, on the highest, dryest knoll, he 
could find on his purchase, has he built. Hard by his cabin site is al- 
most sure to be a spring of running water, which he imagines will 
flow forever, but which he will be quite sure to see dry up about 
the time his farm is cleared. Look which way he will, green trees 
lifting their stately columns skyward, are crowned by an inter- 
woven mass of branches that, when the vernal foliage puts out, ob- 
scures the sun till the autumnal frosts cut it down. Beneath is a 
dense thicket of spice-wood, hazel, green briars, young saplings 
and other underbrush, and underneath that, down trees scarcely 
less numerous than the standing, lie rotting in the dank soil. 

Amidst this thick, moist woods, the new-comer must chop and 
grub and burn out his fields if he would eat bread of the corn of 
his own tilling. No sooner is he settled than he begins the labor- 
ious work. Marking out his proposed field, with a strong arm he 
begins the toil. Every thing " eighteen inches in diameter as high 



THE PIONEERS. 337 

as the knee," is felled, which, with all the down logs, save the great 
oaks and poplars, is made ready for rolling into heaps. All trees 
over that girth are left standing, and about their roots, sticks and 
brush are piled and burned to ensure speedy death and consequent 
failure of the next summer's foliage. The big logs he leaves till 
a more convenient season — a season that will hardly come ere the 
scorched trees rot and fall, and make the second clearing but little 
less laborious than the first. 

This was the general plan, and diligent was that man, who, dur- 
ing his first fall, winter and spring, prepared, unaided, his five, six 
or seven acres for rolling. Now and then a man cleared smooth. 
The late Theodore List had one such held of nine acres cut in the 
green, and he told the writer that a man could have walked all 
over his field on the logs without touching earth, before the}- were 
rolled. It required four days' hard work with a large force of hands 
to roll those logs. How destructive to human muscle must have 
been the log-rollings of the early days! One day, two days, the 
log-roller might have endured without any material depletion of 
bodily strength, but when it came to six, eight, twelve, twenty, 
thirty, and in some instances even more days than that, year after year, 
rolling into heaps, both green and water-soaked logs, there was 
such a draft on the vital powers as made men grow old before their 
time. John Tracy rolled logs "from fifteen to twenty days every 
year until the country was cleared up." John Carson, as late as 
1S40, rolled logs twenty-two days in one year. James Ware rolled 
for thirty days one year. Peter Vandiver rolled " from twenty to 
twenty-five days every year, and went from one to five miles." 
Theodore List rolled twenty-four days in one year; Melvin Wheat 
twenty-two; George Bridges "over twenty"; Tavlor Ballard 
"thirty days in common," but "rolled in one year thirty-five days," 
and Samuel Herriott thirty-six days, but he was a politician. But 
the pioneer farmer did not always have his logs rolled before plant- 
ing and tilling his crop. Not infrequently he was so hard pressed 
that he was fain to plant amid the down logs. He found it all he 
could do to grub and burn the brush. The first crop of corn Simon 
Covert raised he planted amid the logs. Serrill Winchester felled 
his trees in winrows, and planted in the open spaces between. John 
Henry, of Nineveh, planted with the hoe amid the logs, and tilled 
his corn with the same implement. 

I low difficult it is to sketch a picture of life in early days, and 
leave out none of the lights and shadows. The pioneer's little field 
cleared and fenced according to the fashion of the times, the next 
step was to plow it and plant it in corn. Let the farmer of to-day, 
in imagination, enter such a field, with his well-muscled, full-fed 



. 



338 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

team of horses encased in the best harness the most skilled work- 
man can make, and hitched to a steel plow, the like of which the 
fore-fathers never dreamed, and how disheartening his work 
would be amid the array of green stumps and trees, and the net- 
work of green roots! And vet how superlatively more difficult it 
was for the pioneer than it would be for the farmer of to-day. His 
team (if he had one) was small and weak for the want of proper 
food: his gears, home-made, even to the names, to the tow-cloth, 
back-band, and to the single rope plow line. He was well off if his 
horse collars were not made of corn husks, by his own or a more 
skillful neighbor's hands. His plow was a shovel pattern, or a bar- 
share, the former of which has survived in a modified form, while 
the latter has long since disappeared. " This last was a bar on the 
land side with a broad flat share running to a point at the forward 
end, attached to a coulter, with a steel nose in front. The coulter ex- 
tended up through the wooden beam of the plow; two wooden 
handles are attached to the beam and to the bar of the land side of 
the plow, the other handle connected with a wooden mold board, 
which pressed out the dirt and partially turned it. It was connected 
with the other handle by wooden pins or rounds."* 

The bar-share plow was a cumbersome and unsatisfactory im- 
plement. It had a long beam, six feet or over, the bar was often 
three feet or more in length, and the handles raked far backward. 
The distance that intervened between the ends of the handles and the 
noses of the horses, when in motion, would, if seen in a modern 
field, lead to a good deal of jovial criticism. Plowing with the 
bar-share was laborious work, and when the point of the long bar 
struck a root, the kick-up of the long geared machine was never 
to be forgotten. It was a standing joke among the pioneer farm- 
ers, that "a bar-share would kick a man over the fence and kick 
him after he was over." In a few years the bar-share was super- 
ceded by the "Cary" plow, an implement approaching in its gen- 
eral shape the modern plow, and that in turn gave way sometime 
during the 4o's, to the cast-iron plow. The shovel plow was the 
pioneer farmer's favorite. With'it he broke up his corn ground 
and tilled his corn. His breaking shovel plow had a coulter filled 
to the beam, which dropped to the point of the plow at such an 
angle that whenever the plow struck an impediment, it automat- 
ically ••jumped out of the ground and over the root and into the 
ground on the other side." During the first years little or no har- 
rowing was done, the rough condition of the fields forbidding it. 
All grain sown broadcast on fallow ground was brushed in. 

Dr. Philip Mason's "Autobiography," 105. 



THE PIONEERS. 



339 



The pioneer farmer depended as much on the hoe as on the 
plow in tilling- His corn. It was the rule with nearly all, to give the 
corn at least one good hoeing, which meant that the field must be 
gone over row bv row, and the corn be hoed hill by hill. The new 
ground, after two or three years of cultivation, was prolific in weeds, 
which, with the plows in use, it was next to impossible to keep 
down: hence, the resort to the hoe. Of wet years, "pulling weeds" 
was a common mode of cultivation — a mode of culture that might 
have been designed by the evil one for the special torment of boys. 
The farmer of the early times owned but few implements, and nearly 
all oi these were home-made. There was usually about one hand- 
saw, one cross-cut, one broad-axe, one auger, one chisel and one 
drawing-knife to the neighborhood, and these came from the 
••east." and if not kept to loan, they might almost as well have been, 
for everybody borrowed. If the farmer had a knack at working 
in wood, give him an axe and an auger or burning iron, and he 
could make almost any machine he was wont to work with. From 
the roots of an ash or an oak he could fashion his hames and sled- 
runners. He could make his own whifile-trees, stock his plows, 
half-sole or make his sled, make an axle-tree for his wagon, if he 
had one. make a rake, a harrow, a scythe-snath, a grain-cradle, 
a hav-rack, a loom, winding blades, a wash-board, a stool, a chair, 
and in a pinch a table, a bedstead, a •• dresser " and a cradle in 
which to rock his baby. If he was more than ordinarily clever he 
repaired and sometimes made his own cooperage, but he usually 
patronized the cooper, and always the blacksmith, the tanner and 
the wheelwright. He had little use for the shoemaker because he 
mended all his own shoes and made most of them, and less for the 
fuller and tailor, because his wife spun and wove all the cloth and 
cut and made all the clothes, and none at all for the house carpen- 
ter, because, with his axe, he could do about all the carpenter's 
work needed. 

Let us return to the settler's new field. The breaking is done 
and the corn is planted. It may be late in the season according to 
the modern idea, but we must remember that the soil is virgin and 
that all vegetation grows rampant. Mrs. Nancy Forsyth remem- 
bers that her first planting of corn-beans shot up till the vines 
caught into the lower limbs of the trees. Simon Covert laid his 
first crop of corn by, within eighteen days after planting, and raise 1 
fifty bushels to the acre. But the luck more often went against 
the early agriculturist than with him. Many causes combined to 
jeopardize his corn crop. It ran the risks of late spring frosts and 
of the early fall ones, it was liable to be injured by cut worms, and 
there might be too much or too little rain. These risks are yet to 

22 



340 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

be run but the pioneer farmer experienced others and greater ones. 
which happily the modern farmer knows little or nothing of. The 
wood-peckers pulled up the sprouting plants and pecked into the 
roasting ears to an injurious extent, little dreamed of now-a-davs; 
and when the grain had ripened, the wild turkeys feeding upon it, 
lessened the crop more than we are apt to think. And so of the 
raccoons. As soon as it was in roasting-ear state, these animals 
invaded the fields and pulling down the stalks, devoured the young 
corn like so many pigs. Samuel Doty describing to the writer the 
devastation done by the raccoons said : " The sound of their eating 
in the corn patch was like the sound of the eating of so many 
hogs." John Doty had a field of three acres entirely consumed by 
the raccoons. 

But the depredation of the grey squirrels was greater than that 
from all other causes combined. These rodents swarmed through- 
out the primitive woods. They prowled around the fields and 
found hiding places in the dead trees left standing therein. As 
soon as the seed corn was covered they began their work of de- 
struction, and kept it up till the grain was absorbed by the growing 
plant. With what certainty a squirrel will follow the row and dig 
in the corn-hills only, till he found the grain, there are men yet liv- 
ing who remember. Thence on till earing time the rodents could 
do no harm, but no sooner were the grains found on the cob than 
the spring marauders, accompanied bv a full grown progeny, re- 
turned, and between themselves, the birds and raccoons, the little 
fields stood a sorry chance. Some years they were worse than 
others, but all were bad. The years 1824, 1834 an ^ l ^3^ were 
specially bad ones. During the squirrel visitations the farmer put 
forth his utmost efforts to protect his crop. The children were 
sent to the fields armed with every conceivable device for making 
a noise. They rattled " horse fiddles " and bells, and beat on fence 
rails and hollow stumps and trees, with clubs. Mrs. Jacob Halfacre, 
a daughter of John Campbell, the first settler of the county, remem- 
bered in her old age, that the first work she and her sisters engaged 
in after their arrival on Blue River, which was about the first of 
June, was to keep the birds and squirrels out of their father's five- 
acre corn field. At daybreak he would waken her and her sisters, 
and they would immediately go to their respective stations in the 
field and begin the noisy demonstrations of the day. During the 
heat of the day the squirrels lay concealed in the woods, and they 
rested from their labors, but as the afternoon sun descended, the 
squirrels returned and they resumed their noisy demonstrations in 
the field. 

Every possible plan for the destruction of the little animals was 



THE PIONEERS. 



34 1 



resorted to. In some fields a dead-fall or other form of trap was 
to be seen in almost ever}- fence corner. Nearly every farmer 
kept a gun, and it was used daily as long as the visitation lasted. 
Sometimes the farmers of a neighborhood would combine, and 
while one of their number would make the round of their fields, 
shooting squirrels as he went, the others would look after the till- 
ing of his corn. Jacob Banta, who settled in Union Township, in 
1832, had a hired hand, John Harrell, who, under his instructions, 
plowed half a day and shot squirrels the other half; and so faithfully 
did the hand perform his last half day's work, that the " stench 
from the putrid squirrels lying around the corn field, made the air 
sickening." The wife of John S. Miller, of Nineveh, with rifle on 
shoulder, patroled the woods around the field, and kept the squirrels 
out, while her husband tilled the corn. So good a shot did this 
pioneer woman become, that she could shoot her game in the head, 
making as few misses as any hunter in the neighborhood. 

The stories told of the abundance of squirrels some years, 
and of their destructiveness, almost challenge our credulity, but the 
stories are, nevertheless, well authenticated. Mrs. Millie Owens 
says there were seasons when she could stand in her door and see 
"fifteen or twenty squirrels on the fence at any morning or even- 
ing hour." James Owens, her husband, killed 200 in one day. 
Jacob Bower shot twenty-six on one occasion "without moving out 
of his tracks." William Freeman, without arising from his chair at 
the breakfast table, shot nine from a hill of ripening corn in the 
garden in front of his cabin door. Thomas Patterson shot two 
from a neighbor's chimney, and the}' fell into the fireplace within. 
" Sometimes they were so thick they would average one to every 
tree." No wonder they ate up the land. "Among the four fami- 
lies living in White River Township, in 1821," says Judge Hardin, 
"not a single bushel of corn was saved from the squirrels and rac- 
coons." In the same year, George Barnett, on Blue River, bought 
a four-acre field of corn in the shock. "I helped remove the fod- 
der," says Ambrose, his son, "and was the lucky one. I found one 
little ear of corn. So close had been the scenting of the grey 
squirrels, that they had overlooked but one ear in the four acres." 
John Ilarter stored a few bushels of corn in his cabin loft, but the 
squirrels found it out, and ere he was aware, stole every ear. 
John Smiley had a four-acre field of corn just ripened, when it was 
invaded by a swarm of the rodents, and in two days, every ear was 
eaten or carried away. 

For the first few years the pioneer farmers confined themselves 
mainly to raising corn. But after mills suitable for the grinding and bolt- 
ing of Hour became accessible, they began to raise wheat. In spite of 



34- JOHNSON COUNTY. 

sultry weather, the harvest season was a joyous one. The men of 
the neighborhood combined and went from field to field reaping and 
shocking as they went. Thev made a sort of social occasion of it, 
and thus the labor was lightened. At first it was with sickle the 
bearded grain was cut, but soon the cradle crowded the sickle out, 
but the social feature remained. A half dozen cradles mowing 
with military precision through the waving grain, and followed by 
as many binders, and the necessary complement of sheaf gatherers 
and shockers, was a cheering sight. The labor was hard, but there 
was time and opportunity tor the jest and laugh. Harvesters, in 
those days, plumed themselves on their skill and endurance. Not 
every man was an expert cradler, but the ambition of every boy 
was to become one. More or less friendly emulation prevailed 
among every band of harvesters as to who should so far excel as 
to be conceded the leadership of the cradlers, and every one, 
whether cradler or binder, feared the odium that would attach 
should he, in the language o«f the times, "go to grass." 

The harvest season was characterized by its good living. The 
best cooks in the neighborhood vied with each other, and as a con- 
sequence harvesters lived off the fat of the land. In many com- 
munities, perhaps in a large majority, whisky was deemed a neces- 
sity, and was passed freely with the water. In a few, butter-milk 
took the place of whisky, whilst in others, water alone was drunk. 
About the middle of the afternoon it was the custom in many places 
to send to the harvesters a basket of refreshments, the most im- 
portant part of which consisted of the coffee pot, cream pitcher and 
sugar bowl. At the close of the day's work an elaborate supper 
was eaten, after which the laborers repaired to their homes, undis- 
turbed by thoughts of dyspepsia, to rest and sleep, and be ready to 
repeat their experience on the morrow. In due time the wheat 
crop was taken to the threshing floor. This was usually prepared 
in the field by removing from a circular space, twenty or thirty feet 
in diameter, the grass, stubble and irregularities of surface, after 
which a few barrels of water were spilled over it. and it was then 
thumped with a maul, till the surface was quite smooth and hard, 
and solid. If the grain was flailed out out less pains were taken 
with the threshing floor, but usually the grain was tramped out 
with horses, and a hard floor became necessary. The grain the 
farmer removed from the chaff with a sheet. This was a slow 
process, requiring the labor of three persons, two at the sheet, and 
one to pour the chaff and grain. Fanning-mills were introduced 
slowly. Strange as it may seem, there existed in some quarters a 
prejudice against the fanning-mill, that kept it out for a good many 
years. In one neighboorhobd the fanning-mill became a church 



THE PIONEERS. 343 

matter, and it was seriously discussed as to whether it was not a 
violation of the laws of nature to raise the wind in so peculiarly an 
artificial manner. But the fanning-mill ultimately won. 

The pioneer farmer long found his milling a difficult problem. 
The approved style of milling for many years was to cany the 
grist on horseback. For the first two or three years the grists 
were thus carried to the White Water Mills, a distance of sixty miles. 
As the country settled up the mills drew closer, and it was not long 
before the water mills on the creeks of the county, Smiley 's, Harter's, 
Ogle's, Thompson's and others, not to mention the horse-mills, 
afforded facilities for grinding nearer home. As late as 1830, how- 
ever, John Carson carried his grist a distance of twenty-two miles 
to mill. About the first of November, 1824, John Stevens and 
Richardson Hensley sent their sons, with grists, to TannehilFs mill, 
on the Driftwood, about six miles north of Columbus. The corn 
•had been gathered and dried for the purpose. The boys were 
Gideon Stevens, aged ten years, and Elijah Harrell, his foster 
brother, aged eleven, and Bloomfield Hensley, also aged eleven. 
Each carried two bushels in a sack, strapped to the horse's back. 
It took two days to go and return. 

How did the pioneer spend his winters? He fed his beasts. 
I lis horses he usually kept in an unchinked log stable, and his cows 
he left out of doors to endure the winter weather as best the)' could. 
It required main - years for him to realize the economic value of 
warm barns for his beasts, or to think it worth while to prepare a 
dry, comfortable place for his wife to do the milking in. lie cut 
and hauled firewood from time to time, as it was needed; some- 
where around his cabin was the woodpile, like as not it was near 
the front door. If a lane passed the front door, the woodpile was 
quite sure to be in that lane. To this woodpile he drew wood on 
his sled, principally limbs of dead trees from the deadening, or he 
dragged whole trunks of trees to it on the log sled or the "liz- 
zard." In the woodpile he cut his wood as he needed it, and both 
cut and uncut took the rain and the snow and the sleet, the same 
as the unhoused cattle. The woodpile in the lane was a conspicu- 
ous place during pioneer times. Here the sled, the log sled and 
the lizzard were, also axes, mauls and wedges lay around. In pro- 
cess of time its mound of chips became the driest spot on the farm, 
and while it was not always suffered to become a bedding place for 
the hogs, it seldom escaped being the milking place and the sleep- 
ing place of the cows. There are men yet living who have a lively 
recollection of the odors that exhaled from the woodpile during the 
spring and summer weather. 



344 JOHNSON" COUNTY. 

On suitable days the pioneer made rails or worked in his clear- 
ing, and on bad ones he half-soled his sled, made a handle for his 
axe, mended his gears, fashioned a basket, and made and mended 
shoes for himself and family. Or, perhaps, he went hunting. Not 
all of the pioneers were hunters, but a majority were more or less 
fired with a love for the chase. i\nd what a splendid hunting 
ground la)' at their doors! The woods were full of game — bears, 
panthers, wolves, deers, wild turkeys — what a rare catalogue for 
the lovers of forest sports! To some the chase brought in its sea- 
son, lasting delight, while to all, the game was a never failing 
source of food supplv. Johnson Countv was well supplied with 
most excellent " licks," to which the deer resorted in great num- 
bers, all through the warm season of the year, and the merest tyro 
could kill a deer in a " lick." The county, as indeed all of central 
Indiana, abounded in a bountiful and variegated mast, on which the 
deers, bears and wild turkeys fed and fattened in its season, and 
little wonder the woods abounded in game. Joab Woodruff is said 
to have killed 370 deer in the fall of 1S22, and George Doty told 
the writer that he killed 300 in 182 1 and 1822. Samuel Herriott 
bought 600 deer hides one year. Nathan Perry says he has fre- 
quently seen as many as forty deer in one herd. Judge Franklin 
Hardin remembers to have seen as main - as twenty-five on one oc- 
casion, corralled in a bend of White River. William Burkhart 
found Rock Lick, in Union Township, by pursuing a well beaten 
path, known as a run-way, leading to it for a distance of seven 
miles. Isaac Collier shot thirteen deer early one morning, at Col- 
lier's Lick, in the edge of Brown Countv. In 1834, Henry Mus- 
sulman started a herd of deer in the vicinity of Franklin, which he 
followed to within a short distance of Indianapolis, and thence back 
to their starting place, and during the chase killed six. 

Venison was plenty indeed, and unskillful was that pioneer who 
could not now and then secure one for his table. Many persons 
kept the larder supplied the year round. William Rutherford, on 
one occasion, knocked one in the head with an axe, as it ran past 
him where he was making rails. One, pursued bv dogs, took shelter 
in Gideon Drake's sheep pen adjoining his cabin, and Mrs. Drake 
and a neighbor woman, closing the door of the pen, slaughtered it, 
and made venison of it before the pursuing hunter came up. One 
Sunday morning, shortly after King's cabin was built, Isaac Voor- 
heis was sitting on the bank of Young's Creek, immediatelv south 
of Judge Woollen's present residence. Hearing the bay of a dog 
up the creek, he looked that way, and saw a deer coming toward 
him. Keeping quiet, it came down to a point opposite to him and 



the pioneers. 345 

plunged in, but the current carried it down against a log, when 
Voorheis rushed in and caught it, and in his hands it became veni- 
son for the family. 

Wild turkeys were more abundant even than deer. Wherever 
there was food for them thev were to be found in goodly numbers. 
Their •• keonk" was a familiar sound to the inmates of every cabin. 
In the spring of 1S23, a drove passed over the after site of Frank- 
lin, numerous enough to make a well marked trail a hundred yards 
in width, but the y were extremely poor, and were, no doubt, migrating 
in search of food. Simon Covert has been heard to say that for 
several years after he moved to the neighborhood of the Big Spring, 
he could at any time within a two hours' hunt during the fall and 
early winter season, kill one or more turkeys. Jacob Fisher was 
an expert turkev-pen builder, and thought nothing of catching six 
or eight turkevs at a time in his pen. As late as 1850, flocks of 
fifty were to be seen in the woods in Union Township, and in 1S56, 
a wild turkev hen hatched a brood within fiftv vards of John Bar- 
low's house in Clark Township. Wild turkeys often did much 
mischief scratching up the newly planted corn, eating it after it was 
grown, and treading down the smaller grain before it was harvested. 
Richardson Hensley, of Hensley Township, lost his first planting 
of corn by the turkeys scratching it up. 

Men who bring a wilderness, inhabited by wild beasts, to a state 
of civilization, never lack in romantic incidents with which to add 
flavor to the tales told in old age. There are but few, indeed, who 
do not vield to the charm of border life incident. Men who came 
in conflict with the wild beasts of the country, necessarily met 
with experiences that when afterward related, bordered on the 
romantic. However dangerous some of the encounters had 
with the wild animals by the pioneer hunters o^ the county, 
no man ever lost his life, or for that matter, received serious injury, 
save Lewis Hendricks, who lived in the Sugar Creek neigh- 
borhood, in an encounter with a bear, when he met with an accident 
that left him disabled for life. He had wounded the animal, and in 
company with a neighbor, was hunting for it. One on either side 
of a brush fence in which it was supposed to be lying, the}' were 
walking slowly along, when it rushed out and attacked Hendricks. 
His companion ran to his assistance and shot the infuriated animal, 
but not before it had stripped the flesh from his arm, and other- 
wise injured him. 

Hardly a hunter of any note lived in the county during the 
first ten years, who could not boast of his success as a bear hunter. 
Curtis Pritchard, William Spears, Robert Worl and Jacob Woodruff, 
while hunting, found three full-grown bears holed in trees. Kind- 



346 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

ling a fire in the hollow of one of the trees, one was smoked out 
and shot. Cutting the tree down before it fell, another descended 
and ran with such rapidity as to escape the flying bullets. Five 
dogs pursued it, and, after a half-mile chase, brought it to bay. 
Two of the dogs it killed outright, and crippled badly two others, 
before it was dispatched. The third beast was shot and killed as 
the tree fell in which it had concealed itself. Bear meat was prized 
by some as an article of food. Benjamin Crews had at one time 
800 pounds of the meat cured and smoked like bacon, which he 
sold for the same price. 

The most ferocious beast that roamed the woods was the 
panther. The bear, the wolf, and even the deer, would fight 
savagely when in close quarters, but each would run from the 
hunter whenever it could. The panther, on the contrary, was re- 
puted to make battle with man without provocation. Two brothers 
by the name of Smith, living in Nineveh, in the early days, went to 
hunt straving cattle. They carried no guns, and when night came, 
thev made a camp-fire and lav down and slept. During the night 
one of them was awakened by a noise, and stirring the fire to a 
blaze, he plainly heard a panther leap off through the bushes to an 
open space not far distant, where it stopped and lashed the earth 
with its tail. Several panthers were shot at Collin's Lick, one by 
a man named John Weiss, and under circumstances showing the 
narrow risk an unskilled hunter sometimes ran. Weiss carried a 
very inefficient arm, and had no experience as a hunter. He went 
to the lick to watch for deer, and while hiding in ambush, he 
happened to look around and was horrified to see close by, a 
panther crouched, ready to spring upon him. Without a thought, 
he brought his gun to bear upon it, and through sheer good luck, 
shot it dead in its tracks. Weiss never went hunting again. 

Near the headwaters of Honey Creek, Samuel and John Bell 
were lying in wait at a marsh much frequented by deer. The sun 
went clown and twilight was coming on, when Samuel's attention 
was directed to an object crawling toward his brother, who was 
several yards away. It was a panther, and he knew enough of the 
habits of the animal to know it meant mischief. But he was an ex- 
perienced hunter, a good marksman and with all, had a cool head 
and steady nerves. Taking deliberate aim, he shot the beast 
through the head. More hunters, however, got into trouble with 
wounded deer than with all the other animals of the country. 
John Smilev once knocked one over, and on going to it, it arose to 
meet him with " hair turned the wrong way."' Smiley sprang be- 
hind a sapling and it made a push at him with lowered antlers. 
Laving hold of a horn on either side of the sapling, he held on for 



THE PIONEERS. 347 

dear life. Round and round both went until wearied with the fruit- 
less contest, the buck smoothed its hair in token that his tight was 
over, when Smiley let go, and he walked off undisturbed. Joseph 
Young, of Union Township, knocked a buck down one day, and 
on touching its throat with the knife, it sprang to its feet and made 
at him. Young jumped behind a large oak tree and the deer took 
after him, but by hook and by crook, he managed to keep the tree 
between him and his assailant, receiving no more than an occasional 
pick of the horn. After its rage had abated, it gave its antlers a 
toss and disappeared in the thicket. 

One of the most desperate encounters with a wounded deer was 
had by Henry Mussulman. To the throat of a paralyzed buck he 
touched his knife, when it gave an unexpected flounce, sending his 
knife flying through the bushes. It was a powerful deer, and the 
hunter who had his knee on its head and a Arm hold of its antlers 
saw at a glance, that his safety depended on holding it down. Of 
course there was a struggle, and although the advantage at first 
was with the hunter, yet it soon became evident to him that the 
animal's power of endurance was equal to, if not greater than, his 
own. His knife was lost, and his unloaded gun was leaning 
against a tree more than twenty feet away. What was he to do? 
Realizing more and more that his safety lay on keeping on top, he 
held on in grim desperation. In their struggle a spice bush was 
broken, and in the splintered stub he thought he saw a weapon of 
deliverance. If he could only put those baleful eyes out, the vic- 
tory was his. One after another he broke off the splintered stubs, 
and jabbed them into the creature's eyes, till their sight was gone, 
after which he left the blind Sampson of the woods to stumble over 
the logs and thrash through the bushes in impotent rage, till he 
could load his gun and <dve it the death shot. 

Another incident in this connection, may be mentioned. Jesse 
Wells, an old time settler on the Blue River, who was long well- 
known as a Methodist minister, was given to hunting. On one oc- 
casion he "creased " a deer, and proceeded to bleed it. Taking hold 
of its hind leg to turn it over, the creature came to life, and giving 
one tremendous kick, which knocked the knife so far away that it 
was never afterward found, the animal leaped to its feet and furi- 
ously assailed him. Wells was a lithe, active man, but in spite of 
his best efforts to secure shelter behind a large poplar standing 
close by, the enraged brute succeeded in piercing his knee with 
one of the sharp prongs of its antler. Once behind the tree the 
animal abandoned the fight, and disappeared in the forest. Jesse 
Wells ever after walked with a stiff knee, which came of the wound 
received in that ti^ht. 



348 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Thus far have we written, using the masculine //c, /i/'s and him* 
almost exclusively- Of course she was there, the sharer in all the 
hardships that befell him, and in all his triumphs. But let us enter 
the cabin and catch a glimpse of her life. All through the summer 
and fall the wife has been as busy as the husband, and during the 
winter, if possible, more so. Perhaps the labor of cooking was not 
as severe as in this day of greater abundance. Certainly there 
was less to cook, and for that matter, less to cook it in. The pioneer 
housewife had never seen a cooking stove. If she had a skillet, a 
metal oven, a boiling pot or two, a frying pan, a coffee pot, a griddle 
and a johnnj'-cake board, she knew herself to be well supplied with 
cooking utensils. She baked her loaves and pones and dodgers 
in the oven, and her biscuits and slapjacks in the skillet. Her 
chunks of venison, back bones and spare-ribs, she roasts in the metal 
oven. Into the same vessel she puts her sweet potatoes, Irish po- 
tatoes, and, when the orchard comes to bearing, her apples also, 
when she wants to bake them. If she wants a pound cake on an 
extra occasion, she bakes it in a teacup, set in that oven, or, if a 
pie, she slips the plate in which it is made into the hot oven or 
skillet. Her boiled dinners came out of the pot much as her grand- 
daughter's do to-day; and her chicken pot-pies, the favorite dish at 
every house raising and log-rolling, came piping hot out of the 
same pot or its mate. Naught came to her larder that she could 
not cook to suit the taste of those who sat at her board. 

But cooking was to her a minor care. Children were apt to 
come in quick succession in her cabin, and they had to be clothed 
as well as fed, and upon her fell the burden of their clothing. She 
might, or she might not, have to go into the clearing and " pick 
trash" or "nigger logs," or "right up" burning log heaps. She 
might, or she might not, have to hoe corn and pull weeds or stand 
guard in the field to keep the squirrels out; but there was no 
escaping the clothing question. She was responsible for the jeans 
and the linsey. Her husband sowed the flax and sheared the sheep, 
for this was a man's work. If he pulled the flax and washed the 
wool he did well, for it was not so certain that this was a man's 
work. He broke the flax and peeled the walnut bark with which 
the wool was dyed, but there his work ended, unless the weather 
was very bad, when he might " swingle " the flax. She washed 
the wool and picked the burs out of it, and saw that a part of it 
was properly placed between layers of walnut bark in the drying 
trough, and then covered with water and left to soak till the ooze 
gave it the right color. That done, she dried it and washed it and, 
until the carding machines came, hand-carded both the colored and 
uncolored, into rolls and spun them into yarn, " sixteen to twenty 



THE PIONEERS. 349 

cuts a da}', besides the regular housework." If there was an out- 
house, the loom was set up therein, but if no out-house, it went 
into a corner of the cabin, even if a bed had to be pulled down to 
make place for it, and on that loom she wove the web of jeans, the 
flannels, the linseys, the tow-linen, and the table cloths, the sheet- 
ings, the towelings, the coverlets, not forgetting a web of linen 
" seven hundred tine " for her husband's Sundav and court-day 
shirts. If she was a good weaver she could weave three yards of 
jeans per day and do her housework, and Ave or six yards of flan- 
nel or linsev and do her other work. 

But the spinning — and I have not mentioned the hackling and 
the spinning of flax — and the weaving did not bring her to the end 
of her toil. No, indeed; she was the seamstress and the tailoress, 
and before the web was finished perhaps, she has had to cut off a 
piece for a garment for one of the bovs. Hundreds of mothers in 
Johnson Count}' did this. But whether she finished her web before 
thus cutting, or after, the burden of cutting and making the clothes 
for the family fell upon her. Her husband might patronize the 
tailor when it came to cutting and making his Sundav frock coat, 
but if his wife was particularly bright, he let her do it. At any 
rate she cut and made all his every day clothes; she cut and made 
the boys' "dandvs," roundabouts, jackets, "warmuses," trousers 
and shirts, and knit all the socks; she cut and made all her own 
clothes, and all her daughters', till they grew old enough to help her. 
What toil was hers to be sure. There was no season of the year 
marking the end of her labors; no days of bad weather gave her 
rest. Not even the night could she call her own, for long after she 
had put her children to sleep, she darned and patched their frayed 
clothes. Even when she visited, she carried her knitting or sewing. 
Only when her hand was enfeebled in old age or palsied in death 
did she rest. The times were primitive, and fashions underwent 
little or no changes for a generation. Every young man of conse- 
quence was expected to provide himself with a broadcloth suit for 
the event of his marriage, which was to be the suit of his life, and 
to last for dry weather and Sunday-wear for many years. If his wife 
got a silk dress on that occasion, she was prettv sure to keep it till 
she could exhibit it to her grandchildren. "Spring bonnets" and 
'•fall bonnets" were unknown. On all ordinary occasions, the 
"sun bonnet" was deemed good enough, but in most cabins, es- 
pecially of church-going people, there was a box or deep drawer, 
smelling of rose leaves, which held among other articles of finery, 
" mother's bonnet." It was not the home-made, and it never went 
out of fashion, till the dear old head, which it was made to cover, 
w as shut out from mortal sight beneath the coffin lid. 



350 JOHNSON" COUNTY. 

How the times have changed since the days when Johnson 
County was being settled! It may be doubted whether there was 
a vehicle in the county the first ten years other than the road wagon 
or cart. The first carriage taken to Union Township was in 1831, 
In those days both men and women walked or rode on horseback, 
when making neighborhood journeys. Men's and women's saddles 
were unusually conspicuous furniture in the entries and porches of 
the cabins of the well-to-do of the earlv davs. Quite frequently, 
however, husbands and wives rode double — a practice, when once 
begun, that was quite apt to be kept up till the third child was 
born. It was inconvenient to ride double and carry more than 
two children. Even swains and their sweethearts thought nothing 
of riding double. 

I have been asked, "How were the cabins of the pioneers 
lighted of evenings?" The blazing tire in the large fire place threw 
a flood of light all over the cabin and its inmates. Bv the firelight 
the family talked, the children cracked nuts or played games, the 
mother spun or knit, and the youth of an inquiring mind read in 
such books as came to hand. If a better light than the lire-light 
was needed, it came from a metal lamp of rude pattern in which 
grease sputtered around a burning rag wick, or from a tallow can- 
dle. The fire on the hearth stone was an object of more solicitude 
in the early davs than in these. If it went out, as it sometimes 
did, what would the inmates of the cabin do? Borrow. There 
were no matches, and the flint and steel was alwavs the last resort. 
There are men living, who, while yet bovs, knew what it was to 
trudge through the snow, a half mile or more, to borrow a fire brand 
to renew the flame at home. In the summer season a log in the 
field or deadening would often be kept smouldering to keep tire in 
stock, while in winter the coals and brands would be carefully 
buried in the embers for the same purpose. 

Allusion has been made elsewhere to the frequency of evening 
visits a'mong the pioneers. To light their pathway through the 
gloomy forests, the leader usually carried a firebrand, which he 
waved back and forth over the path; or, if the night was extremely 
dark, he carried a torch made of hickorv bark or of dry oak splin- 
ters: though some carried lanterns. A gourd bored full of gimlet 
holes and titted with a socket within, to hold a candle, made a lan- 
tern that was sometimes seen, though the favorite lantern was the 
tin lantern, so aptly described by Longfellow, the poet, in "The 
Theologian's Tale": 

Pierced with holes, and round, and toofed like the top of a lighthouse, 
Casting into the dark a net work of glimmer and shadow. 



THE PIONEERS. 351 

Much has been said and written of the want of markets in the 
earlv days. Perhaps that want has been unduly magnified. The 
people had so little to sell that the want of a market could not have 
been greatly felt. As late as sometime in the -j-C/s, very little sur- 
plus produce was grown in Johnson County. All the corn pro- 
duced was fed therein, and there was oftener too little for that purpose 
than too much. The tirst market for which there was any substan- 
tial demand, was the hog market, and it was not deemed any par- 
ticular hardship in those days, to driye hogs in droves to the river 
towns. After a few years a little surplus wheat was produced, 
and the farmer who hauled to Madison or Lawrenceburg. receiv- 
ing 25 cents, 27 U cents, or 50 cents per bushel, found little 
profit in it. But for many years there were few farmers who 
had more than one wagon-load to spare for the market. The 
majority found after setting apart the seed wheat and wheat 
for bread, that there was less than a load, and as a conse- 
quence, it was quite common for two neighbors to unite their 
teams and make up a joint load, and go together to the river town. 
About 1S44, the wheat crops of the county began to increase to such 
an extent, that its marketing became an object of interest to the 
farming community. The railroad from Madison was slowly being 
built towards Franklin, and its ultimate completion was anxiously 
looked for. Between the 1st and 30th of October, 1846, 14,494 
bushels of wheat were bought in Franklin at 50 cents per bushel, 
all of which was hauled to Ediaburg. The cars did not reach 
Franklin till sometime between the 17th and 24th day of August, 
T847. 

For many years dressed pork in the county was worth $1.50 
and $2.00 per cwt., although it sometimes sold as low as $1.00. 
Good work horses were worth from $25 to $50 each; milch cows 
from $5.00 to $10.00. Joab Woodruff bought twenty head of one 
and two-year-old cattle, when he came to the county, for $50, which 
was $2.50 each. Chickens sold for 50 cents to 75 cents per 
dozen. Fat turkeys, tame or wild, from 15 to 25 cents each; 
butter, 5 to S cents per pound; eggs. 3 to 5 cents per doz- 
en: saddles of venison, from 25 to 50 cents; maple sugar, cA 4 ' to 10 
cents per pound: coon skins were worth from 20 to 40 cents, de- 
pending on quality; deer skins, 20 to 30 cents, but about 1S24 or 
[825, Samuel Herriott bought 500 at 6 cents each. Farm labor 
was worth from $S to $10 per month, while 25 cents per hundred 
was the customary price for cutting timber and making rails. In 
1S25, Henry Mussulman made rails for a bushel of meal per 
hundred, and the meal was worth 25 cents per bushel. Jacob 
Banta paid $3.00 per acre for clearing land eighteen inches and 



352 JOHXSOX COUNTY. 

under. Corn brought from 10 to 20 cents per bushel; oats, from 
S to 12^ cents, and ginseng, 25 cents per pound. This last article 
was for many years one of the chief articles of exportation. All 
ages and sexes hunted for, and dug, ginseng with great persever- 
ance and industry, sure of a certain sale of all they could find, at a 
good price for that day. 

Foreign stuffs were of high price. Samuel Herriott bought four 
pounds of coffee at 50 cents per pound, as he came through Mad- 
ison to this county, in 1820, and when George King moved out in 
1823. he paid 62 '< cents per pound in the same market. On the 
authority of the late Thomas Williams, it may be stated that Daniel 
Taylor, the first merchant in Franklin, sold two and a half pounds 
of coffee for $1, but the quality is not known. From the books 
kept by Daniel Mussulman, of his mercantile transactions in 1S35 
and 1836, it appears that prices ruled at that time as follows: coffee, 
20 cents per pound; tea, $1.50; pepper, 25; salt, 2]A\ sugar, i2}i 
to 1673; indigo, i6}4 per ounce; iron, 10; nails, 9^2 ; sugar ket- 
tles, 5 cents per pound: book muslin, 75 cents per yard; calico, 
371^ to 40^ cents; flannels, 75 cents, and blue jeans, 37^2; wall 
paper (for window shades), 12 J J cents per yard; bed tickings, 30; 
domestics, 16^3, and shirtings, 25 cents; tin cups, 6^ each; alma- 
nacs, same price; meal sieves. 75 cents: grass scythes, $1; sickles, 
62 }4 to 75; wool cards, 37 ', to 43; paper of pins, 12*4; paper of 
tacks, 25; foolscap paper, 25 cents per quire; letter paper, 37^; 
saddle blankets, $1.50 each; a "Leghorn bonnet,'' $2.25, and 
"trimmings for same," $1.43. The natural result of men's sur- 
roundings was to foster a spirit of industry and economy. The 
scarcity of money and the great difficulty of getting it, made men 
thoughtful in spending it. Luxurious living was not thought of, 
and extravagant expenditures were seldom indulged. And men 
were careful to look after their just dues. Not a few instances ap- 
pear in the old records, of claims being filed against the county for 
12 y 2 cents, iS3/( cents and 25 cents. It is in memory that a custo- 
mer at a store was found on settlement indebted to the merchant in 
the sum of 1SI4 cents, and had not the money wherewith to pav. 
The merchant wrote a note which the customer signed and after- 
ward paid. With the habits of industry and economy appertaining 
to the pioneers of this county, there could be but one result. They 
improved the county and accumulated wealth, and their well im- 
proved farms, and the great material wealth of to-day, are the nec- 
essary outcome of all this primitive toil and thrift. 

The scarcity of money goes without saying. There was next 
to no money in circulation for many years after the first settlements 
were made. An era of speculation followed the close of the war, 



THE PIONEERS. 353 

the evil effects of which began to be felt about 1S19. Then it was 
the banks began to weaken, and in no state were the results more 
serious than in the new State of Indiana. " The bank of Vin- 
cennes, which had become the State Bank of Indiana, with brandies 
at Corvdon, Vevay and Brookville," failed, leaving for that day a 
large sum of worthless paper in the pockets of the western people. 
The money in circulation in Indiana consisted mainly of depreciated 
bank bills and silver, mostly of Spanish coinage. The tips, nine- 
pences and quarters were kept in circulation till worn out, while 
the half dollars and dollars were cut into halves and quarters usu- 
allv denominated "sharp shins." 

For many years after the state government was organized, its 
fiscal officers annually reported the depreciation of the state's money 
in the treasury, for which the General Assembly authorized the 
proper credit. One such instance occurs in the history of Johnson 
Count\ T , and doubtless there were others. >In 1826, the board of 
justices allowed John Campbell, the county agent, a credit of 13^ 
cents for depreciation of money in his hands belonging to the 
count}' library fund. 

This scarcity of money was not as serious an evil as it may 
seem to the reader of the present. The pioneers were less depen- 
dent, in a certain sense, than the people of to-day. Almost every 
thing that went into the living of the people, was produced in the 
country, and out of the .want of money, a system of exchanges 
arose, which made its want unfelt. The taxes were next to noth- 
ing, and but little money was needed. A man out of debt could 
get along quite well with an exceedingly small sum during the 
year. The ginseng that was dug by the family was readily bart- 
ered for coffee or calico, at 25 cents per pound. His deer hides 
and venison saddles, the merchant took likewise in exchange for 
" store goods." If he had one horse more than he needed, he gave 
it in exchange for clearing and rail making, and the little money he 
found in his pocket toward the end of the year, he paid out in 
taxes and for leather to make shoes for his family, not forgetting 
himself a hat, and once in a long while, his wife a shawl, or an ex- 
tra Sunday dress. Many a pioneer has been compelled for want 
of the necessary postage, to leave his letter in the postoffice for 
weeks. To all the other obstacles that the Johnson County pioneer 
encountered, add the scourge of sickness incident to the new coun- 
try. For forty years the autumnal fevers withstood the skill of the 
physicians throughout central Indiana. These fevers, of both inter- 
mittent and remittent types, appeared oftentimes in their most ag- 
gravated forms, and occasionally neighborhoods would almost be 
depopulated by them. 



354 JOHXSOX COUNTY. 

The years 1820, 1821, and 1822, were attended by more fatal 
sickness in the southern border counties than has ever been ex- 
perienced since. "Whole communities in some instances fell vic- 
tims to the prevailing diseases. So alarming did the mortality 
become, that by an act of the General Assembly passed December 
31, 1821, Friday, the 2nd day of the following April, was set apart 
as a day for public prayer to "God Almighty, that He may avert 
the just judgments impending our land, and, that in His manifold 
mercies. He will bless the country with fruitful seasons, and our citi- 
zens with health and peace." That same year, 1821, an epidemic 
of intermittent and remittent fevers set in during the latter part of 
July, in the new town of Indianapolis, and continued until some time 
in October, during which nearly every person was more or less in- 
disposed, and seventy-two, or about one-eighth of the population, 
died.* 

The fall succeeding the first settlements in the spring, the 
scourge broke out on Blue River, and prevailed to such an extent, 
that there were hardly enough well people to attend to the wants 
of the sick ones. In the eighteen families living in that neighbor- 
hood, two adults, one the wife of Joseph Townsend, and the other, 
Richard Connor, died. There were no sawed boards in the place 
suitable for making a coffin, in which to bury Mrs. Townsend 
( whose death is beiieved to have been the first white person's in 
the county), and in the emergency, Allen Williams knocked the 
back out of his kitchen cupboard, and with the lumber thus ob- 
tained, made a coffin. About the same time a man by the name of 
Mills, died in the Whetzel neighborhood, near the Morgan County 
line, and his coffin was made of boards hewn with the broad axe 
out of wild cherry wood. The same fall Thomas Beeler, while en- 
deavoring to found a settlement in the White River bottom, above 
the Bluffs, fell a victim to the scourge of the country. Up to 1836, 
there was little or no abatement in the malignance of the pre- 
vailing fevers. After that time there was a perceptible diminution 
of sickness throughout the county, which lasted up to about 1843, 
when the tide turned again, and for a period of five or six years, in- 
termittents and remittents again scourged the land. 

About 1859, tne mst draining tile manufactory was established 
in the county, and it marked the beginning of the era of the final 
disappearance of the autumnal fevers. Since the wet lands of the 
countv have been cleared and drained, a case of fever of the types, 
common in the earlv days, rarely is developed. 

How to be feared, and how inexpressibly gloomy the sickly 
seasons were to the pioneers, their descendents can never know. 

* Drake's Diseases of the Valley of North America. 311. 



THE PIONEERS. 355 

An attack of bilious fever, or of fever and ague, might run its 
course in a few days, and the patient be "up and about" again. 
Indeed, with the " fever and ague " a great many were in bed only 
while the paroxysm lasted. And yet, apparentlv, the most innocent 
form of autumnal sickness might at any moment, develop into a 
malignant tvpe of disease, requiring instantaneous and the most 
heroic treatment, to save the patient's life. One might have two 
or three chills in as manv davs, each followed by fever, and there be 
no cause for alarm; but if a "sinking chill" set in, the experienced 
ones knew how important it was to have medical attention at once. 
Unless a re-action could be brought about, the patient's death was 
quite sure to occur within a day or two. As soon as the doctor 
reached the bed-side of such a sick person, he began at once a 
course of treatment calculated to bring about the desired re-action. 
Stimulants such as brand}', capsicum and quinine were given in 
large doses, and applications of mustard were freely made. In- 
stances are given, where, during fourteen hours ioo grains of quinine 
and one quart of brandy have been administered before a re-action 
could be brought about. On one occasion, a man had a sinking chill, 
which was followed by a sweat that lasted two days and two nights. 
At midnight a doctor visited him, and among other things, prescribed 
a dose of rhubarb. His wife got the medicines mixed, and instead of 
the rhubarb, administered 120 grains of capsicum at one dose. The 
next morning when the doctor returned, she met him at the gate with 
the tears streaming down her face, and lamenting that she was the 
unfortunate cause of her huaband's death. After examining his 
patient, and lincling that he had passed the crisis, the doctor re- 
lieved the wife of her anguish by saving, " Madame, your mistake 
has saved vour husband's life." 

Doctors' services were hard to secure in the beginning, and the 
medicines known to the people, were powerless in bad cases of 
sickness. Elisha Adams, who died in the fall of 1823, was visited 
by a doctor who came from Columbus. Not infrequently the 
doctors themselves succumbed to the prevalent diseases. At one 
time, in the town of Franklin, of five physicians, only two, Drs. 
Donnell and Ritchey, were able to ride, and so extensively were 
their services in demand, that they rode from place to place on a 
gallop, each riding daily not less than fifty miles. Judge Franklin 
Hardin gives the following graphic description of the condition of 
affairs during the sickly seasons: 

-•heath numbered his victims by hundreds. The land was 

filled with mourning, and the gravevards tilled with the pioneer 

death Many persons seemed to die from pure stagnation of 

blood in the veins. The doctors, by following the old system, only 

23 



356 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

accelerated the crisis. Active stimulants only were found to be 
suitable. A quart of whisky in a night, with large doses of qui- 
nine, once more restored life and mobility to the blood and saved 
the patient. From the iirst of August to the first of October in 
each year, no business requiring labor was set apart to be per- 
formed. Sickness was the rule, and business was despatched, 
medicines provided and preparations made to meet the sickly sea- 
son. After this was over, in any assemblage, one-half the members 
at least, wore pale faces. This was the age of quackery and 
quack medicines. After the quinine in the shops was used up, 
which was often the case before half the sickly season was over, 
the people had no remedy except in the use of boneset and gentian. 
The sick, therefore, readily fell in with any promised relief. Sap- 
pington's pills and others, with big names, heralded by along list of 
curative virtues, found a ready sale. Against the walls of every 
cabin, suspended from nails, hung two or three dozen small bottles 
already emptied of their contents, but with little, if an}- realization to 
the sick, of the promised benefit. A cart-load could have been gath- 
ered in a day, and such a collection would present to our children now 
an interesting and strange display of old curiosities, and form a 
long catalogue of quack nostrums." 

ft remains to take a glance at the intellectual and moral condition 
of the pioneers. We have seen something of the poverty of the 
people in general: the intellectual was as great if not greater. Bor- 
der life seldom promotes mental activity. The home life of the 
pioneer was one of hum-drum toil. The subjects of his thought 
and conversation were usually of the commonplace. No newspa- 
pers came freighted with the world's occurrences, to stir the pulses 
of his life. He knew, and would know, nothing of what was going 
on outside of his immediate neighborhood, save as he might hear 
from the lips of an occasional acquaintance, or stranger whom he 
met from abroad. He had but few books, and read little in those 
he had. When he talked it was usually with one whose area of 
knowledge was no wider than his own. How utterly dry and dull 
and fruitless life must have been to the many in those days. There 
was, however, an excepted class. The men who indulged in the 
chase could not help being students to some extent of natural his- 
tory. They studied the ways of the beasts and the birds. They 
learned to read the " signs " in the woods and along the streams, 
and became more or less experts in woodcraft. These men be- 
came educated in a certain sense, and in old age they, in general, 
could talk intelligently and instructively of what they had seen and 
learned of forest life. 

The early pioneers, unconsciously, perhaps, felt the evil ten- 



THE PIONEERS. 357 

dency of their surroundings, and longed that their children might 
be better. Most of them had been scantily educated in youth, and 
all expressed a desire to see their own children have the advan- 
tages of the good schooling that had been denied them. In ac- 
cordance therewith, whenever the number of children in a neighbor- 
hood was enough to fill a school-house, one was provided, and a 
schoolmaster employed. Those first school-houses were of the 
most primitive stvle, and the first schoolmasters were in general 
meagerly educated, but both served their purpose. That first 
generation of scholars may not have been as well trained in the 
rudiments of knowledge as are their great-grandchildren of to-day, 
but the zeal for the cause of elementary training which they de- 
rived from their fathers and the poorly equipped schools, they 
passed on down the line, and the great-grandchildren are reaping 
the benefit to-day. 

The inquirer after the facts of the past is constantly reminded 
of the exhibition of lawlessness on the part of some at the begin- 
ning, and for several years after the county was organized. But it 
was mainly confined to lower grade crimes. An examination of 
the records of the Circuit Court of the county for a few years after 
its organization, discloses a state of society which indicates, at a 
glance, something of the moral condition of the people. At the 
March term of this court for 1S24, the second term of court ever 
held in the countv, of six causes on the docket, four were for bat- 
teries and affrays. At the September term of that year of twelve 
causes, eight were criminal, five being for batteries and affrays. 
At the March term for 1S25, of fifteen causes on the docket, ten 
were criminal causes, seven of which were for batteries and affrays. 
At the September term of that year, of fifteen causes, eight were 
criminal and seven for batteries and affrays. At the March term 
for 1S26, of nineteen causes in all, thirteen were criminal, and of 
these, eleven were for batteries and affrays. At the September 
term for the same year, of seventeen causes on the docket, ten were 
criminal, and of these, seven were for batteries and affrays. 
At the March term, for 1827, of thirty-seven causes in all, nine- 
teen were criminal, and of these, sixteen were for batteries and af- 
frays. At the September term for that year, of thirty-seven causes, 
twenty-one were criminal, and of these, nineteen were for batteries 
and affrays. And so on. The record shows that the fighting and 
quarreling prevailed to an amazing extent. The principal business 
of the circuit court (and we have no record of what was done by 
the justices) was trying cases of assault and battery and of affrays. 
In 1S26 there were 173 votes cast at the general election held in 
the count}-, and eighteen prosecutions in the Circuit Court for light- 



35° JOHNSON COUNTY. 

ing, which was one fight to every ninth voter. And yet in the face 
of these figures, men whose memories took in the times when they 
were being made, were wont to say that " not half the fights in the 
county ever got into the courts," and I think their estimate was 
about right. 

But the reader must not be misled by the figures. The county 
taken as a whole was far less given to turbulence than the figures 
would seem to indicate. There was relatively but little fighting 
done in the country neighborhoods. Most of it took place at the 
elections, at the musters, and at the towns. At the first election on 
Blue River, which was held at the house of Hezekiah Davison, the 
first keg of whisky ever brought to the county was on the ground 
in the interest of William Williamson, a candidate for clerk of the 
Circuit Court. Being free to all thirsty voters, during the day, 
many became intoxicated, after which a promiscuous fight was in- 
augurated, during which the combatants beat, bit, scratched and 
eouered each other, and wallowed in the mud and mire as was never 
known in the county before, and for that matter, for many years 
after. On the same da} - at the White River voting place, it is re- 
membered that John Doty and Permenter Mullenix had a hard 
fight over their respective candidates. Men fought over very triv- 
ial matters in those days, but to their credit be it written, they 
usually deferred their collisions till they could meet in some public 
place, and hence the country neighborhoods were far less pestered 
with brawls than the court records would seem to indicate. 

Strange as it may sound to modern ears, it is nevertheless true 
that men fought for the sport of the thing. It was not uncommon 
for a lusty man, who, feeling the effect of a dram of ardent spirits, 
and taking pride in his manhood, to challenge the crowd he hap- 
pened to be in, and it was seldom some one did not accept his 
challenge, when a fisticuff at once ensued. A man vet living, nar- 
rated a circumstance to the writer, illustrating in a high degree the 
spirit of the times. He was at a log-rolling when one of his asso- 
ciates began vaunting his powers. " I can tie your hands behind 
your back," said my informant. It was agreed that he might make 
the attempt. A rope was brought, and everything being ready, 
my informant, who was a large, powerful man, promptly knocked 
his man down and tied his hands behind him before he recovered. 
It was deemed a good joke. But the lawless element did not have 
it all their own way. In truth, the large majority of the people 
were law-abiding in all particulars. There were neighborhoods in 
which a personal encounter not only did not take place the year 
round, but in which no man lived who engaged therein at the elec- 
tions or musters. The truth is, a limited number of the people 



THE PIONEERS. 



359 



comprised the rowdy element that engaged in the most of the 
brawls. The tines constituted the seminary fund, and Thomas 
Calvin, a noted pugilist of the early days, used to say, he " carried 
up one corner of the county seminary." The repressing influence 
of the law was made to be felt from the beginning, while the senti- 
ment of the great majority of the people was unqualifiedly in favor 
of order. 

With the first comers came the Christian Church. John P. 
Barnett, who came to the county in 1S21, was a Baptist preacher, 
and rinding others here of like faith, they organized in 1S23 the 
first church in the county. Early in the history of Nineveh Town- 
ship, a Baptist Church, under the preaching of Mordecai Cole, 
was organized at the home of Daniel Mussulman; and when Rich- 
ardson Henslev moved into Hensley Township, he carried with 
him a Baptist faith, and a Baptist Church was soon planted on In- 
dian Creek. In 1S24, the Presbyterian Church, the first in Frank- 
lin, was organized, and shortlv after the Presbyterian Church of 
Greenwood, and in 1S31, the Presbyterian Church of Hopewell, 
and in 1832, the Presbyterian Church of Shiloh in the western edge 
of the county. In 1823, the Rev. James Scott, an itinerant Metho- 
dist minister, traveling up White River and preaching to the set- 
tlers wherever he found them, came to the Bluffs, where he 
preached and ultimately organized the first Methodist Church in 
the county. 

In this review, the social life of the pioneers deserves a word. 
Among the brightest pictures that have been handed down to us 
from their times, are those representing its social life, and many 
persons of to-day, led captive b} - them, long for the return of that 
social life, forgetful of the fact that by reason of changed condi- 
tions, it would be as much out of place now as would the return of 
the wild beasts that then inhabited the woods. The people in the 
beginning were dependent on each other. In sickness and in 
health, at home and abroad, they felt and realized this dependence. 
In sickness, the pioneer's neighbors volunteered to nurse him, and 
to plant or plow or harvest his corn, according to the season when 
his sickness came. If a doctor was required a neighbor volun- 
teered to go after him, and if the sick died, he well knew that his 
neighbors would volunteer to dig his grave and lav his body to rest, 
and most likely show kindness to his family after he was gone. 

The peculiar difficulties attending the labors of the pioneers re- 
quired the joining of forces. The men of the neighborhood had 
to unite to build their cabins and to roll their logs. It was quite 
common to swap work in order that the strength of two or more 
might be exerted to a common end. Even housewives not infre- 



360 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

quently found profit in this kind of combination. In corn planting 
time, families frequently exchanged work, and old and young would 
drop and cover corn side bv side. In the harvest field, reapers, 
cradlers, and binders marched in phalanx across the fields of grain. 
Men were wont to "splice" teams when they went to market at a 
river town. Now, out of all this interdependence and association, 
came sociability. Men and women who are a great deal together 
are quite sure to grow to like each other, and to love each other's 
society. 

But other causes combined to promote sociability. The absence 
of newspapers and books promoted conversation. When the winter 
weather came and the fire was kindled in the wide-mouthed lire 
place, and sent its genial warmth to the remotest corners of the 
room, the tongues of those who sat around it were loosened. They 
had naught else to do, and so they talked to escape the pangs of their 
own inanition. The family circle was in truth the talking circle. 
And it was this love of conversation that led to the family visit- 
ing that was such a feature of the early times. During the seasons 
when the work was slack, neighbors visited each other till " bed- 
time," or longer, according to circumstances, and the visits were al- 
ways returned. 

The social habit manifested itself in divers ways. Saturday was 
a day on which men went to the towns, or other central place, to 
hear the news. They talked of their crops, of the incidents occur- 
ring in the various neighborhoods, and thus was established a habit 
that is yet observed, although the cause has long gone by. All 
over central and southern Indiana, men frequent the towns on Sat- 
urdavs as on no other dav. 




SCHOOLS. 36l 



CHAPTER IV. 



BY D. D. liANTA. 




Schools — Early Legislative Acts in Relation to — Examin- 
ation and Qualifications of Early Teachers — Primitive 
Buildings and Methods — First Schools — List of Early 
Pedagogues — Later and More Improved Methods — Pro- 
visions of New Constitution — Present School Census — 
Flanklin College. 

.ONGRESS of the United States, in the month of 
April, i*3iQj passed an act to enable the people of the In- 
diana Territory, to form a state constitution and to organ- 
ize a state government. Five propositions were offered 
for the " free acceptance or rejection " of the people, 
through their delegates in convention assembled, two of 
which related to learning. In the first it was proposed to 
grant the sixteenth section in every congressional town- 
ship " to the inhabitants of such township for the use of schools," 
and in the fourth, to reserve an entire township " for the use of a 
seminary of learning." To the everlasting honor of the members 
of the first constitutional convention of the state be it written, they 
accepted these propositions in a spirit as broad and liberal as that 
in which they were tendered. The constitution they framed pro- 
vided that all moneys realized from the sale of school lands should 
" remain a fund for the exclusive purpose of promoting the inter- 
est of literature and the sciences, and for the support of seminaries 
and public schools." And it was further provided that " It shall be 
the duty of the General Assembly, as soon as circumstances will 
permit, to provide by law for a general system of education, as- 
cending in a regular gradation from township schools to a state uni- 
versity, wherein tuition shall be gratis and equally open to all." 

Whatever may be said of the performance, the promise made 
by the new state was as liberal as the most zealous lover of learn- 
ing, of that early day, could have wished. The state stood com- 
mitted in her organic law to a free school system that should begin 
in the district school, and end in the university. But how utterly 
impossible it was to carry into immediate effect these commend- 
able resolutions. All of Indiana was a savage wilderness, save a 
narrow border along the southeastern, southern and southwestern 



362 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

boundaries of the state. The population was less by nearly four 
thousand than the population of Johnson, Shelby and Bartholomew 
counties, at the time of the taking of the last census; and the cash 
value of all the property in the state was. doubtless, less than that 
within any one of the counties named, at the same time. The con- 
stitution itself wisely provided that "no lands granted for the use of 
schools" should be sold before 1820, the year in which the first 
settlers came to Johnson County. As a matter of fact, more were 
sold prior to 1S2S, at which time the first legislative act was passed, 
authorizing the sale. Prior to that time, the laws authorized the 
leasing of the school lands, and in some townships of the state, 
thev never have been sold, but are still leased, and the proceeds 
turned into the school fund of the townships. 

It would be a useless task to present, even an epitome of the 
many school laws that were passed from the organization of the 
state up to the time of the adoption of the present constitution, in 
1S50, when a radical change in educational affairs was brought 
about. Whether these laws were wise or unwise, it would be hard 
to judge, save from a speculative stand-point, for the funds derived 
from the school revenue sources, were in general, so meager that 
the maintenance of a district school depended more upon the en- 
terprise of the people in nearly every case, than upon the law. 
Yet the laws passed from time to time served one most excellent pur- 
pose; they pointed out a convenient line of action to the people 
who were desirous of maintaining schools, and gave a sanction to 
all their efforts. 

The first comprehensive school law was passed in 1824. It 
provided for three trustees in every school district, a feature that 
was kept on foot up to the time of the adoption of the new con- 
stitution. These trustees were given authority to examine teach- 
ers in reading, writing and arithmetic, the onlv studies mentioned 
in that law or in any succeeding, for many years. For thirteen 
years the district trustees were the school examiners, and we may 
well imagine the character of some of the examinations. Hardly 
one in a hundred may be said to have been fitted to conduct a 
school, let alone pass upon the qualifications of another before 
hand, to do the same thing. We may readily see the course such 
an examination would be apt to take if made at all. While it was 
not uncommon to meet with trustees who could neither read nor 
write, it seldom, if ever, happened that there was not one of the 
three, at least, who did not make some claims to elementary book 
knowledge. The candidate's hand-writing could be seen of all, 
and in the early days a full, round, smoothly flowing hand was 
more than half the accomplishment. It opened the store door to a 



SCHOOLS. 363 

clerkship for the ambitious youth; it was pointed to as a master 
qualification in the candidate who was running for public office, and 
to the school-master it was deemed an invaluable acquisition. It 
is easy to see how the trustees would scan the candidate's chirog- 
raphy. They could do this and remain silent. Mentally, they 
could admire or criticise, and not subject themselves to criticism in 
turn. As to the rest, they talked with the candidate on various 
themes, judging of his general fitness for school teaching, from 
what he said. If they were not book-learned, they were, at least, 
fair judges of men. They could give an estimate of the applicant's 
general intelligence, more or less satisfactory to themselves, and 
one which nearly always had the merit of satisfying their con- 
stituency. 

In 1837, the law was so changed that three count} - examiners 
were chosen to conduct examinations in lieu of the district trustees 
who were to be appointed by the circuit judge of the county. This 
system, with modification, principally affecting the appointing power, 
continued in vogue up to 1S52. It was unquestionably a step up- 
ward. It afforded an opportunity of securing men, qualified to dis- 
charge the duty, which was a great deal. But such men were not 
always secured, if we may judge from contemporanious history. 
Barnabas C. Hobbs, a former superintendent of public instruction 
in this state, made application for a license to one of these county 
examiners. The only question asked was : " What is the product of 
25 cents by 2 5 cents? " "We had then," says Mr. Hobbs, "no teach- 
ers' institutes, normal schools, nor ' best methods' bv which nice mat- 
ters were determined, and precise definitions given. We were not as 
exact then as now. We had only Pike's arithmetic, which gave 
the sums and the rules. These were considered enough for that 
day. How could I tell the product of 25 cents by 25 cents, when 
such a problem could not be found in the book? The examiner 
thought it was 6]^ cents, but was not sure; I thought just as he 
did, but this looked too small to both of us. We discussed its 
merits for an hour or more, when he decided that he was sure I 
was qualified to teach school, and a first-class certificate was given 
me." 

The early laws provided for the erection of school-houses, but 
like every other public improvement of that day, the school house 
when made, represented the labor of the district applied to the. ma- 
terial growing on the ground. Under the law the trustees were 
empowered to call out every "able bodied male person of the age 
of twenty-one or upwards, being a freeholder or householder, residing 
in the school district," one day in each week until the building was 
completed. Such person might, in lieu of work, pay in " plank, 



364 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

nails, glass or other materials," but if he failed to work or pay in 
materials, he suffered a fine of 37 }> cents for each day lost. The 
law provided further that the school-house should be "eight feet 
between the floors, and at least one foot from the surface of the 
ground to the first floor, and finished in a manner calculated to ren- 
der comfortable the teacher and pupils, with a suitable number of 
seats, tables, lights, and everything necessary for the convenience 
of such school. These exceedingly general requirements were not 
always observed in the building of school-houses. All were not 
raised a foot above the earth, nor all eight foot from floor to ceil- 
ing, but so general was this last requirement observed in Johnson 
County, that the old school-houses, in general, bore strong resem- 
blance to each other on the outside. 

In the beginning the few houses erected were of the most 
primitive style of log cabin architecture. Indeed, some were little 
or no better than the hunter's camp. The first school-house built 
in the south half of White River Township, was arranged for the 
fire to be kept burning in the center of the earthen floor. A 
chimney built on four posts planted in the ground, about six feet 
apart, and rising to the roof, was intended to carry the smoke 
away. The benches were arranged on the four sides of the fire. 
Usually the chimney was placed in one end. One house in the 
south part of the countv, in very early times, was made without a 
window. It was lighted by the door and its very large chimney. 
As the children increased in a neighborhood, to a number sufficient 
to support a school, their fathers were quite sure to make provision 
for one. While thev themselves were, in general, the most meag- 
erly educated, they, nevertheless, were anxious that their children 
should have good school advantages, and willingly they joined in 
providing school-houses. Whether made of round or hewed logs 
— whether eight feet between the floor and ceiling, or less, all 
school houses (save a few at the very first) had puncheon floors, 
capacious fire-places with mud and stick chimneys, long benches 
made of slabs or puncheons. Every house had a long window, 
made by cutting out a log the full length of one side or end of the 
house, beneath which window was the writing table. This was 
made by laying a plank on pins, driven with an upward slant into 
the wall, or if a plank was not to be had, which was sometimes the 
case, by laying smoothly shaved riven boards thereon, or even 
smoothly shaved halves of logs. 

One of the greatest drawbacks to the efficiency of the pioneer 
schools, was the want of competent teachers. This want was felt 
in every county in the state with more or less severity. " The 
pioneer teachers were generally adventurers from the east, or from 



SCHOOLS. 365 

England, Scotland or Ireland, who sought temporary employment 
during winter while waiting for an opening for business," says 
Barnabas C. Hobbs. The southern states furnished their quota, 
and western Pennsylvania was not behind any section of equal 
area in the number sent forth to become educators of the youth 
of the land. While there was one here and there of the early 
teachers who was well qualified for the work, the great majority, it 
must be admitted, were not. So loud were the complaints of the 
inefficiency of the school teachers throughout the state, that they 
reached the ears of the governor. In the annual message of Gov- 
ernor Noble, in 1833, he thus calls the attention of the General 
Assembly to the subject: "The want of competent persons to in- 
struct in the township schools, is a cause of complaint in many sec- 
tions of the state, and it is to be regretted, that in employing tran- 
sient persons from other states, containing but little qualifications or 
moral character, the profession is not in that repute it should be. 
Teachers permanently interested in the institutions of the country, 
possessing a knowledge of the manners and customs of our extended 
population, and mingling with it, would be more calculated to ren- 
der essential service, and be better received than those who came 
in search of employment." And he proposes as a remedy for the 
evil the establishment of a seminary for the special training of our 
native teachers or the incorporation of the manual labor system 
with the preparatory department of the Indiana College at Bloom- 
ington. 

All sorts of teachers were employed in Johnson County. There 
was the " one-eyed teacher " ; the " one-legged teacher" ; the " lame 
teacher"; the " single-handed teacher "; the teacher who had "fits;" 
the teacher who had been educated for the ministry, but owing to 
his habits of hard drink had turned pedagogue ; the teacher who got 
drunk on Saturday and whipped the entire school on Monday. 
Some are remembered for the excellence of their teaching, and 
some for their rigorous government. Some are remembered for 
their good scholarship and some for their incompetency. As late 
as 1848, teachers were emploj'ed in Johnson County whose license 
certified that they could teach arithmetic to the " Single Rule of 
Three." While the curriculum of studies was confined mainly to 
reading, writing and arithmetic, there were schools wherein no 
book was used but the spelling book. There were schools taught 
by teachers who did not claim to be able to teach anything beyond 
spelling, reading and writing. One such was taught by John 
Pruner in the northwest corner school house of Union Township. 
Pruner taught two or three terms in succession, and proved himself 
an acceptable and popular teacher. The children spelled and read 



366 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

and wrote in accordance with the custom of the schools of the times. 
It came to pass, however, that some of his students wanted to 
study arithmetic, and there came a young man to the neighborhood, 
Abram Aten, who claimed to be able to teach it. He offered him- 
self as a candidate for the school against Pruner, and there was at 
once a great commotion in the neighborhood. Should the popular 
Pruner be thrown overboard to make room for a man who could 
cipher? was the all-absorbing question. A school meeting was held 
and the matter was thoroughly canvassed. Nothing could be said 
against the character of either candidate, and so the question was 
debated upon the square issue of arithmetic or no arithmetic. 
Fiery speeches were made extolling reading and writing and John 
Pruner on the one side, and reading, writing and arithmetic and the 
untried man on the other. A great deal of feeling was evinced, 
and it looked at one time as if the district would be rent assunder. 
On taking the vote, those in favor of the arithmetic carried the da}' 
by two or three majority, and Aten was given the school. 
Thomas Lynam was a popular pioneer teacher, but he made no 
pretense to a knowledge of arithmetic. One of his pupils, A. B. 
Hunter, ciphered through the arithmetic without any assistance 
from his teacher. 

One of the curious chapters of the times, is the low wages paid 
for all manner of intellectual labor. The governor of the state re- 
ceived $1,000 per year, a supreme judge and a judge of the circuit 
court each $7°°; a member of the General Assemblv drew $2 per 
day, and legislated on Christmas and New Year's davs the same as 
on any others, except when they happened to fall on Sunday. 
Salaries of officers were even less in some of the eastern states. 
The governor of Vermont received $750 per annum for his ser- 
vices, the secretary of state $450, and the treasurer $400. Minis- 
ters, well educated, and of most excellent natural abilities, preached 
the year round for $300 or less: nay, the "Rev. Allen Wiley, a 
man of varied learning, deep in theologv, strong in faith, and full 
of the Holy Ghost, received that year (1830) as his portion of the 
sum total, $20. My colleague, Rev. Amos Sparks, a most unique 
man, full of goon common sense, of marked eloquence and power 
in the pulpit, and popular with the people, received for his portion, 
being a married man with several children, $175, a part of which 
was paid in dicker."* An unmarried circuit rider of the times, 
who was paid $100 per year, was deemed to have been paid a good 
compensation. 

Small salaries were likewise the rule with teachers. The Rev. 
B. R. Hall, the first principal of the Indiana Seminary, at 

'Early Methodism in Indiana, p. 19. 



SCHOOLS. 367 

Bloomington, which was the state school, received a salary of 
$250 per year. He was elected in 1823, and when two years 
after, the board of trustees elected John M. Harney to the chair 
of mathematics and philosophy, one applicant informed the board 
by letter that he was "educated in England, and would accept the 
situation at a salary of $250 and find his own family." For a 
great many years the pay of teachers was in general, kept at the 
lowest notch. The first school taught in Hensley Township, was 
by Jesse Titus, a "lame school-master," at $1.00 per scholar. This 
was in the winter of 1826-27. He could not have had over nine- 
teen scholars, which would reduce his compensation to $6.00 per 
month. Out of that he paid his board, which cost him $1 per 
month. The patrons of his school were all poor men, but anxious 
to afford means for the education of their children. John Stevens 
had three to educate, and as an inducement to Titus to teach the 
school, he proffered to set off the board against their tuition, and it 
was done. Ten dollars and $12 per month was quite frequently paid 
to teachers in Johnson County during the early days. Indeed, a sub- 
scription school of twenty-five scholars, at $1.50 per scholar, was 
long considered a well-paying school. The winter schools might 
go over this, but the few summer schools taught, so often fell below, 
that it was quite customary for the teacher to "board around," in 
order to make up the loss as nearly as he could. 

In 1844, Anderson B. Hunter taught a school in Waggoner's 
smoke house, which had been fixed up for the occasion, for $8 per 
month, and boarded himself. In the spring of 1846, he taught for 
$14 per month, paying for his board 50 cents per week. A like 
condition of things prevailed elsewhere in the state. In Orange 
County, a subscription school was taught at " three bits per pupil 
for three months." In 1845, schools were taught in that county at 
$10 per month. Nor was this peculiar to Indiana alone. In Mas- 
sachusetts the school system had reached such a stage of develop- 
ment by the year the first settlers came to Johnson Count)', that 
the school-districts had been laid off in such a manner that " no 
scholar is obliged to walk further than three-fourths of a mile from 
the extremity to the center of the district where the school is situ- 
ated." Public schools were kept open from three to four months 
each winter, and a master was paid " from $10 to $20 per month," 
while a mistress for a summer school was paid " from $5 to $6 per 
month."* The wages paid to teachers during the formation period 
of our state's history are believed to have been in the main up to 
the level of the wages paid in most of the other states during the 
same period. 

* Nile's Register, vol. 20, p. 10S. 



36S JOHNSON COUNTY. 

It is much to be regretted that we have no record of the time 
when the earlier schools of the county were opened. It would 
seem that the time has passed when the information can be supple- 
mented by an appeal to human memory. No other query calls 
out such a diversity of answers as the one relating to the time and 
place of the tirst schools. Inasmuch as a considerable settlement 
was established on the Blue River, before at any other point, it 
seems reasonable to suppose that the first school in the county 
was opened in that neighborhood. In this place a reference will be 
made to some of the earlier schools of which we have knowledge, 
but without any attempt at a chronological arrangements of them. 

In White River Township I have encountered three first schools. 
It is claimed that a school was taught somewhere in the south half 
of the township, in a log school-house, in which the fire was built 
in the center of the dirt floor. The name of the teacher is not 
given. It is very certain that Mrs. Samuel Parks, a widow, taught 
a school in her own house, sometime after her husband's death, 
which occurred in August, 1825. By some, hers is said to have 
been the first school in the township. In very early times a double 
log cabin stood on the Bluff road between the bluffs and the pres- 
ent site of Brownstown. One John Collins, a school-master, lived 
in one of the rooms, and taught a school in the other, as early as 
1826. It is remembered of him that he owned the land on which 
the house stood, and at play-time he made the school children 
" pick trash." The labor of the children at the noon hour in the 
clearing may have been understood beforehand. I remember a 
school which run four days in the week, nor was he required to 
call books before 9 o'clock in the morning. Fridays as well as 
Saturdays the teacher gave to the cultivation of his corn. Three 
of the largest boys of the school, all belonging to the same family, 
by some sort of an arrangement between the father and teacher, 
worked in the hitter's clearing of mornings, and helped him plant his 
corn. They thus earned the money to buy their books and possi- 
bly paid a part or all the schooling of the family for that term. 
They had a walk of two miles to the master's clearing, and were 
always on the ground by sun up. I yet remember the great store 
they set by their bright new Eclectic Readers. 

A like uncertainty as to the first school taught, we encounter 
on entering Union Township. William Bond, about 1832, taught 
a summer school in the neighborhood of the present site of Union 
village. About the same time, a pole cabin was built for a school- 
house, on the west side of George Kerlin's farm, on the Three 
Notched Line Road, in which Jeremiah Callahan opened the first 
school. In Hensley Township there were three first schools, but 



SCHOOLS. 369 

the weight of evidence seems to point to the fact that in the winter 
of 1826-7, Jesse Titus taught the first school. The log house in 
which the school was taught was erected near the present Friend- 
ship Church site, and was 16x18 feet, and fronted south. A log 
for a window was cut out at the west end, and the sash was filled with 
" paper glass." The wide-throated chimney was in the east end, 
and under the long window, logs split into halves, and smoothed to 
a face, were mounted on a sort of trestle work for a writing table. 
The following is the roster of children that attended that first 
school: Ephraim Harrell, Gideon and Betsy Stevens, Betsy Har- 
rell, Avery, Godfrey, Elizabeth and Nancy Chase; Abram, Daniel, 
Permelia and Anna Heethers; Polly, Bloomfield, Roland and 
Richard Hensley; Milford, Bluford and William Richardson. The 
American Spelling Book was used in that school, and the English 
First Reader. Toward the close of the school, six or seven of the 
scholars were furnished with copy books, and set to making " pot 
hooks and hangers." The succeeding winter, Samuel B. Elkins 
taught in the same house, and by some this was thought to have 
been the first school. Elkins is said not to have been " very good 
in figures, but wrote an excellent hand, and was a good reader and 
spelled well," and above all, was a " good hand with young chil- 
dren." 

In 1824, Aaron Dunham moved from Brown County, Ohio, to 
the Nineveh neighborhood, in which there were living at the time, 
twelve families. He was an educated man for his time, being a 
good mathematician and a good grammarian. I have seen speci- 
mens of his hand writing among the files of the Circuit Court, and 
I know that he wrote an excellent hand. In November of this year, 
Dunham came to open a school in a log cabin, formerly lived in by 
William Strain, about one-fourth of a mile northeast of Williams- 
burg. This house was furnished with a puncheon floor, split log 
benches, greased paper windows and a hewed log writing table, 
resting on stakes driven into the earth. The teacher was paid $40 
for a three months' school. About twenty scholars attended, of 
whom Jeremiah Woodruff, then twelve years old, and still living, 
was one. One of the girls, a Miss Dunham, studied grammar, and 
young Jeremiah tried it for a day, but his father, Joab Woodruff, 
who was the leading man in the community, pronouncing grammar 
nonsense, the boy abandoned it. About twenty scholars attended that 
school, the following of whom are remembered, viz. : the brothers, 
Jeremiah, William and Nelson Woodruff, a Miss Dunham. Benjamin 
Crews' three boys, David Twet's two children, William Strain's 
two, and Daniel Pritchard's two. Mr. Dunham continued to teach 



37° JOHNSON COUNTY. 

for many years in Nineveh Township with the approbation of his 
patrons, and the loving remembrance of his pupils. 

In 1S26, Benjamin Baily taught a school close to the Vicker- 
man place in the same township. This school was in a cabin on a 
dirt floor. At a very earl} day a school was opened not far from 
the present site of Amity, by James Heinaner, who was succeeded 
the next year by one named McCloskv. George Adams, yet liv- 
ing, attended both those schools and still has the " ciphering book " 
he wrote then. He used Bennett's arithmetic, and according to the 
custom of the times he transferred the examples to a copy book to- 
gether with the processes employed in solving them. In 1828, 
Elzy Mathes taught in the Price school-house, three miles north 
of Edinburg, a subscription school of three months at $1 per 
scholar. During his term the deer annoyed him a great deal by 
coming to lick during school hours in the outside chimney corners 
of his school-house. The children would give attention to the ani- 
mals at the expense of their lessons. Mathes secured two planks 
which he so arranged, that by pulling a string that was brought 
over to his seat in the school house, as to fall with a great clatter 
and bang. Not long afterward the deer, a buck and a doe came, 
and Mathes enjoining silence, pulled the string and down came the 
planks with a mighty racket and away went the deer never to re- 
turn. The master and his school went out and were amazed at the 
great leap the terrified buck had taken. It was over twenty feet. 
The deer never after, were a source of disturbance to his school, 
and as far as I have heard, his was the only school in the county 
ever disturbed by them. Austin Shipp, the first student from John- 
son Count) - , who ever attended the Indiana Seminary at Blooming- 
ton, "taught in 1830, in an old cabin on the Marshal farm three 
miles northwest of Edinburg." A log school-house stood on the 
Maux Ferry road, a short distance south of the present site of 
Furnas' mill, in which Thomas Alexander taught during the winter 
of 1827-8. 

Coming to Franklin Township, we find that the first schools 
were held in the log court house. A cloud of uncertainty hangs 
over them. Dr. Pierson Murphy is known to have taught at an 
early period in the history of the town, but whether he was the 
first may be doubted. Aaron LeGrange attended his school seven- 
teen days, which he says must have been about 1825. " I used 
Pike's arithmetic. Our other books were anything we could get. 
I remember we had Dilworth's spelling book." In the winter of 
1829-30, Thomas Graham is known to have taught in the log 
court house. John Tracy, a young man of twenty-one years, 



SCHOOLS. 371 

attended, walking from his father's house, a distance of live or six 
miles. Mr. Tracy studied arithmetic. Gilderov 1 licks, who moved 
to the town in 1S34 anc ^ began the practice of law, which he suc- 
cessfully pursued for over twenty years, turned aside occasionally 
during the first years and taught school. Another who is remem- 
bered to have taught in the town schools during the earlier years, 
was William G. Shellady. " The first school between Franklin and 
Martinsville '" was at the present site of the Mount Pleasant Church — 
the Byers neighborhood. Joseph Ringland was the teacher, and 
after him came Henry Drury, and then a man by the name of 
Yitito. 

In September, 1825, Thomas Henderson moved from Ken- 
tuckv, and settled at Big Spring, now Hopewell. His first inquiry 
was for a tract of land to enter, on which was a site suitable for a 
school house, a church and a grave-yard, and he succeeded in be- 
coming the owner of the tract of land on which these indispensable 
adjuncts to every good neighborhood were subsequentl}" located. 
In 1829, a hewed log house, 20x30 feet, was erected, the floor and 
ceiling of which were laid with whip-sawed lumber. For a few 
years this building was used as a church, and for many as a school 
house. The first school taught in that house was the same year of 
its erection, by John R. Smock. He taught two winters out of 
three, one of which he boarded with Simon Covert, at 50 cents 
per week. Nancy Henderson taught the intervening winter. In 
1833, the people of the neighborhood organized an educational so- 
ciety, which, by the terms of the compact, was to continue for five 
years, during which two terms per year of five months each were to 
be taught, and the patrons were to pay $1.25 per scholar, per term. 
This society was kept on foot for three years, during which the 
school house doors were kept open for ten months of each year. 
Two and a half years Samuel Demaree, a Kentucky school-mas- 
ter taught, and after him came a Mr. Ayers, who finished the last 
of the three years. 

The first school in Pleasant Township was in the Smock neigh- 
borhood, at Greenwood. The date is uncertain, but it is believed 
to have been as early as 1825. William S. Holman, since become 
so celebrated as a statesman and politician, is remembered to have 
taught one or more terms of school in the Greenwood school while 
a student in the Baptist Institute in Franklin. Clark Township was 
late in being peopled, but it is said that a school was taught therein 
well up toward the north side, as early as 1828; but of it little is 
now remembered. 

Thus far have I adverted to some of the early schools of the 
county, and it now remains to give a list of such of the early 
" 2 4 



372 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

teachers as have been remembered by their old pupils. This list 
is necessarily incomplete, because of the fallibility of memory. 
Man}- of these persons taught in more than one school house and 
township, and no attempt will be given to localize them. It is as 
follows: William Bond, John L. Jones, Sr., Henry Drurv, Jere- 
miah Callahan, Henry Banta, John L. Jones, Jr., Matthew Owens, 
Charles Disbrow, David V. Demaree, Washington Miller, Asa B. 
Nav, Joseph Ravnor. William Lane, Louis Shouse, John Roberts, 
Thomas Graham, Piersen Murphy, Gabriel M. Overstreet, A. D. 
Whitesides, John Slater, A. B. Hunter, Elijah Harrell, Andrew 
Robe, Franklin Hardin, Jacob Fishback, Hiram Jackson, D. Loper, 
Joseph Ringland, William F. Johns, Hugh Smiley, Sebastian C. 
Fox, Joshua Eccles, Nelson Brock, Elizabeth Sutton, William 
Mitchell, Andrew Robe, James Collins, James Abbett, Samuel 
Hare, Elisha Hardin, James Wishard, David Todd, Thomas Alex- 
ander, Thomas Lynam, E. W. Morgan, Zalmon Disbrow, A. B. 
Hunter, William Cotton, James Mullikin, William Jones, Peter II. 

Banta, Miss West, Getty, Malcom McLean, William Allen, 

Pe}ton B. Culver, Samuel McClain, John F. Peggs, John Colvin, 
John Mathes, James Prather, John Abbey, Henry Woodard, 

Squire O. W. Garrett, Gaines, Ephraim Hewitt, William 

Irwin, William Keaton, Henry House, Cary Slack, Samuel Griirith 
and Willet Tyler. 

During the first fifteen years of the county's history, school 
houses were located with reference to the accomodation of neighbor- 
hoods, solely. As the county became settled other considera- 
tions began to rule. From 1S35 to 1840, the county was laid off 
into school districts, so as to give about live to each congressional 
township. White River, which is a third larger in area than a con- 
gressional township, was laid off into six school districts, and pro- 
vided with as man)' school houses. The Lyons school house was 
in the northeast corner, and the Glenn, in the northwest. The 
Hughes school house was toward the east side, not far from the 
center thereof, while the Low occupied a like position on the 
west side. The Dunn school house was in the southwest corner, 
while another stood over toward the southeast. In Union Township 
there were five houses, one near the center of the township and one 
in each corner. Something like this order prevailed in all the 
townships. 

It will thus be seen that the division was on a geographical 
basis, of one house to from seven to nine square miles territory, 
and that some school children would necessarily have long roads to 
travel. Two, and even three miles were not infrequently traveled, 
night and morning, by the little folk of the early day. And when 



schools. 373 

we remember that the school paths often led through the gloomy 
woods the greater part of the way, we may imagine something of 
the courage of both parents who sent, and of the pupils who went, 
to the early schools. One man remembers that he went a mile 
through an unbroken wood. He was eight years old, and used to 
run every step to and from the school-house, fearing lest a bear 
might overtake him. Another says, that he and his little brother 
one morning actually encountered a bear on their way to school, and 
that although it fled, they were ever after so afraid that they ran 
from home to school and cowered in a corner if they were the first 
comers, until others arrived. Two young girls, the daughters of 
Peter Whitenack, met a bear on the way to the Hopewell school 
one morning a little to the east of what is now known as the Don- 
nell hill, and it disputed the path with them b}^ " setting up in it." 
The preciptancy with which they turned and fled is easier to im- 
agine than describe. When the man with a gun arrived the bear 
had gone. 

There were no teachers' institutes, no normals, no training 
schools in those days. There were no books to be had on peda- 
gogics. No " best methods " were inculcated. Every teacher 
was left to his own way of doing things in the school-room. Of 
course there was great variety in the manner of teaching adopted. 
Here were teachers from the Carolinas, from Virginia, from Ken- 
tucky, Ohio, Pennsylvania, New England, Old England, Ireland 
and Scotland. Each had his way — a way learned in the country 
he came from. The dissimilarity of methods, however, was usually 
seen in minor matters. In the graver phases of school life, the 
dissimilarities usually disappeared. 

A pre-requisite to successful teaching always has been, and al- 
ways will be, an ability to govern. In the early days government 
occupied a higher place in the teacher's qualifications than it does 
in this. In whatever else he lacked he must not in this. It was 
for him to make his scholars mind, and the entire catalogue of pun- 
ishments were in general at his disposal. The pioneers were a 
sturdy, thorough-going set of men and women, who were seldom 
content with any half-way measures. The same may be said of 
their children, and it may be doubted whether they would have 
entertained a feeling of respect for a teacher who would not on oc- 
casion, inflict corporal punishment with savage severity. Be this 
as it may, the early school-masters ruled with a rod of iron. It was 
the custom to whip on the slightest provocation, and now and then 
for no provocation at all. An early teacher in Blue River Town- 
ship would sometimes drink to a state of intoxication on Satur- 
day. On Monday morning he would reach the school-house all 



374 joiiNSOx county. 

broken up, and sometimes he would switch the entire school before 
the noon hour. But there were not many drunken teachers employed 
in Johnson County, and the severest teachers were among the most 
temperate. 

Sebastian Fox, an early teacher in the northern part of the 
county, stood at the very head of those who whipped with the 
greatest severity. He kept in the school room a green, tough 
switch, about six feet long, and he invariably took off his coat and 
threw it on one of the joists overhead, before administering his 
punishment. He whipped not only for violations of school rules, 
but he whipped for laziness and natural dullness. He frequently 
whipped till the "red streaks could be seen on a bovs back through 
his shirt." He carried his punishments to such a pitch, that his 
school at last revolted, and the trustees had to be sent for. Ed- 
ward Keene was a young man, almost grown, whom he very much 
disliked, and had, on more than one occasion, mercilessly whipped, 
as Edward thought, without sufficient cause. One day the boy did 
something that inflamed the master, who told him he must take a 
whipping or leave school. To the big boy or girl the alternative 
of leaving school or taking a whipping was always given in those 
days. Keene left, but after consulting with a couple of his mates, 
he concluded to return the next day. On his arrival, the school- 
master at once pulled off his coat and took down his best switch. 
'■ Will you step out and take your whipping," said he. " Yes, if you 
are able to give it,"' bravely answered young Keene. At that point, 
his two big school-mates, William H. Wishard and Washington 
Culver, arose, and proposed to help him out. The whipping was 
put off and the trustees were sent for, to patch up a peace. 

Not a few instances occurred in the county, in the early davs, of 
the larger pupils of the school being driven to open rebellion by the 
severity of their teachers. Such an occurrence once took place 
at the Hurricane school-house. A teacher named Cottingham, 
whipped with a six foot switch ferociously. One day he undertook 
to make a stubborn boy cry, and lashed him until the school rose 
c// masse and demanded a cessation. In Union Township, a Cana- 
dian by the name of Bradley, once taught. He undertook to intro- 
duce a new punishment, ljy striking the scholars with a rule on the 
open palm of the hand, and on the bunched end of the lingers. 
His punishments seemed to the eyes of the larger pupils inhuman, 
and once when about to beat a little boy on the ringer nails, the big 
boys interfered. They told him he might whip the little one on 
the back and they would say nothing, but he could not beat the ends 
of his fingers: and Bradley wisely forbore to ever after whip, save 
in the orthodox way. 



schools. 375 

Sometimes the school-master's discipline took a humorous turn. 
On one occasion, Andrew Rabe, who was an exceedingly strict 
school-master, but a very popular one nevertheless, went to his 
school and discovered that something had been going on out of the 
usual order, but what, he could not divine. At the noon hour he 
learned that two of the big boys had fought that morning, and that 
one of them had received a bloody nose. Immediately, on " calling 
books," the teacher, in accordance with his custom, impanelled a 
jury and proceeded to try the accused. Three big boys were 
selected to try the case who were acceptable to the accused. The 
teacher sat as judge and prosecutor, and saw that the evidence 
was properly introduced. But the jury hung. Two of the jurors 
voted guilty, affixing the proper punishment, but the third stood 
out for mercy. He insisted upon a verdict of "not guilty," but was 
willing to affix to it, "if they ever do it again, each to have twenty- 
live lashes well laid on." 

The judge and prosecutor was equal to the occasion. There 
could be no failure of justice in his court because of a stubborn 
juryman, and so without further ceremony he was set aside and 
another put in his place. The new man was a brother of one of 
the accused, but kinship was not a disqualification in that court. 
The parties on trial, however, were consulted, and agreed to the 
substitution, and the record was thus kept straight. Thereupon 
the new jury retired, and promptly returned a verdict of guilty, 
with " five good licks apiece." The inevitable question followed: 
"Will you take your whipping or leave school?" One of the par- 
ties, now a venerable man, who has for many years wisely adminis- 
tered the law as a justice of the peace in his neighborhood, after a 
few moments' thought, said he could not afford to leave school just 
then, and gave his back to his master's use. Rabe was a good 
whipper, and it is said he got all the good there was to be had in 
the five strokes on that occasion. Turning to the next victim he 
put the same question of going or staying. This young man was 
not so sure. His mind was not made up. He did not much like to 
leave school, but he liked less to take the whipping. He had about 
made up his mind to leave, when the thought occurred, " What 
will father say? " " Go," said he to that very brother who had sat 
as a juror and approved the sentence, "go and see what father 
says." He went, and presently returned with these words: " Father 
says if you come home he will give you the all-firedest licking you 
ever had." That settled it. He, too, stood out on the floor and 
let Andrew Rabe tip-toe it on five of his best, and there was no 
more fighting in that school. 

But whipping on the back with a switch, and on the hands and 



376 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

fingers with a rule, were not all the punishments inflicted. The 
early school-masters were ingenious in devising novel modes of 
torture for their children. One school-master habitually pulled the 
ears of refractor}' pupils. Sometimes one ear, after a manipula- 
tion at his hands, would puff up to double its natural size. The 
"dunce block" and the "fool's cap," were in every school. Some 
teachers kept a " leather spectacles." I remember to have seen 
two boys alternately tie on each other the "leather specs," in 
the meanwhile dancing and crying in rage. I once saw a teacher 
incarcerate quite a big girl for some mischief, "in the hole under 
the floor." I will never forget how he pushed her fingers off the 
unmoved puncheons at the sides, when he closed the lid over her. 
Making a pupil stand in the corner or by the side of the teacher, 
or on one leg, were favorite modes. If a boy was particularly 
bashful (which was not often the case) he might be seated between a 
couple of girls with admirable effect. " Bringing up the switch" 
was another mode. An idle child would be startled out of a doze 
by the switch dropping at his feet. "Bring up the switch!" would 
be the stern command, and there was no escape. The idler must 
cany the evidence of his subjection to the master, in the presence 
of the whole school. 

How often have I seen a teacher rush up to an idler, or mis- 
chief-maker, and strike him over the back and shoulders with all 
his might and main. Boxing a child's ears with a closed book or 
the open hand was quite common with some. I remember once an 
edition of the elementary spelling book, bound in wooden backs. 
The wood was exceedingly thin, of course, and split so easily that 
a blow with a book over a child's head would shatter the back into 
splinters. After the backs of two or three books had been ruined 
by the teacher, the children made such an outcry over the mutila- 
tion, that the teacher ceased their use altogether as instruments of 
punishment. I have seen teachers kick their pupils; have seen 
them attach split quills to their noses; bumb their heads together, 
and one old teacher kept a short rod of whalebone, which had the 
merit of never wearing out. 

In these days teachers were careful to seat the boys and girls 
on different sides of the house. This was the custom at church and 
at the dinner tables. In no case were the school children to sit to- 
gether, except for punishment. Nor were they allowed to play 
together. I remember one school-master who was so strict in this 
particular that he established an east and west line, which ran 
from the spring through the middle of the school-house, on the 
west side of which, in the house, the girls sat, and out of doors 
the}- played. On the east side, within, the boys sat, and without, 



schools. 377 

played, and the rule was not deemed an unreasonable one by his 
pupils. It was the custom in that school, as in a good many others, 
throughout the count}-, for the children to be seated in the order 
of their arrival in the morning. The first arrival sat at what the 
teacher chose to call the head. The next arrival sat next to him, 
and so on in order to the last. The only advantage to the scholar 
arriving first, was that he recited his lesson first. There were few 
classes, save the spelling class, in the old schools. In the beginning, 
Dilworth's spelling book was used, and after that came " Webster's 
American Spelling Book," and that in time was succeeded by the 
" Elementary Spelling Book " by the same author, which held the 
field against all rivals for more than twenty-five years. The old 
school-masters placed great stress on spelling. Twice a day the 
whole school stood up and spelled " for head." A half-day in 
every week was given to the spelling match. Night spelling 
schools were of frequent occurrence. Every scholar was kept ham- 
mering away at the spelling book as long as he went to school, and 
there were few schools in which one or more pupils had not the 
book by heart. The words in the elementary spelling book were 
written rythmical!)-, and it was no hard matter to commit by rote 
whole columns of words. This book was used as a reader also. 
In some schools, after a pupil had learned to spell sufficiently well, 
he was set to pronouncing the words in the book at sight. After 
he was able to readily pronounce all the words in the book, he was 
deemed sufficiently advanced to begin reading. The elementary 
spelling book served the purpose of reader. 

" She fed the old hen. 

The old hen was fed by her. 

See how the hen can run." 
This was the first lesson. After the book had been read 
through a half dozen times, another was in demand. There were 
few, or no, readers, accessible. A few copies of the "English 
reader," or of the " Columbian," might be had, but in general, such 
books as could be picked up in the neighborhood, were used. The 
" Life of Marion" was not an uncommon school reading-book in 
those days. Histories, the Pilgrim's Progress, "dream books," 
and even sermon books, were used. The Bible and the Testament 
were very common. About 1835, B. P. Emerson's readers came 
into use, and his " third class reader " was often met with in the 
schools of the county. About five years after, McGuffey's Eclec- 
tic series appeared, and ultimately occupied the field, to the ex- 
clusion of all others. The introduction of the eclectic series 
marked an era in the schools of the county, and they were of in- 
calculable advantage to the people of the western country. 



37§ JOHNSON COUNTY. 

It was the custom in those days for a pupil to study one thing at 
a time. I have already adverted to the practice with regard to the 
spelling book. The pupil was kept in that till he could pronounce 
all the words it contained, at sight. He might have actually learned 
in the meantime to read fairly well, but the teacher would ignore 
his acquirement. He must go through the spelling book in the 
manner I have indicated. After that he was set to reading, and 
thence on, that was his chief studv. He continued to spell, it is 
true, as long as he went to school, but until he finished his 
course in reading, his two or four lessons a day were reading 
lessons. During the interval his teacher might consent for him 
to take a copy book to school and learn to write. Learning to 
write was a very simple exercise in that day. The copy book con- 
sisted of a few sheets of foolscap sewed together. The teacher 
made and mended all the pens. This work he usually did while 
hearing a boy or girl read a lesson. The pen made, he wrote a line 
of pot hooks, or a, b, c's, or a sentence for the pupil to reproduce, 
on the lines below. Whenever, in the judgment of the teacher, the 
scholar could read and write well enough, he was permitted to fetch 
an arithmetic and slate, and begin to cipher. Pike's Arithmetic 
was the one generallv used in the beginning. This book consisted 
of "sums" and "rules." There were other arithmetics to be met 
with, however. I have heard of Dilworth's, and Smiley's, and 
Bennett's, as being in use. There were few definitions, and no 
methods given. The scholars recited no lessons in arithmetic, no 
matter what book he used. He committed the rules and multipli- 
cation table, and " worked the sums." When he failed to get the 
true answer, he went to the teacher, who " worked the sum " for 
him, and if not too busv, explained the process. A bright boy 
might stud}' arithmetic for weeks, and the teacher never give him 
a word of instruction. 

The practice of pursuing one study at a time doubtless had its 
advantages. The course of studies was so limited that it was well 
for a scholar to have one fairly learned before beginning another. 
The same plan was pursued in the only college in the state. In 
1828, Doctor Andrew Wylie was elected president of the Indiana 
College at Bloomington, and into that institution the learned Doctor 
introduced a like practice. The student therein studied languages 
and nothing else, until he had completed the language course: 
mathematics and nothing else, until he had completed the mathe- 
matical course, and so on. But the plan has long since given way 
in both college and common schools to what is now considered the 
better one of " mixed courses of studies." Whatever the faults of 
the modern method, the old was faulty in this: scholars were some- 



SCHOOLS. 370 

times kept back to an unwonted degree. The writer could read 
so as "to make sense of his reading" before his teacher allowed 
him to read in school; he could write a hand that could be read, and 
read writing readily before his teacher allowed him to write after 
a copy in school; he learned to read numerals, add, subtract, mul- 
tiply and diyide in short diyision before his teacher would recognize 
his slate. Indeed, he ciphered in school for two weeks before his 
teacher showed him any attention. And there were many others 
who in some sort went through a like experience. 

A picture of the early school days in the county would be in- 
complete without an allusion to the efforts of the old masters to 
teach good manners. There was a yast deal of bowing and cour- 
tesying (crutcheying it was called) in the early days. Every boy 
had to doff his cap and bow to the assembled school, on entering 
in the morning, and every girl had to make her courtesy. In some 
schools every pupil, on re-entering the school-room after going out, 
had to go through a like ceremony. In some, the children were 
required, on the entrance of a visitor, to rise to their feet and salute 
him by bow and "crutchey." Some teachers, on entering the 
school-room, would bow to their scholars, thus teaching them by 
example. John R. Smock, an old-time pedagogue, before dismiss- 
ing school in the afternoon, had his scholars collect their belongings 
and march out of the school-house, and form in line with the tallest 
at the head, and by his side, the next tallest, and so on, down to 
the very least, who stood at the foot, when they awaited his com- 
ing to the door. While the line was forming, he covered the tire 
with ashes and righted the room, after which he appeared at the 
door, when all hats, including his own, were doffed, and after an in- 
terchange of formal bows and " crutchies," the little folks broke ranks 
and scattered for home. It is remembered that one very cold 
evening a big boy refusing to wait for the fire to be covered and 
the bowing to be done, left for home. The next morning the 
teacher called him out and inflicted such a severe punishment that, 
no matter how inclement the weather, he never after failed to re- 
turn his master's bow from his place in the line. 

It was the rule in those days for all scholars to be "loud 
scholars."' The silent schools were few and far between. The 
odds in the argument were believed to be in favor of the loud 
school. The man who can carry on a train of abstract thought, 
amidst noise and confusion, has a great advantage over one who 
must seek privacy and quiet. The business man must learn the 
secret, and so must the lawyer. All the old school-masters had it. 
Franklin Hardin, it is said by his old pupils, " could hear a class 
recite, work a sum in arithmetic and keep one eye on the school, 



3 So 



JOHNSON COUNTY. 



all at one time." Charles Disbrow could hear a class, make a pen, 
and watch the school at once. " A celebrated Scotch teacher, 
Alexander Kinmont, of Cincinnati, as late as 1837, would conduct 
a school bv no other method. He claimed that it is the practical, 
philosophical system, by which boys can be trained for business on 
a steam-boat, wharf, or any other place." And so the schools in 
Johnson County were very generally loud schools. The boys 
and girls spelled and read oftentimes at the tops of their voices, and in 
favorable days the noise of their lesson-getting could be heard 
half a mile off. 

How incomplete this review would be without some reference 
to the school sports of the pioneer days. The boys played with a 
dash and vim worthy of imitation yet. No half-acre or acre school 
lots bounded their play grounds, for hardly a school-house that did 
not stand in an unenclosed woodland of from forty to many hun- 
dreds of acres in extent. Every sport was calculated to call for the 
utmost endeavor of the player. The races run in " prisoner's 
base," sometimes covered miles. There was " cap ball " for the 
little boys — a game of short, quick dashes, and admitting of bois- 
terous talking and hallooing by all at once. The leading games 
for the larger boys were " cat," " town-ball " and " bull-pen." The 
first two were played with the bat and ball, and out of the second 
has come our modern base ball. The third, " bull-pen," was the 
best pioneer game. It had an element suggestive of warfare in it. 
To become a proficient player in " bull-pen," required a quick eye, 
physical activity, speed on foot, good bottom, nfanly courage, good 
throwing powers, quick perception, good judgment, and last, but 
not least, the ability to maintain one's position in the innumerable 
arguments that were sure to arise in the course of the game, for 
there were no umpires in those days. How earnestly the pioneer 
boys would debate questions on the play ground, and how apt were 
they to come to blows before a conclusion was reached. The 
moral sentiment of the country took high ground in the early day 
against turbulence, and the teachers labored to repress it among 
their scholars. The fathers and teachers, too, would tight on small 
provocation, but every effort was made to repress the tendency 
among the bovs, but, in spite of it all, the boys were quite often as 
quick to assert their manhood as the testiest father or school-master 
in the countv. The usual thing when a fight took place in school, 
was for the teacher to whip both combatants by way of punish- 
ment, but there were instances when whipping carried with it no 
repressing tendency. A ^Yashington County school-master had 
two boys who, disliking each other, often fought to the teacher's 
great annoyance, but without a decisive victory attending the 



SCHOOLS. 38r 

banner of either. Both had been punished time and again by the 
teacher without avail. The usual fight occurring one day, the 
teacher bethought him of a new scheme. He cut a bundle of 
good switches, and bade the boys stand up in the school-room and 
switch each other till one cried " enough"! The temper of the lads 
was yet up, and they were not sorry of the opportunity given to still 
further punish each other, and so they tell to with a will and kept 
at it till one under the pain cried out the word, and the switching 
ended. Ever after there was peace between those two boys. 

An old student of Franklin Hardin, says that quite a number 
of large boys and voung men attended his school, many of whom 
would fight with each other on the slightest provocation, to the 
great vexation of their teacher. Hardin always played with his 
scholars, which, indeed, was the custom with nearly all the school 
masters of the early day, and he was thus ever present to quell dis- 
turbances on the play ground. The turbulence of the young fel- 
lows greatly annoyed their teacher. Hardly a day passed that he 
was not called upon to exercise his office as peace maker. There 
came a time, however, when he wearied in well-doing. Two lusty 
boys, ringleaders in all quarrels, disagreed for the tenth time, and 
showed right. " Boys," said the teacher, " we have had enough 
of this, I think you had better now settle it once and for all. You 
may tight it out, and I will see to it that there is fair play." " Here," 
to the bystanders, " let us form a ring and see it out." The prop- 
osition was no less unexpected than novel. The ardor of the lads 
cooling down they concluded not to fight. After that the practice 
of lighting fell into neglect in that school. 

Among the other school practices in the early days was the one 
of " turning out," or '• barring out the master." This occurred at 
Christmas time, and the event was usually not less enjoyed by the 
teacher than his scholars. The custom was for the big boys to bar 
the school-house door against the entrance of the teacher, and keep 
him out till he agreed to furnish a treat, usually of apples, for the 
school. Sometimes cakes and cider were furnished, and in some 
parts of the state whisky, even, was demanded, but I never heard 
of a Johnson County teacher treating his scholars to any thing 
stronger than cider. Of course the teacher resisted — there would 
have been no fun else, and sometimes by superior skill or strength, 
he managed to make his way into the school house, when the 
victory was his. In the effort to do so, it was allowable for the 
scholars to seize his person if they could, when, if he still held out, 
they might tie him and earn' him to a neighboring creek and cluck 
him till he promised the treat. Not many teachers held out thus 
far, but instances have been known, when, after cutting a hole in the 



382 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

ice, teachers have been immersed once — nay, twice, and held under 
till they were glad to give in. All this, be it remembered, was 
done in fun and taken in good part bv the teacher, who held no 
ill-will against any one on account thereof. Instances, it is true, 
have occurred in the county, where the effort of the scholars to 
force a treat was resisted in good earnest by the teacher and bad 
blood followed, but the general rule was otherwise. 

Many amusing stories are told of turning the teacher out. On 
one Christmas occasion, William Surface's scholars barred the 
school-house door against him. On reaching it he demanded en- 
trance, which, of course was refused, unless he would agree to 
treat. He declined, however, to answer to an oral proposition. 
" Some dispute," he said, " might arise, as to what was said," and 
so he demanded that a written proposition be presented to him. It 
was done, and pen and paper passed out to him with it. Beneath 
the boys' scrawl he wrote: 

" I except to the above proposition. 

William Surface," 
and passed the writing back. The boys were satisfied, and at once 
admitted the master. " You had better read with care what I have 
written," said he to his scholars. " It is one thing to accept a prop- 
osition, and quite another to except to it." The boys acknowledg- 
ing that the tables had been turned upon them, the teacher im- 
proved the occasion, " Were I sure," said he, " that you knew not 
the difference between the meaning of the words, I would be 
ashamed of vou. I think vou do, but your carelessness is not much 
less reprehensible, than your ignorance would have been. Unless 
you mend your ways in this respect, you will be fleeced all through 
life by every scoundrel who meets vou." The treat followed the 
lesson, and all was serene in that school. 

A teacher by the name of Groves, who taught in the early day, 
in the northern part of the county, was barred out one Christmas 
morning. Living in a cabin hard bv, he called on his wife to assist 
him. The weather was extremely cold, and it occurred to him that 
if he could drown out the school-house fire he could freeze out the 
meeting, and accordingly ascended to the top of the chimney, and 
his wife, handing him up buckets of water, he poured it down into 
the fire-place. But the effort was in vain. The boys raking the coals 
upon the ample hearth defied him. He next thought to smoke 
them out, and to that end laid boards over the chimney top; but 
the boys had thought of that contingency and were provided with 
a long pole with which to remove the boards. The teacher, 
not to be outdone, replaced the boards, and calling upon his wife, 
who entered with spirit into all his plans, had her mount the roof 



SCHOOLS. 3S3 

of the house and take her seat upon the chimney top, while her 
lord went below to be ready to enter the house as soon as the boys 
should leave it. Once more the youngsters resorted to the pole, 
and with such vigor did they heave at the obstruction above, that 
they not only removed the boards, but upset the dame, who, at the 
risk of limb and life, came tumbling to. the earth. The obdurate 
master, abandoning all hope of taking the fortress by direct 
attack, sat down before it in siege. As the girls and younger 
scholars arrived that morning, he sent them to his own cabin, where 
his wife, turning school-mistress for the occasion, kept watch and 
ward over them. The " stars fought for Sisera" that day. Nature 
asserting her claims, one by one the garrison had to go out, and 
each one became the captive of the besieging master, w ho, march- 
ing him off in triumph, left him under the charge of the madame. 
Bv the time for dismissing the school in the afternoon came around, 
every bov had been taken in, and the school was in full blast in the 
master's cabin. 

He who investigates the history of the common schools of John- 
son Count}- during the early years of its existence, cannot fail to find 
evidence of their growth in usefulness as he goes over the ground. 
The growth may not be very marked, taking one year with another, 
but the evidences of it are to be seen nevertheless.. There is an 
influx of better teachers and of better methods. Geography is in- 
troduced into the schools quite generally, and also the study of 
English grammar. In geography, Olney's and Smith's are the 
books in general use. Murray's grammar was the first, but it was 
soon superseded by Kirkham's and Smith's. New arithmetics took 
the place of the old, first Smith's, and next, Ray's, and a series of read- 
ing-books. McGuffey's Eclectic, was by degrees introduced into 
every school. A partial uniformity in text-books was attained, and 
this allowed to some extent, the organization of classes. Elsewhere, 
reference has been made made to the eclectic series of school 
books as potent factors in the advancement of the schools of the 
county. 

There was another factor deserving of mention in this connec- 
tion. In 1S37, the "Indiana Baptist Manual Labor Institute" was 
opened to students in Franklin, and, notwithstanding the fact that 
poverty hung like a cloud over the infant institution, it was so 
managed as to keep its doors open to the youth of the land in 
search of opportunity for achieving a higher education. Doubt- 
less, its work seemed of little consequence to the general run of 
people of that day, but looking back from our "coigne of vantage" 
now, we see that Johnson County reaped a rich reward from the 
infant college, even then. Numbers of young men, attending the 
institute in its early years, went forth to teach in the district schools 



384 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

of the county. They took with them not only a knowledge of the 
rudiments of the elementary English branches, but they taught in 
such a spirit of enthusiasm as to implant in the minds of their 
scholars far higher ideals of education, than had been the case be- 
fore. They did much to leaven the lump and prepare the people 
of the county for what was to follow. The people of Johnson 
County have done well by Franklin College, the lineal successor of 
the institute, since that day, but what they have done has been less 
a beneyolence than the payment of a first debt. How much is 
owing to the colleges of the country by the beneficiaries of the pub- 
lic schools, in general, we are slow to concede. But in the blessings 
brought to the people of Johnson County by the Eclectic school- 
books, and by the masters sent out by the Baptist Institute, we 
have the lesson brought home to us. The books were prepared 
and perfected by the professors who taught for their daily bread 
in the Miami University, and the old Cincinnati College. 

In this place it may be proper to refer to the old county semin- 
ary at Franklin. By an act of the legislature of February 4, 1S31, 
every county was authorized to establish a seminary in which a 
higher education than the common schools afforded, was to be 
taught. Under this law steps were taken looking to the establish- 
ment of such a seminary in Franklin. A two-story brick building 
was begun about 1840, and finished in the summer of 1S42. But 
no school of the kind contemplated by the legislature was ever es- 
tablished therein. In September, 1842, the Rev. William Sickles, 
a Presbyterian clergyman of the town, began a subscription school 
in the new seminary building, which continued for a year. After 
him, two young women, the Misses Atell and Merrill, taught for a 
brief period. Afterward, it was used by the Methodist congrega- 
tion of the town as a preaching place for a year or two, and ulti- 
mately the county sold the building, and it was turned into a private 
residence. 

In 1850, a convention was called to frame a new constitution for 
Indiana. Two college professors were members of that conven- 
tion when it assembled, one of whom was John I. Morrison, who 
represented Washington County, and who was made chairman of 
the committee on education. He had quite recently been a pro- 
fessor in the Indiana University at Bloomington, but had returned 
to his old home in Salem, where he had long been principal of the 
Washington Academy. Professor Morrison was at heart a thor- 
ough-going free school man, but he did not believe that free schools 
in Indiana could ever be successfully inaugurated, without such a 
systematic organization of all the school forces, as could only come 
from a state department of education. To that end he framed a 
resolution proyiding for the oflice of a state superintendent of edu- 



SCHOOLS. 



3»S 



cation, and presented it to his committee; but his committee 
promptly rejected it. Thereupon, with a courage worthy of all 
praise, he presented his resolution to the convention itself, which 
not only gave him a patient hearing, but approved of his proposi- 
tion and framed it into the new constitution. The office of super- 
intendent of public instruction was thus provided for, which meant 
systematic organization, equality of means and uniformity of 
methods throughout the state. It required many years to put the 
department in full command, but the fact has been accomplished. 

During the years that have come and gone since 1851, the pub- 
lic schools of Johnson County have steadily grown in usefulness 
and public favor. The public school fund has been constantly aug- 
menting; courses of study have been greatly enlarged; uniformity 
in text-books and consequent classification of pupils has become a 
fact, and schools are kept open, free to all, and within convenient 
distance to all, from not less than five to eight months in the year. 
In addition to all this, a system of township graded schools has 
been established, wherein a higher education may be had than is 
taught in district public schools. One of these is in the center of 
White River Township; one at Trafalgar, in Hensley; one at Will- 
iamsburg, in Nineveh; one at Hopewell, in Franklin, and one at 
Whiteland, in Pleasant. To these add the city schools of Franklin, 
and the Edinburg and Greenwood schools, wherein more extensive 
courses of studies are introduced and taught, and we have an edu- 
cational system in active operation in Johnson County, which is the 
pride and glory of its people. The following table, presents a view 
of the condition of the schools of the count}' at this time : 





Enumeration of 
Children, 1S88. 


No. of School- 
Houses. 


Value of School 
Property. 




682 
407 
487 

409 
408 
508 
45i 
393 
232 


1 1 
10 
10 
12 

9 
1 1 

9 
9 

7 


$7,500 
8,75° 








5,400 




Nineveh Township 

Clark Townsh ip 


S.ooo 
7,000 
9,000 








Totals 


3,977 


SS 


$69,150 






1,257 
694 

2 75 


3 

1 


$311,000 

ll.OOO 










Totals 


2 226 


5 


$54,000 
69, 150 






$i-.;,i5° 



386 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Whole number of children in the county within the school age 6,203 

Whole number of pupils enrolled in 1SS7 4.0S.S 

Whole number school-houses 93 

Total value school-houses and grounds "$123,150 



FRANKLIN COLLEGE. 

This sketch would be incomplete without some reference to 
Franklin College. Early in the history of the state, the leading 
men of the Baptist faith saw the necessity of founding a school of 
higher education, which should be under the control of their de- 
nomination. In 1834 the hrst steps were taken looking to that 
end. A meeting was held in Indianapolis, of Baptist ministers and 
laymen, and an educational society organized, the chief purpose of 
which was to " establish one or more literary or theological sem- 
inaries." At the third meeting of the society, held at Indianapolis, 
in January, 1835, the plan for a college was so far developed that 
four places were selected from which to receive bids, two in De- 
catur County, and the others at Indianapolis and Franklin. In the 
following June, the location was made at Franklin, and the " In- 
diana Baptist Manual Labor Institute," was formally established on 
paper. 

This was the age of manual labor schools. About this time 
Hanover College was staggering under a name indicative of the 
manual labor carried on in shop and held bv the youth who went 
there in quest of knowledge: and during the same period, not a 
few of the legislators of the state sought to graft upon the state 
college at Bloomington something of the same sort. The reader 
of the Senate and House journals for 1830 up to 1S40, will find 
many resolutions and reports referring to "glebes" and "farms" 
and "Fellenberg" and " Lancastrian" svstems of education in con- 
nection with the Indiana College. It was in the air, and the foun- 
ders of Franklin College could not well help beginning with a 
Manual Labor Institute. 

In 1837 a frame building was completed on the chosen site, at 
a cost of $350, and a school seems at once to have been opened 
therein by the Rev. A. R. Hinckley. In 1843, a large and com- 
modious brick building was begun, but was not completed for four 
years. It is what is known as the North Building. The year fol- 
lowing its beginning, the Manual Labor Institute, bv a legislative 
enactment, gave place to Franklin College, and soon thereafter the 
Rev. G. C. Chandler became its first president, who served as sucti 



* I am indebted to H. I). Voris, superintendent of schools of the county, for the fore- 
going figures. 



SCHOOLS. 387 

up to 1849, when he resigned, leaving the college without a presi- 
dential head, for a period of two years. These were years of 
gloom for the college and its friends. The institution was in debt, 
and liable to be sold on execution. But its friends rallied, the debt 
was paid off, and in 1852, the Rev. Silas Bail}', D. D., an able man 
and a profound scholar, was elected to the presidency, and a new 
and brighter chapter in the history of the college was entered upon. 
Within a few months after the Doctor had signified his acceptance, 
a new building, the counterpart of the one of 1S43, was projected 
and under way. Its corner stone was laid by Judge F. M. Finch, 
in the presence of the college, and a large number of the citizens of 
the town, during the spring session of 1853, and the building was 
completed in about one vear from that time. 

Like every other college in the state, Franklin knows the dis- 
advantage that comes of poverty. As early as 1842, a plan of 
raising an endowment was submitted, and man}' times since the 
plans have been put forth having the same end in view. But 
only a college man can realize how painfully slow the work of 
building up an endowment progresses. By 1853, a scholarship en- 
dowment of $60,000 was subscribed for, but for some reason the 
subscription proved of little advantage to the institution. The 
larger part of it was never collected. Dr. Bail}' continued to exer- 
cise the office of president up to 1S62, a period of ten years, when 
failing health obliged him to resign, shortly after which the college 
doors were closed. All the boys save two lame ones went to the war. 

For three years the school was abandoned. IniS67, Professors 
William Hill and Jeremiah Smith, opened a private school, which 
they continued with success, up to 1S69, when the board of trustees 
once more took possession, and the college was put on its feet. A 
corps of teachers, with the Rev. W. T. Stott as " acting president," 
was put in charge. The next year, the Rev. H. L. Wayland, 
D. D., was elected president. " Vigorous efforts were now made 
to so present the needs and importance of the college, that the Bap- 
tists of the state would raise at least $100,000. After repeated efforts, 
President Wayland became discouraged and resigned. The board 
had incurred a considerable debt in repairs, and in advancing the 
pay of instructors, and so, in the early part of 1872, the college 
property was taken to secure the debt," and further work was 
abandoned. 

This was the darkest hour in the history of the institution. The 
admirable work done under President Baily's administration had 
endeared it to the love of the young men who had been its students 
under him, as well as to the thousands of its friends throughout the 
state. 

25 



388 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

For several years the friends of the college had been hampered 
in their efforts to build it up, by a sentiment of hostility, on account 
of what was deemed its unfavorable location. In proportion as the 
peril increased, the clamor on account of location increased, and for 
a time it seemed as if the college would tro down altogether, or be 
moved to some other place. To avert the impending calamity, a 
joint stock association was organized, mainly of citizens of Johnson 
County, who promptly subscribed $51,175, and the institution was 
once more free of debt. The Rev. W. T. Stott was then elected 
president, an office he still holds, and a full faculty gathered about 
him, since which the work of education has gone on with the regu- 
larity of the seasons. 

The work of increasing the permanent endowment of the col- 
lege has slowly but surely progressed. To-dav, the productive en- 
dowment is $110,674.37; not yet productive, $30,118. Small as 
this endowment is, it is, nevertheless, large enough to be a guaran- 
tee against any such financial troubles in the future, as have over- 
taken the college in the past. The erection of a large and handsome 
new building, to which the old ones are to be the wings, has been 
commenced, and has so far progressed as to insure its enclosure the 
present year. This building will cost $40,000, which will be borne 
by voluntary contributions. A greater era of prosperity has never 
befallen the institution than the present. During the collegiate 
year just closed, the number of students in attendance was 223. 
The entire number who have received all, or the greater part of 
their education in Franklin College, is 3,000. The first graduate 
was John W. Dame, in 1847, since which ninety students have taken 
their degrees at the end of a full course of studies in Franklin Col- 
lege. 

The names of the presidents of Franklin College have already 
been given. Among the persons who have served as professors, 
we may note William Brand, Dr. John S. Hougham, John W. 
Dame, Jeremiah Brumback, Barnett Wallace, Mark Baily and 
C. E. Baily. The faculty, as now constituted, is as follows: Rev. 
William T. Stott, D. D., president, and professor of mental and 
moral philosophy: Rev. Columbus H. Hall, B. D., vice president, 
and professor of Greek language and literature; Miss Rebecca J. 
Thompson, A. M., professor of mathematics, pure and applied; 
Rev. Arthur B. Chaffee, A. M., professor of chemistrv and physics; 
David A. Owen, A. M., professor of geology and botany; John W. 
Moncrief, A. M., professor of history; Francis W. Brown, A. M., 
Ph. D., professor of Latin language and literature; J. D. Bruner, 
instructor in modern languages; Mrs. Arabella R. Stott, instructor 
in painting and drawing: James M. Dungan, instructor in music, in- 
strumental and vocal; Miss Lucia May Wiant, instructor in elocution.. 



BENCH AND BAR. 



J8 9 



CHAPTER V. 



BY D. D. r.ANI'A. 



Bench and Bar — Circuit Court — Its Judges and Officers 
— First Sessions — Early Cases — Probate Court — ■ 
Courts Under the New Constitution — Common Pleas — 
Fluctuation of Litigation — Circuit Judges and Prose- 
cuting Attorneys — Early Attorneys. 




ORIGINALLY it was provided that the circuit court 
of Johnson County should be held at the house of 
John Smiley, " or at any other place the said court shall 
adjourn to, until suitable accommodations can be provided 
at the permanent seat of justice of said county." The 
county was attached to the fifth judicial circuit, or as it 
was popularly known, to the " New Purchase " circuit, 
and was given two terms of court a year — a spring term 
and a fall term. Three judges were provided for by constitutional 
enactment, viz. : a president judge, who was elected by the Gen- 
eral Assembly of the state, and two associate judges, who were 
elected by the popular vote of the people of the county in which 
they served. 

The necessity for associate judges sprung out of a feeling of 
jealousy existing in the pioneer mind of professional men. It was 
not enough to have a jury of twelve men selected from the vicinage, 
to which all issues of fact could be submitted, but there must needs 
be two laymen, selected by popular vote from the same vicinage, 
who were to occupy a seat along with the president judge, and 
having the power to overrule him on all questions of both law and 
fact — a power that was occasionally exercised. In the absence of 
the president judge, the associates were clothed with all the powers 
appertaining to a circuit court. They could make up issues, try 
civil and criminal causes, grant restraining orders and hear writs of 
habeas corpus. The system continued up to #?ie adoption of the 
present state constitution in 1S51. 

At the time Johnson Count}' was made a part of the fifth 
judicial circuit, William W. Wick was the president judge. He 
had been commissioned for a term of seven years, on the 2nd day 
of January, 1S22, then being in his twenty-eighth year. Judge 
Wick was a man of marked ability, and was for a long time identi- 



39O JOHNSON COUNTY. 

fied with the people of Johnson County. He was born in western 
Pennsylvania, and studied law in the office of the Hon. Thomas 
Corwin, at Lebanon, Ohio. In 1S20, he moved to Connersville, 
where he was living at the time of his elevation to the bench, not 
long after which he moved to Indianapolis, where he continued to 
reside up to 1S65, when he moved to Franklin, living the remain- 
der of his days with his daughter, Mrs. Laura Overstreet. He 
died in 1S79, and all that is mortal of him lies in the Franklin 
Cemetery, without a stone to mark his resting place. During his 
somewhat busy life, he served ten years on the circuit bench, four 
years as secretary of state, and rive years in Congress. 

At the first election held in the county, Israel Watts, of the 
Blue River settlement, and Daniel Boaz, of the White River, were 
chosen without opposition, as far as now known, associate judges. 
Of the former, but little is known. He had the misfortune to 
live in a community where no one has ever cared to perpetuate, in 
writing, the memory of its pioneer citizens, a misfortune in which a 
large majority of the Indiana pioneers have shared. The most we 
can say of Israel Watts is, he was an uncultured and honest man. and 
was thought well of by the public he so long served in a minor 
judicial capacity. He could barely write his name, as the records 
show, but he was considered a man of excellent judgment. He 
served seven years associate judge, after which he was elected 
to the probate bench, and served seven years thereon. We know 
more of Judge Boaz. His neighbor, Judge Hardin, thus writes of 
him : " He was a fine specimen of the old Virginia gentleman, and 
of unbending dignity. He was affable, polite and kind, and was 
highly useful in imparting knowledge to his neighbors, of legal 
matters, and in their distress, when sick, and no doctor could be 
procured, in advising and contributing medicine for their relief." 

On Thursday, the 16th day of October, 1823, the first term of 
the Johnson circuit court was begun at the house of John Smiley. 
All the judges were present, and Samuel Herriott, clerk of the 
court, and John Smiley, sheriff. John'Smilev lived in a two-roomed 
cabin, in one of which the court was convened, and in the other of 
which the grand jury held its sessions. James Dulanev, Daniel B. 
AVick and Calvin Fletcher, appeared as attorneys, and were duly 
sworn as such. The sheriff produced the following ' L good and 
lawful men and discreet householders " who served as grand jurors, 
viz. : John Israel, foreman, William Barnett, Thomas Doan. John 
Darter, George King, Jonathan Palmer, John White, John A. Mow, 
Joab Woodruff, William Fester, John Jacobs, John A. Miller, 
Simon Shaffer, Jefferson D. Jones and John Frazier. Daniel B. 
Wick, a younger brother of the judge, was appointed to prosecute 



BENCH AND BAR. 39 1 

the pleas of the state. In the room in which the grand jury met, 
Mrs. Smile\ lay sick. The prosecutor carried in his pocket a flask 
of ardent spirits, from which the sick woman was invited by the 
prosecutor to drink. After her declination, the bottle was gener- 
ally handed to the grand jurymen, most, or all, of whom were less 
scrupulous than the sick woman. 

It was remembered that a large per cent, of the male popula- 
tion of the county attended that first term of the Johnson circuit 
court. Most of them came on foot, carrying rifles, and wearing 
leather breeches. All gave the closest attention to the legal proceed- 
ings, which, however, were of short duration, leaving considerable 
time for shooting at a mark, a pastime in which the yeomenry of 
that day, loved to engage. When the dinner hour had arrived, 
judges, lawyers, jurymen and spectators were invited to eat of the 
dinner which had been prepared for the purpose. The mistress of 
the house being sick, Mrs. Nancv Rutherford, a near neighbor, 
volunteered to bake the cornbread and roast the venison and wild 
turkevs that made the principal part of the feast. 

One civil case was on the docket when court was called the 
morning of that first dav, entitled: "Henry Hines, assignee of 
William II. Eads and Thomas C. Eads, partners, trading and doing- 
business under the firm of William H. Eads & Co., vs. William 
Hunt, " in which a judgment was rendered on default in the sum of 
$33-54- The grand jury returned indictments charging assault and 
battery against William Burkhart and Martin Cutsinger, and one 
against David Burkhart and Richard Berry, on charge of an affray. 
All of these breaches of the peace occurred at the time of the first 
election, held at the home of Hezekiah Davison, in the March be- 
fore. Amos Durbin filed a petition for a change in a highway, 
after which, an allowance of 75 cents was made to each of the grand 
jurymen, and of $2 to each of the associate judges, and then the 
court adjourned until the next term, to meet at the house of George 
King. 

On the first Monday in March, 1824, the court convened at the 
place appointed, with the same officers as at first. George King's 
wheelwright shop having been put in order, was made the court 
room. Gabriel Johnson, Philip Sweetzer, Edgar C. Wilson and 
Hiram Brown were admitted to practice at the Johnson County 
bar. The following named persons were sworn as grand jurors, 
to wit: Isaac Davison, Hezekiah Davison, David Webb, Andrew 
Pierce, Jacob Groseclose, Robert Gilcrees, William Burkhart, 
George W. Blankenship, John Adams, Si\, Jesse Davison, Ab- 
raham Lowe, Lewis Pritchard, John Hamner, John Campbell 
and Patrick Cowan — fifteen good and true men ; and Abraham 



39 2 



JOHNSON" COUNTY. 



Lowe was made the foreman. On the case of the State vs. David 
Burkhart and Richard Berry, who were indicted at the former 
term of court, for an affray, being called, the first named on being 
arraigned plead not guilty, and demanded a jury. The following 
persons were called and sworn to " well and truly " try the case, 
viz.: Zachariah Sparks. David McCaslin, William Etter, Willis S. 
Mills, Michael Brown, Permenter Mullenix, Abraham Sells, Spen- 
cer Barnett, Philip Moore, Philip W. Robinson and William Ruth- 
erford. After hearing the evidence and the argument of counsel, 
they found the defendant guilty, and assessed his fine at one cent. 
An alias writ was issued for his partner in crime — Richard Berry. 
An indictment for an assault and battery was found against John 
Doty, of White River. He and Permenter Mullenix, at the elec- 
tion, in March, 1823, had a light about their candidates for clerk, 
and doubtless, this indictment arose out of that trouble. Timothy 
S. Goodman obtained a judgment against William Hunt, in assump- 
sit, for $85.92. An appeal from Justice McDonald's docket, of a 
case entitled, " State of Indiana vs. William Quin," was dismissed 
by " Wick for the State." Curtis Pritchard and Isabella, his wife, 
acknowledged the execution of a deed, to lands in Kentucky, be- 
fore the court, which was made a matter of record. The bond 
of James Thompson, guardian of Alfred Thompson, Jennette A. 
Thompson, Alexander B. Thompson and Gelia D. Thompson, with 
William R. Hensley and Ann Thompson, as sureties, was approved. 
William Smiley was allowed 75 cents for all day's services as 
sheriff. John Smiley, sheriff, $25 for "extra services," Samuel 
Herriot, clerk, and Daniel B. Wick, prosecuting attorney, each the 
same. The term began and ended on the same dav, during which 
the presiding judge found time to lay down on King's work-bench 
and " shake with the ague." The following September ( 1S24), the 
court convened again, at the house of George King, but immedi- 
ately the following entry was ordered bv the judges: '-The court 
being satisfied that a more convenient house for the holding of the 
court can be had in the Town of Franklin, the seat of justice for 
said county, now adjourns, to meet at that house instanter." 

The "convenient house" referred to was the first court house 
erected in the county. It stood on lot 22, and was built during the 
summer of 1S24. by William Shaffer, the county recorder, who 
was by occupation a house joiner. Thomas Williams, who was the 
owner of the only yoke of oxen then in the new town, drew the 
logs to the building site for Si. The house was in keeping 
with the poverty of the county. It was two stories high, was built 
of hewed logs, and a broad wooden outside and south side stairs 
led from the ground up to the second floor, which was the court 



BENCH AND BAR. 393 

room. This was furnished with a table, "two sphnt-bottomed 
chairs, one for the judge and one for the clerk," with wooden 
benches without backs, for the accommodation of associate judges, 
lawyers, jurymen, litigants and spectators. 

Harvey Gregg, producing his commission as prosecuting attor- 
ney for the fifth judicial circuit, was duly affirmed by Judge Wick. 
Michael G. Bright was admitted to practice at the Johnson County 
bar. The business of the court had so increased that it required 
two days to dispose of it. Nine state causes claimed the attention 
of the court, three of which were recognizances for surety of 
the peace. One was against Andrew Pierce with John Rowe as 
complaining witness, who, says the record, being duly sworn saith, 
"That he is not as fearful of bodily injury from the said Andrew 
as when he first complained against him, but that he is still afraid 
he, the said Andrew, will do him some bodily injury, and that he is 
afraid to trust him"; and the said Andrew was thereupon required 
to give surety that he would keep the peace toward all men, and 
"more especially toward the said John Rowe." 

In the log court house, the circuit courts continued to assemble 
every spring and fall, up to 1831, when a new brick structure was 
erected in the public square at a cost of $1,176.50. On the 18th 
of May, 1S49, this building was consumed by fire, after which 
another brick house was built on its site at a cost of $10,684. O n 
the 1 2th of December, 1S74, this in turn, was consumed by fire. 
Thereupon, the county commissioners caused a frame building to 
be erected south of the square, which served the purpose till a new 
one, begun in 1879, cou ld be completed. This imposing structure 
was erected at the contract price of $79j io °- From what has been 
written, it will be perceived that the circuit court, as originally con- 
stituted in this state, was a court of very general jurisdiction. In 
1S30, a probate court was established, and Israel Watts was elected 
and served as probate judge of the county up to 1837. For a 
period of more than twenty years the two courts retained then- 
respective jurisdictions without any material change. 

With the adoption of the new constitution in 1851, the old judi- 
cial system gave way, and with it ended the first period of the 
county's judicial history. The names of those who have held the 
office of circuit judge in the Johnson circuit court will be given 
hereafter. The following are the names of those who served as 
associate judges, viz. : Israel Watts, 1823 to 1830; Daniel Boaz, 
1823 to 1837; William Keaton, 1830 to 1S35; James R. Alexan- 
der, 1835 to 1843; Robert Moore, 1837 to 1^44; James Fletcher, 
1843 to 1S45; John R. Carver, 1844 to 1851; John Wilson, 1845 
to 1851. The following persons filled the office of probate judge: 



394 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Israel Watts, 1S30 to 1837; John Smiley, 1837 to 1844; Bartholo- 
mew Applegate, 1844 to 1851; Peter Voris, 1851 to 1852. 

The new constitution kept the circuit court on toot with its two 
terms a year. The office of associate judge was abolished, and 
the probate court also gave way for a new court — the common 
pleas. All the weightier matters of the law were left to the juris- 
diction of the circuit court, but the General Assembly having been 
empowered by the constitution to create courts of inferior jurisdic- 
tion to the circuit court, in 1853 the common pleas court was legis- 
lated into existence. It was intended to be a court of convenience. 
Four terms a year were provided for, and it was given exclusive 
jurisdiction in all probate matters, and concurrent jurisdiction with 
the circuit court in misdemeanor cases, and in inferior civil causes. 
Johnson County constituted one district, and Franklin Hardin was 
elected the first judge, and served as such to i860. Judge Hardin, 
in his younger days, had studied law, but had no experience as a. 
practitioner. He had, however, a valuable experience as a legisla- 
tor, and had served as a delegate in the constitutional convention. 
He had a fine natural ability, was a diligent student, a painstaking 
judge, and under his administration the Johnson common pleas at- 
tained a degree of popularity that clung to it as long as it had an 
existence. 

The conditions that led to the final overthrow of the common 
pleas court arose mainly out of the legislation of the state. In 
i860, the districts were greatly enlarged. Johnson, Shelby, Brown, 
Morgan and Monroe counties were being joined in one circuit. 
Similar changes were made with all the counties, which, at once, de- 
prived the court of its most popular features, viz. : that of being a 
county court. The judges, instead of being taken from the ranks 
of neighbors, came, ifi a great measure, from the ranks of strangers. 
Originally, the jurisdiction of the circuit and common pleas was 
separate and distinct, but act after act was passed extending the 
jurisdiction of the common pleas, until the partition wall was fairly 
broken down. There came a time when this could be truthfully 
written. " The circuit court has jurisdiction of all felonies and 
misdemeanors; the common pleas of all misdemeanors, and under 
certain circumstances, of felonies. The circuit court has exclus- 
ive jurisdiction of all cases where the title to real estate comes di- 
rectly in issue, but the common pleas may try causes where the 
title comes collaterally in issue. The circuit court has exclusive 
jurisdiction in actions for slander and libel, for injuries to the per- 
son, and for breach of promise; the common pleas in all probate 
matters. In the wide domain of causes arising out of contract, 
comprising nine-tenths of the matters litigated in our courts, their 



BENCH AND BAR. 



395 



jurisdiction is concurrent, and from them an appeal may go directly 
to the court of last resort." 

The anomalous spectacle was presented of two courts, each 
having its own judge and prosecutor, with substantially the same 
jurisdiction, administering justice in the same county. The com- 
mon pleas districts were laid off without reference to the circuits, 
and in many places, as soon as the term of one court expired, the 
other was ready to begin. A few instances occurred where the 
laws authorized both courts to be in session at the same time. 

In 1iS7.11 an ac t was passed abolishing the common pleas, and 
giving to the circuit court jurisdiction of all causes theretofore 
belonging to both courts, and providing for four terms a year in 
each count)'. The following persons held the office of common 
pleas judge in the Johnson district, with their terms of service 
annexed to their names, viz.: Franklin Hardin, 1853 to i860; 
George A. Buskirk, i860 to 1864; Oliver J. Glessner, 1864 to 
1868; Thomas W. Woollen, 1868 to 1870, resigned before term 
expired; Richard Coffev, 1S70 to 1873. Judge Buskirk was a 
resident of Monroe Count)-, Judge Glessner of Morgan, and Judge 
Coffey of Brown. Judges Hardin and Woollen were of Johnson 
County. From the organization of the county up to 1869, it had 
been attached to the Indianapolis circuit, but a new circuit was 
established in that year, consisting of Johnson, Shelby, Barthol- 
omew and Brown counties, and in 1S73, when the act abolishing 
the common pleas was passed, Johnson and Shelby counties were 
organized into a circuit, which arrangement is still in existence. 

Comparison of Business. — An inspection of the records of the 
circuit and common pleas courts discloses some interesting facts 
relating to the legal business of the county. From the organiza- 
tion of the common pleas court up to and including i860, the cases 
on the docket of the early spring terms, varied from fortv-one to 
sixty-three, the highest number being in 1856. During the same 
time in the circuit court the number of cases on the docket at the 
spring terms varied from fifty to seventy-nine, the highest number 
being reached in 1858. During the war period, the cases on docket 
at the spring terms ran from eighty-three in 1861, down to twenty- 
five in 1863, and twenty-two in 1S64. In the common pleas court 
there was little change, the average during that period being about 
sixty causes. In 1872, the number of causes at the March term of 
the circuit court reached 104, the first time in the history of the 
court the 100th was passed. At the following September term 
the number reached 121. There was a corresponding increase 
on the common pleas docket. Legal business was on the increase, 
not only in Johnson County, but in every other county in the state, 



39 6 



JOHNSON COUNTY, 



and in truth, everywhere in the west. Beginning with 1870, and 
continuing for a period of thirteen years, was an unprecedented 
era of litigation throughout the country. 

The first term of the circuit court after the abolition of the 
common pleas, in April, 1873, at which term the cases left over at the 
final term of the common pleas, were transferred to the circuit court 
docket, bringing the whole number of causes on its docket up to 
177. The following table shows the number of civil causes on 
docket at each term, from and including the year 1874, U P t0 anc ^ m " 
eluding the year 1887 (with the exception of the year 1878, the 
court docket for which year, not being found). Only three terms 
of the court were held in 1873, hence the exclusion of that year: 





February Term. 


April Term. 


Sept. Term. 


Nov. Term. 


Total. 


IS74 


200 
156 
204 
214 
136 
98 
92 

133 

92 
1 11 
100 
104 
"3 


173 
155 
204 
220 
132 
9+ 
no 

79 
64 
106 
11S 
"5 
99 
80 


180 
165 
264 
256 
i5 J 
7° 
140 

i°3 
128 
141 

145 
144 
116 


126 

175 
204 
146 
108 
90 
102 

94 
116 

131 
120 
112 


679 

65. 
S76 




1876 


1S77 .. 


S36 
528 
352 
444 
409 
400 
489 
483 


187a 


1SS0 


1SS1 

1882 


1SS1 


1SS4 


1885 


1S86 


475 


ISS7 


I8SS 

















The criminal causes are excluded from this showing, but it is 
believed that there has been during the past ten years, as great 
a falling off in the criminal business of the court as in the 
civil, if not a greater. A confirmation of the facts as shown by the 
term dockets, appears in the number of pages of records made 
each year by the clerks. The record contains a history of the 
work done, and a comparison of the total number of pages of 
record made each year, proves the same facts that are proved by the 
dockets of cases filed. In 1876 the court reached high water 
mark, the total number of causes for that year being 876, which was 
157 more than ever reached before in one year, and forty more 
than ever reached since. An inspection of the table will show that 
for the two years preceding 1876, the number of causes greatly 
exceeded the highest number reached in any succeeding year, 
save in 1S77, and that the business of the court has diminished, 
until it is but little more than half what it was in the two flush 



BENCH AND BAR. 



397 



years. In 1SS2 and in 1883 it was considerably less than half what 
it was in 1876 and 1877. 

The increase of legal business in Johnson Count}' dates from a 
period following close upon the heels of the war. Many causes 
combined to this end, two of which may be named. It was at 
this time that the gravel roads of the county began to be built. 
The early legislation under which the work was begun was exceed- 
ingly crude. The laws were ambiguous and uncertain, and out of 
this sprung litigation. Even after, by successive legislative acts, the - 
gravel road laws had been reduced to a somewhat orderly system, 
the litigation continued because of the magnitude of the interests 
concerned. Gravel road construction proved expensive, and men 
in general refused to pay assessments until their legality was estab- 
lished by the courts. As a consequence, beginning with 1869 and 
continuing up to 1875, the court of the county was crowded with a 
class of business hard to manage by reason of the man}' novel ques- 
tions arising, but profitable to the lawyers engaged in it. 

Another potent cause of the increase of business during the 
same period, came as a legacy from the war. The inflated condi- 
tion of the currency following its close, brought about a period of 
wild and reckless extravagance. The courts reaped the rewards. 
The efforts of creditors to secure their debts, and of debtors to es- 
cape payment, helped to swell the dockets. To adjust the al- 
most infinite variety of business complications, arising out of the 
disturbed condition of the monetary affairs of the people, occupied a 
period of not less than twelve years, from 1865 to 1877. 

The following table shows the names of the persons who have 
held the office of circuit judge in Johnson County, their places of 
residence, and the time during which they held office: 



William W. Wick, Indianapolis 1S59 

Fabius M. Finch, Franklin 1859-1865 

John Coburn, Indianapolis 1S05-1S66 

Cyrus C. Hines, Indianapolis 1866-1S69 

Samuel P. Oyler, Franklin 1869-1870 

DavidD. Banta, Franklin 1S70-1876 

Kendall M. Hord, Shelbyville 1876-1888 



William W. Wick, Indianapolis. .. I S23-1S25 
Bethuel F. Morris, Indiannapolis. 1825-1S34 
William W. Wick, Indianapolis. .. 1834-1840 

James Morrison, Indianapolis 1S40-1842 

Fabius M. Finch, Franklin 1842-1843 

William J. Peaslee, Indianapolis.. 1843— 1850 
William W. Wick, Indianapolis. .. 1850-1852 
Stephen Major, Indianapolis 1852-1859 

The following have filled the office of prosecuting attorney up 
to the present time, to-wit: Daniel B. Wick, 1823; Harvey Gregg, 
1824; Calvin Fletcher, 1S25; James Whitcomb, 1826; William W. 
Wick, 1S29; Hiram Brown, 1831; James Gregg, 1832; William 
Ilerrod, 1834; William Quarles, 1838; William J. Peaslee, 1S40; 
Hugh O. Neal, 1841; H. H. Barbour, 1843; Abram Hammond, 
1S44; Edward Lander, 1S4S; John Ketchum, i8.jS : David Wal- 
lace, 1848; Gabriel M. Overstreet, 1S49; David S. Gooding, 1851; 



398 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Reuben S. Riley, 1853; D. W. Chipman, 1855; Peter S. Ken- 
nedy, 1857; William P. Fishback, 1863: William W. Leathers, 
186^; Joseph S. Miller, 1867; Daniel W. Howe, 1869: Nathaniel 
T. Carr, 1870; John Morgan, 1871; K. M. Hord, 1872: W. S. 
Rav, 1874; Leonard J. Hackney, 187S; Jacob L. White, 18S0; 
Frederick Staff, 18S2; Peter M. Dill, 1S86. 

Up to, and including the incumbency of David Wallace in 
1848, all were residents of Indianapolis, save William Herrod, 
who lived in Columbus. Of the others, Gooding and Riley 
lived in Greenfield; Chipman, Fishback and Leathers lived in In- 
dianapolis; Kennedy, and Miller in Danville; Carr and Morgan, in 
Columbus; Hood, Ray, and Hackney, in Shelby ville, and Over- 
street, Howe, White, Staff and Dill were residents of Franklin, 
where all vet reside, save D. W. Howe, who moved to Indianapolis 
shortly after the close of his term, where he has made an enviable 
reputation as a judge of the Marion supreme court. 

The first lawyer to settle permanently in Franklin was Fabius 
M. Finch, who after a thirty years' residence in the town and prac- 
tice at the bar, moved to Indianapolis, where he still resides. In 
1833, Gilderov Hicks moved to the town, and opened a law office 
and practiced with a good degree of success up to about 1857? 
when he retired on account of failing health, and shortly after died. 
About 1847, John Slater, a Canadian, began the practice, and con- 
tinued up to 1S56, when he left the country, and subsequently died 
in Tennessee. The same year of Slater's admission to the bar, 
Gabriel M. Overstreet was admitted, and in the year following, 
Anderson B. Hunter. On the 21st of February, of the year following 
(1S49), these two young lawyers formed a partnership, which is 
still unbroken, and has the merit of being the oldest partnership in 
the practice of law in the state. In 1851, Samuel P. Oyler began 
the practice, and is still at the bar. In 1856, Richard M. Kelly 
settled at Edinburg, where he opened an office and continued in the 
active practice at the Franklin bar up to 1878, at which time he 
died. Others came during this early period of the history of the 
Franklin bar, but none remained in the practice beyond a few 
years. Of these were, Duane Hicks, son of Gilderoy, who died 
ere he reached the prime of life; Joseph Thompson, who, after a 
short struggle, moved to Macomb, in Illinois, where he yet lives; 
H. H. Hatch and Joseph King, both of whom settled at Edinburg, 
but soon moved to the west, and Jonathan H. Williams, who was 
killed early in the war in a Shenandoah Valley battle. 



BLUE RIVER TOWNSHIP. 399 



BLUE RIVER SKETCHES. 



William L. Applegate, one of the substantial farmers and 
stock-raisers of Blue River and Nineveh townships, was born in 
Johnson County, Ind., on the 15th day of April, 1833. He is the 
third son and sixth child of Bartholomew and Elizabeth (Drake) 
Applegate, natives respectively of New Jersey and Pennsylvania. 
The father emigrated to Warren County, Ohio, in an early da} - , 
was married there, and later, went back to New Jersey and became 
captain of a sailing vessel. In 1821, he made a tour through Indi- 
ana for the purpose of purchasing land, and being pleased with the 
country in what is now Johnson County, entered 160 acres in the 
present townships of Nineveh and Blue River. To this land he 
moved his family in 1832, and for some years thereafter, lived the 
life of a pioneer, enduring all the hardships incident to life in a new 
and undeveloped country. He served as probate judge in an early 
day, and died in 1854, aged sixty-one years. Mrs. Applegate sur- 
vived her husband twentv-eight years, ctving in 1882, aged eighty- 
one. They were the parents of thirteen children, eleven of whom 
grew to manhood and womanhood, seven now living. William L. 
Applegate grew to manhood in Johnson County, and early became 
acquainted with the rugged duties of farm life. His early educa- 
tional training was somewhat limited, and for some years he man- 
aged the home farm, looking after his mother's interests. At the 
age of thirty-six, on Christmas day, 1S68, he married Miss Katie 
G. Irons, daughter of Garrett and Mary Ann (Giberson) Irons, of 
New Jersey, a union blessed with the birth of two children, viz. : 
Frederick T. and Bart I. Mrs. Applegate died in 1872. Subse- 
quently, Mr. Applegate married Miss Annie M. Irons, sister of his 
former wife, by whom he has had two children, viz. : Bennie and 
John B. Mr. Applegate owns a well improved farm of 150 acres 
in Nineveh and Blue River townships, the line between the two run- 
ning through the place. He is an exemplary citizen, a republican 
in politics, and an active member of the Odd Fellows. 

Henry C. Bailey, cashier John A. Thompson's Bank, Edin- 
burg, was born in Shelby County, Ind., September 21, 1854, 
and is a son of Julius M. and Eveline (Thornberry) Bailey. His 
parents were both natives of Indiana. The father, for a number of 
years, was identified with the mercantile interests of Freeport, 
Ind., and later followed merchandising in Indianapolis. He was 
a man of character, high social standing, and for many years an 
active member of the Christian Church. Henry C. Bailey was 
reared and educated in his native town and Indianapolis. On 



400 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

quitting school he accepted a clerical position in the office of the 
Marion County circuit court, and later engaged with the Brad- 
street Commercial Agency, with which he was identified for a 
period of ten years. In 1S87 he became assistant cashier in the 
banking house of John A. Thompson, Edinburg, the duties of 
which position he is still discharging. Mr. Bailey possesses supe- 
rior clerical abilities, and in his various positions earned the repu- 
tation of a safe and painstaking business man. May 4, 1884, he 
was united in marriage with Miss Susan Thompson, the accom- 
plished daughter of John A. Thompson, of Edinburg, a lady 
favorably known for her rare attainments and amiable traits 
of character. They have two children, to-wit: Lillian and Mary E. 

Charles Bay was born in Montgomery County, Ky., March 
6, 1819, and is the only son of Joseph and Judith (Epper- 
son) Bay, natives respectively of Pennsylvania and Tennessee. 
Until fifteen years of age he resided in his native state, but in 1834 
accompanied his father to Johnson County, Ind., where he has since 
resided. The father died in 1837, while on a visit to Kentucky, 
and the mother departed this life in Johnson County, in the year 
1851. The}' were, the parents of four children, two of whom are 
living, to-wit: the subject of this sketch, and Mrs. Nancy Jones, of 
Illinois. Mr. Bay early chose agriculture for a life work, and has 
always pursued that calling. He owns a fine farm of 145 acres, in 
the western part of Blue River Township, and is one of the suc- 
cessful farmers and leading citizens of his community. Mr. Bay 
has been three times married : first, to Miss Alice Watts, who died 
in 1850. The children of this marriage were three in number, two 
now living, viz.: Joseph R. and Israel. Mr. Bay's second wife was 
Keturah Chenoweth, who died in 1855, leaving one child, a daugh- 
ter, Mary A. The third marriage was solemnized with Mrs. Har- 
riett F. DeHart, who has borne five children, two of whom are now 
living, Laura and Joseph N. Bay. 

George M. Bishop, son of Valentine and Mary E. (Horine) 
Bishop, was born in Mercer County, Ky., on the 1st day of Janu- 
ary, 1821. His father was a soldier in the Canadian War, and 
died in Kentucky, at the age of forty-five years. The mother died 
later, aged fifty-eight years. The subject remained in his native 
county until his twenty-fifth year, and then went to LaRue County, 
and engaged in blacksmithing at the town of Buffalo, where he 
followed his trade for some time. In 1876, he came to Indiana, 
and for two vears thereafter, followed farming in Johnson Count}', 
moving at the end of that time to Bartholomew Count}', and later, to 
Shelbv County, where he resided until his removal to Edinburg in 1884 
or 1S85. Although having moved a number of times, Mr. Bishop has 



BLUE RIVER TOWNSHIP. 



4OI 



been successful in a business point of view, the fruits of his indus- 
try and labors, being represented at this time by valuable real es- 
tate in Edinburg, besides other property of a personal kind. 
While a resident of LaRue County, Ky., Air. Bishop was elected 
coroner, the only official position he has ever held, or desired to 
hold, being much averse to political notoriety. He married in 
LaRue County, June 4, 1846, Miss Catherine A. Dye, of Ken- 
tuck}-, who has borne him eleven children, the following of whom 
are living: John W., Mary J., Louisa F., Sarah B., Melissa E., 
George F., William E., Charles E., and Virdie T. 

Alexander Breeding (deceased) was a member of one of the 
early pioneer families of this part of Indiana. He was born in the 
town of Columbiana, Adair County, Ky., on the 9th day of 
November, 1823. His parents were David and Mary (Hendrick- 
son) Breeding, the former of Scotch, and the latter of Irish, descent. 
In 1S28, when the subject was but five years of age, the family 
immigrated to Indiana and settled in Bartholomew Count)', thence 
later to Johnson Countv, where Alexander grew to maturity. 
Reared amid the stirring scenes of pioneer times, Mr. Breeding's 
early life was a constant series of toil and hardships, but the ex- 
perience gained thereby enabled him to overcome successfully 
many obstacles which would have discouraged men of less spirit 
and determination. His chief occupation for one year was hauling 
whisk)' to the city of Madison, and he also made trips by flat- 
boat down the river. Later he began farming in Blue River Town- 
ship, Johnson County, a business be followed until his death, and 
by means of which he accumulated a large and valuable propertv. 
He became a prominent stock-raiser, a business which also proved 
financially profitable, his large stock-farm in Blue River being at 
this time worth over $100 per acre. As a public-spirited man he 
is fully alive to the material and moral interests of the community. 
Mr. Breeding occupied a conspicuous place among his fellow- 
citizens of Blue River Township. He was married December 12, 
1843, to Rebecca Ann Thompson, by whom he had eleven child- 
ren, three of whom are living, viz. : William H., Effie L., wife of 
William M. Perry, and Frank A. Mrs. Breeding dying, Mr. Breed- 
ing subsequent]} married Miss Mattie J.Kerr, who now lives with her 
uncle, Thomas Kerr. Mr. Breeding was a republican in politics, 
and an active member of the Christian Church. I [is death 
occurred on the 12th day of August, 1887. 

John Brockman (deceased), the subject of this sketch, was 
a native of Shelby County, Ind., born on the 21st day of June, 
[828. He was raised a farmer, and earl}' began working at that use- 
ful occupation, which he followed successfully all his life. July 12, 



402 JOHNSON" COUNTY. 

1 86 1, he married Miss Mary Beeson, whose father, Isaac Beeson, 
was born in North Carolina, in the year 1S01. Mr. Beeson came to 
Indiana many years ago, and was a leading farmer of Blue River 
Township, where his death occurred March 29, 1S84. He had a 
family of nine children, two of whom fell in defence of the old flag 
in the late Civil War. Mrs. Beeson died in the year 1871. For 
several years after his marriage Mr. Brockman lived with his father- 
in-law. and in 1884 erected a beautiful residence, which was his 
home for a little less than two years. He met his death under the 
following painful circumstances: "One Friday afternoon he took 
his gun for the purpose of shooting a hawk, but failing in this, 
started to go out where his dogs were chasing a rabbit. In the 
act of climbing a fence near the house, the gun by some means was 
discharged, the shot taking effect in his body, severing an artery 
near the heart." Mrs. Brockman seeing him fall, ran to his assist- 
ance, and reached him in time to see him expire. He died in her 
arms without a sign of recognition. His funeral was largely at- 
tended, and the sermon on the occasion, preached by Rev. Mr. 
Turner, of Edinburg, was a glowing and eloquent tribute to a 
loving husband and father, and a deserved enconium to his worth 
as an honorable citizen and respected neighbor. At the time of his 
death Mr. Brockman was fifty-eight years and six months old. Mr. 
and Mrs. Brockman raised a family of five children, namely : 
Vinson, Ulysses, Isaac, Annie and Charles, all of whom are living 
with their mother on the home farm in Blue River Township. 

W. T. Brockman. — Eandav Brockman, father of the subject 
of this sketch, was a native of Virginia, and grew to manhood in 
Kentucky, having been taken to the latter state when but four 
years old. He married in Kentucky, Martha Shipp, and later 
moved to Shelby County, Ind., settling in the woods, and for some 
years lived the rugged life of the pioneer. He was one of the 
earl}- settlers of Shelby, and at the time of his arrival his nearest 
neighbors were the Indians, with whom he appears to have been 
upon terms of the greatest friendship. He made a valuable farm, 
and became a leading citizen of the community in which he resided. 
Mrs. Brockman died at the age of sixty-four; she was the mother 
of twelve children, seven of whom are now living. Until within a 
year of his death. Mr. Brockman lived on his home place, consist- 
ing of 320 acres of land, but later moved to Edinburg, and died in 
that town at the advanced age of seventy-two. He was an active 
member of the Methodist Protestant Church, a great temperance 
worker, and in early life supported the principles of the whig 
party. W.. T. Brockman was born and reared in Shelby County, 
and early chose the farmer's vocation for his life work. His educa- 



BLUE RIVER TOWNSHIP. 4O3 

tional training was confined to a few months' attendance each year 
in the common schools, but by observation he has since become the 
possessor of a fund of valuable practical knowledge. December 
22, 1852, he married Martha, daughter of William and Phoebe 
(Coons) Lewis, of Shelby Count)-, the parents natives of Vir- 
ginia. Shortly alter his marriage, Mr. Brockman purchased his 
present farm in Johnson County, which lies in sight of the old 
home place, where the years of his youth and early manhood 
were passed. lie now owns one of the most valuable and attract- 
i\ e farms in Blue River Township, and is justly considered one of 
the leading citizens of the community in which he resides. Mr. 
and Mrs. Brockman are the parents of six children, four living, viz. : 
Sarah C, Mary J., Landay and Clara E. The deceased children 
are: Ella O. and Maggie. Mr. Brockman is a republican in poli- 
tics, and with his wife belongs to the Methodist Protestant Church. 
C. L. Clancy, the gentleman whose sketch is herewith pre- 
sented, is a native of Jefferson County, Ohio, born in the town of 
La Grange, on the 3d day of May, 1851. He is a son of William 
Clancy, who was at one time, a leading hotel man of La Grange, 
and who died when C. L. was quite young. The children of the 
family, four in number, after the parents' death, were kindly cared 
for bv relatives, the subject falling under the especial care of an 
uncle, Charles Clancy, with whom he made his home until his 
fourteenth year. At that early age, with the spirit that animated 
the patriotic young men throughout the entire north during the 
trying years of the nation's peril, he offered his services to his 
country, enlisting in the One Hundred and Seventh-fourth Ohio 
Volunteer Infantry, with which he served for one year. During 
his period of service he was with his regiment in thirteen battles, 
thus winning a record of which older soldiers might be proud. On 
quitting the arm} - he engaged in the harness business at Carding- 
ton, Ohio, and four years later located at the town of Chesterville, 
that state, where he was similarly engaged for two years. He af- 
terward abandoned the business and accepted an agencv to sell 
washing machines in Indiana, and in 1871, came to Johnson County, 
where the following year he engaged in the livery business in the 
city of Edinburg, which he continued several years. He then 
abandoned livery and opened a feed and sale stable, which he has 
since carried on in connection with raising and dealing in line 
blooded horses and trotting stock. He is, at this time, one of the 
leading stock-men of Johnson County, and at his stable can be seen 
a number of very line animals, among which the names of Daniel 
Boone, Blue Bull, Mambrino Turk, have more than a local reputa- 
tion. Mr. Clancy is well known among the stock-men of the state, 
26 



4O4 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

and lias already a large and lucrative business, which is steadily in- 
creasing. He was married September r, 1S7S, to Miss Ida, daugh- 
ter of David M. White, of Bartholomew County, who has borne 
him one child, Charles S. In addition to his fine stock, which repre- 
sents a capital of several thousand dollars. Mr. Clancy owns valuable 
real estate in Michigan and Kansas, and a fine farm near the town 
of Edinburg. Politically, he is a republican,. and in religion belongs 
to the Christian Church of Edinburg, as does also his wife. He is 
a member of the Independent Order of Odd Fellows. 

Jacob Coffelt (deceased), the subject of this sketch, was 
a member of one of the oldest pioneer families of Johnson County, 
his parents, Henry and Barbara Coffelt, moving here from 
Tennessee several years before the county organization, and settling 
near the present site of Amity, in Blue River Township. Here 
the Coffelt family lived the life of pioneers, and amid the stirring 
scenes of frontier life, raised a family of children, several of whom 
eventually became leading citizens of the community. Jacob Cof- 
felt was born in east Tennessee, September iS, 1800, and while 
still young, accompanied his parents to Johnson County, Ind., 
where he grew to manhood as a farmer. His first wife was Miss Re- 
becca Hamner, whom he married in this county, and with whom 
he lived happily for about twenty years. After her death he mar- 
ried Miss Rachel C. Brown, of North Carolina, daughter of Benja- 
min and Lydia (Walters) Brown, both of whom died in that state. 
The marriage was solemnized on the 15th day of August, 1866. 
Mr. Coffelt was an industrious farmer, and a man whose good name 
was never impugned by any who knew him. He was for years, a 
great sufferer, but was not confined to his bed until within a few 
hours of his death, which sad event occurred on the 5th day of 
March, 1885. Mrs. Coffelt is at this time a woman well advanced 
in age, being seventy-three years old. She is widely and favorably 
known for her kindly and benevolent disposition, and unblemished 
Christian character. 

Thomas R. Coffelt (deceased), native of Tennessee, and 
son of Henry and Barbara Coffelt, was born on the 1st day 
of January, 1813. When quite young, he came to Indiana, and 
settled, prior to the organization of Johnson County, on Young's 
Creek, near the present site of Amity, in Blue River Township. 
Here he cleared a farm and lived the live of a pioneer, having 
been one of the early settlers in the southern part of the county. 
On the 4th day of April, 1833, he was united in marriage with Miss 
Elizabeth Hamner, sister of John Hamner, a member of one of the 
early pioneer families, and by her had two children, both deceased. 
Mrs. Coffelt died on the nth day of July, 1849. Mr. Coffelt's sec- 



BLUE RIVER TOWNSHIP. 405 

ond marriage was solemnized Jul}' 19, 1S60, with Miss Amanda 
Brown, daughter of Benjamin and Lydia (Walters) Brown, of 
Ashe County, N. C. To this marriage were born two children, one 
of whom, Mrs. Nancy E. Barron, is now living. Mr. Coffelt fol- 
lowed farming all his life, and was a man of many noble and sterling 
qualities. His death occurred at his home place, near the village 
of Amity, on the i5th»day of April, 1S73, his age being sixty years 
three months and fifteen days. His widow still survives, and lives 
on the home farm, a handsome place of 200 acres, finely improved. 
She was born January 13, 1824, and is a well preserved woman for 
her age. 

Isaac D. Collier, of the town of Edinburg, the oldest na- 
tive born citizen of Blue River Township, and possibly of Johnson 
Count}', his birth having occurred on the 19th day of April, 1S24. 
His early years were passed in a routine of hard labor, in his fath- 
er's saw- and grist-mill, and while still young he assisted in trans- 
porting the products of said mills by flat-boat to New Orleans and 
intermediate points. At the age of eighteen he began learning the 
blacksmith's trade with his father, and after becoming proficient in 
the same, engaged in the business for himself, and followed it until 
1S52. In that year he joined the tide of emigration to California, 
and was there until 1S59, mining and working at his trade. Re- 
turning to Johnson County in 1859, ne purchased the family home- 
stead, and resided upon the same until 1861, when he entered the 
army as private in Company C, Twenty-seventh Indiana Infantry, 
Col. Colgrove's regiment, with which he served seven months, 
when he was discharged on account of physical disabilities. In 
1862, he suffered a severe loss by fire, but soon rebuilt the house 
in which he at present resides. While making a second trip west, 
a little later, Mr. Collier met with a serious accident, being thrown 
from a horse, resulting in the breaking of one of his legs, which 
disabled him for over nine months. He was absent from home 
nearly two years, and spent the time hunting and trapping through- 
out the States of Missouri and Kansas. Since 1S72, Mr. Collier 
has been in the employ of John A. Thompson, as night watch in 
the large flouring mill near Edinburg. He was married November, 
1850, to Mrs. Catherine C. Toner [nee Folander), by whom he has 
had two children, viz.: Annie L., wife of Martin W. Hunt, and 
Maggie. By her previous marriage, Mrs. Collier is the mother of 
one child, a son, William Toner. Mr. Collier is a member of the 
A. F. & A. M., and a republican in politics. 

John A. Collier, the gentleman whose biographical sketch is 
herewith presented, is a representative of one of the earliest pioneer 
families in Johnson County, his father, Isaac Collier, having located 



406 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

on the present site of Edinburg, before the county was organized. 
The Colliers were early residents of Greenfield, Ohio, in which 
town the above named Isaac worked at the blacksmithing trade. 
He served in the War of 1812 as drum major, and shortly after 
the close of the struggle came to Indiana. He eventually came to 
Johnson County and built the first residence in the town of Edin- 
burg, and also claimed the distinction of being the first mechanic 
of the place, opening a blacksmith shop immediately upon his arrival. 
He was a splendid mechanic, especially skilled in fine work, such 
as edged tools, guns, pistols, etc. His wife's maiden name was 
Nancy Jones. He married her in Ohio, and raised a family of nine 
children, only two of whom are now living, to-wit: Isaac D. and 
the subject of this sketch. He died in the year 1840, at the age of 
sixty. His wife survived him forty years, dying in 1880, at the 
ripe old age of ninety. John A. Collier was born in the town of 
Greenfield, Ohio, on the 2^th day of November, 1S20. He was 
raised in Johnson County, Ind., and obtained his first start in life by 
flat-boating and saw-milling. He subsequently purchased land in 
Blue River Township, and engaged in farming, which was his occu- 
pation until 1883. In that year he turned his attention to the manu- 
facture of brick, a business he still follows. In this enterprise Mr. 
Collier has been quite successful, the yearly production of his kilns 
being over 200,000 brick, all of which find ready sale in Edinburg 
and vicinity. Mr. Collier was married January 1, 1845, to Miss 
Deborah Ann Bills, daughter of Abraham and Harriet (Johnson) 
Bills, of New Jersey. The following are the names of Mr. and 

Mrs. Collier's children now living: Susan, wife of Smith; 

Margie, wife of William Dark; John B.; Harriet B., wife of 

Fair, and Isaac. 

George Cutsinger, son of Samuel and Elizabeth Cutsinger, 
was born in Shelby County, Ind., on the 28th day of February, 
1843. He was educated in the country schools, and reared to agri- 
cultural pursuits, which he has always followed, beginning farm 
life for himself about the year 1866, in Jackson Township, Shelby 
Co. He afterward moved to Johnson County, where, after a short 
residence, he returned to Shelby, and at this time lives upon the 
paternal homestead, one of the best improved farms in the section 
where it is located. Mr. Cutsinger owns valuable lands in Johnson 
and Bartholomew counties, and in addition deals in thorough-bred 
horses and other fine live-stock. He is an industrious and intelli- 
gent man, and one of the leading citizens of the community in which 
he resides. Miss Matilda Miller, of Bartholomew County, daughter 
of Isaac and Anna Miller, became his wife on the 10th day of De- 
cember, 1863. Mr. and Mrs. Cutsinger have six children, whose 



BLUE RIVER TOWNSHIP. 4O7 

names are as follows: Mollie W., wife of Prof. A. J. Loughery, of 
Edinburg; Kittie, wife of E. Wheatly; Frank M., Elizabeth D., 
and Roscoe. Mr. Cutsinger is a democrat in politics, but has never 
sought official honors at the hands of his fellow citizens. 

John* M. Cutsinger, farmer and stock-raiser, and a member 
of one of the early pioneer families of Johnson County, was born 
in Blue River Township, on the 8th day of January, 1839. ^ s 
father was Jacob Cutsinger, a native of Virginia, and an early set- 
tler of Johnson County, moving here some time before the county 
was organized. Jacob Cutsinger was a farmer and distiller, also a 
stock-raiser, in all of which he was very successful. He died in 
the year 1852. John M. Cutsinger is the youngest of a family of 
seven children, two of whom, beside himself, are living, viz. : Will- 
iam and Mrs. Catherine A. Heiflan. He was reared to agricul- 
tural pursuits, and in time became a leading farmer of Blue River 
Township, where he now owns 120 acres of fine land, upon which 
are many valuable improvements. He deals largely in stock, and, 
in addition to his own land, farms other places, renting a good deal 
of ground. He is an energetic and enterprising citizen, and a con- 
sistent member of the Methodist Protestant Church, to which his 
wife also belongs. He was married in Bartholomew Count}', Ind., 
to Miss Imelda Carter, daughter of John S. and Sarah (Cook) 
Carter. To this union have been born the following' children: 
Mrs. Ella J. Klein, Mrs. Sarah M. Furnas, Annie E., Samuel S., 
Thomas A., Jessie M., Homer C. and Floyd W. 

Martin Cutsinger, third son of Samuel and Elizabeth (Har- 
ris) Cutsinger, was born in Shelby County, Ind., on the 7th day of 
February, 1856. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, received 
a good education, and began life as a farmer, in which calling he 
has been more than ordinarily successful, owning at this time one 
of the largest and best improved farms in the vicinity of Edinburg. 
Mr. Cutsinger's life has been characterized by that energy and ag- 
gressiveness which marks the successful man, and as a reward of 
his well-directed business efforts, he stands to-day in the foremost 
rank of Johnson County's representative citizens. In connection 
with his farming interests, Mr. Cutsinger has given a great deal of 
attention to live-stock, and upon his beautiful farm, one mile north- 
east of Edinburg, are to be seen some of the finest short-horn cat- 
tle in this section of the state — some of which represent a capital 
of over $300 each. To his efforts is largely due the credit of 
awakening an interest in behalf of improved herds among the farm- 
ers of Johnson County, and upon all matters pertaining to the grow- 
ing of fine stock, he is an authority. Aside from his farming and 
stock interests, he is interested in the Edinburg Starch Works, own- 



4-OS JOHNSON COUNTY. 

ing a share in the factory, and takes an active interest in the succes s 
of the business. Mr. Cutsinger was united in marriage, May 4, 
1876, to Miss Charity N. Williams, of Bartholomew County, 
daughter of Claiborne Williams, one the prominent farmers and 
stock-raisers in this part of the state. Mr. and Mrs. Cutsinger 
are the parents of four children, three of whom are living, viz.: 
Homer, Clarence and Minnie Belle. 

Samuel Cutsinger, a prominent farmer, and one of the lead- 
ing business men of central Indiana, was born in Washington 
County, Kv., on the 25th day of June, 1820. Two years later the 
family came to Indiana, and settled in what is now Jackson Town- 
spip, Shelby' County, where amid the active scenes and rugged du- 
ties of pioneer life the youthful years of our subject were passed. 
The family living in moderate circumstances, young Samuel was 
obliged to bear his part in the work of clearing and developing 
tlje farm, consequently his educational training was very limited, as 
but little time could be devoted to attendance at school. He early 
displayed rare business qualifications, however, and by much min- 
gling with men in after years acquired a practical education such as 
few possess. He remained with his parent until his marriage, which 
took place December 12, 1839, w 'th Elizabeth Harris, and then 
moved to Edinburg, where he had engaged in the mercantile busi- 
ness the year previous. Here he remained until 1S41, when he 
moved back to Jackson Township, and resumed farming which, 
with stock-raising, he has since carried on. Mrs. Cutsinger was 
born in Kentucky, September, 1820, and came to Shelby County, 
Ind., when but nine years of age. Thirteen children have been 
born to Mr. and Mrs. Cutsinger, namely: Mary, Jane, George, Ed- 
monson, Maria, Catherine, Ann, Hannah B., Martin, Indiana, Ivory II., 
Eleanor and William E. Of these, all are living with the excep- 
tion of the fifth daughter, Ann, and nearly all settled near their 
father's home. As a farmer and stock-raiser, Mr. Cutsinger has 
met with success such as few achieve, and in his business transac- 
tions has displayed financial ability of the highest order. Begin- 
ning life with little or no capital, he has so managed his affairs as 
to accumulate a large fortune, owning at this time over 1,800 
acres of valuable land, besides having a large amount of capital in- 
vested in manufacturing enterprises at Edinburg and Franklin. 
He has made a great deal of money in stock, dealing extensively 
in cattle and hogs, always making it a point to have them as large 
and fat as could be found in the market. Latterly he has dealt more 
in cattle, and fattens yearly from 200 to 250 head of choice steers. 
In 1869, Mr. Cutsinger, with three other business men, founded 
the Edinburg Starch Works, the largest enterprise of the kind in 



BLUE RIVER TOWNSHIP. 4O9 

the state, and one of the largest in the United States west of the 
Alleghany Mountains. He has been the leading spirit of the en- 
terprise, and much of its success has been due to his able manage- 
ment and business foresight. Latterly he became identified with 
the starch works at Franklin, in which he has a large amount of 
.capital invested. Both of these establishments are appropriately 
mentioned in another part of this volume. The better to look after 
his business interests, Mr. Cutsinger, in 1884, moved to Edinburg, 
where he has since resided, his residence here being one of the 
finest homes in the city. Politically, Mr. Cutsinger has always 
been an unswerving supporter of the democratic party, but he has 
never sought official honors at the hands of his fellow-citizens. 
Person ally, he is very popular, and with true Kentucky hospitality 
believes in having as many of the good things of this world as is 
consistent with a successful business career. In his wife he has se- 
cured a life partner who has always been a helper to him, and one 
well qualified to fill the duties of wife and mother. She seconds 
her husband in Q-ivinsj crenuine welcome to all who have the good 
fortune to become the recipients of their hospitality, and is favor- 
ably known among a large circle of friends and acquaintances for 
her man}' excellent qualities. Mr. and Mrs. Cutsinger are active 
members of the Christian Church of Edinburg. 

Thomas H. Daily (deceased) was born December 4, 1841, 
in the town of Charlestown, Clark Co., Ind., and was a son 
of David W. and Mary A. (Shirle}) Daily, natives respect- 
ively of Indiana and Kentucky. He was the youngest of a 
family of eleven children, seven of whom are living, and grew to 
manhood in his native county, in the common schools, of which he 
received the elements of an ordinary English education. When 
the war cloud gathered over the country in 1861, he responded to 
the call for volunteers, enlisting when but nineteen years of age, 
in Company D, Twenty-second Indiana Infantry, with which he 
served gallantly for a period of three years. He entered the ser- 
vice as a private, but soon obtained a lieutenant's commission, and 
later, was promoted captain, in which capacity he served on the staff of 
Gen. Jefferson C. Davis, between whom and himself there ex- 
isted an intimate friendship. He participated in a number of cam- 
paigns and battles, and was with his command through all its varied 
experiences in the service, during which time he gained the good 
will of his men and the confidence and esteem of his superiors in 
office. He passed safely through various engagements in which 
his command took a part, but was severely hurt by being thrown 
from his horse against a tree, the effect of which was materially to 



41 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

shorten his life. He was mustered out of the service at Atlanta, 
Ga., September 14, 1864. and on (quitting the armv he received through 
the interposition of a friend, the position of passenger conductor on 
the J., M. & I. Railroad without having to pass through the usual 
preliminaries and promotions required for such service. He ran 
a train for twelve years, but owing to physical disability superin- 
duced by the injury received while in the army, was finally com- 
pelled to abandon the road, which he did very reluctantly. For 
about three years and nine months previous to his death, Mr. Daily 
was a confirmed invalid, and during that time, his comfort and satis- 
faction was to meet and converse with his old army comrades and 
recall the scenes of his battles and campaigns in which they took 
part while in defence of the flag. He married September 27, 
1868, Miss Maggie Walsh, daughter of John Walsh, Esq., who 
shared with him the future vicissitudes of life, and who is now living 
at her home in the town of Edinburg. Mr. Daily died on the 3rd 
day of May, 1881, and was buried in his native town of Charles- 
town. He was a devoted member of the Catholic Church, in which 
faith his wife and children were also raised. Mr. and Mrs. Daily 
raised a family of three children, namely: Katie, born July 8, 1S69; 
Ella W., born January 4, 1872, and Maria, born November 25, 
1873, died February 28, 1880. Mrs. Dailv has looked carefully to 
the intellectual training of her children, Miss Katie being a gradu- 
ate of St. Mary's academy, an educational institution located near 
Terre Haute. The other daughter, Ella W., is pursuing her studies 
at the same school. 

Cassius W. Davis, the subject of this sketch, is a native of 
Cincinnati, Ohio, and the onlv living child of Moses and Elizabeth 
(Donnelly) Davis. Paternally, Mr. Davis is descended from En- 
glish ancestors, and upon the mother's side from Irish. He was 
born on the 28th day of November, 1852, and at the early age of 
sixteen began life for himself, choosing for his calling the carpenter's 
trade, at which he served a three years' apprenticeship. He began 
working at his trade in Edinburg, Ind., to which place he came in 
1866, and after following it several years, accepted a clerkship in 
the grocery house of Breeding & Bro., by whom he was employed 
until about the year 1883. He then became book-keeper for H. 
Maley & Co. (saw- and planing-mill), a position he still holds. Mr. 
Davis is a careful and competent business man, and enjovs the con- 
fidence of the wealthy firm, by which he is employed. In addition 
to his clerical position, he is interested in the mercantile business, 
being one of the partners to the grocery store of Maley, Davis & 
Co. He was married in November, 1S81, to Miss Ite Furgason, 



BLUE RIVER TOWNSHIP. 



4 II 



a native of Johnson County, Ind., daughter of Frank and Maty 
Furgason, of Edinburg. Mr. Davis is a member of the K. of P. 
order, and with his wife belongs to the Christian Church. 

Miles DeCoursey, farmer, Blue River Township, was born 
in Nineveh Township, Johnson Countv, Ind., Julv 10, 1839, aiK ^ ' s 
the voungest son of John and Phebe ( Barnes ) DeCoursev, natives 
of Kentucky, and of French and German descent, respectivclv. 
John and Phebe DeCoursey were married in Henry County, Ky., 
and in 1832 moved to Indiana, and settled in Johnson Counts', 
where the father farmed for several years. He died February, 
1S57, in Huntington Countv, where he moved five years before. 
Mrs. DeCoursev is still living, a remarkably well-preserved old 
lady of eighty-one. Mr. and Mrs. DeCoursey were the parents of 
seven children, three living, two in this countv and one in Missouri. 
The immediate subject of this biography was raised a farmer, and 
remained with his father until the latter's death. He resided for 
some years in Johnson, Morgan, Marion and Grant counties, and 
later returned to Johnson, settling in Blue River Township, where 
he owns a handsomelv improved farm of seventy-two acres. 
August, 1861, Mr. DeCoursey enlisted in Company F, Seventh 
Indiana Volunteer Infantry, Col. Dumont's regiment, for the three 
years' service, but was discharged at the expiration of eighteen 
months, on account of phvsical disabilities. He was with the regi- 
ment in the bloody battles of Greenbrier, Bull Run, South Moun- 
tain, Antietam, and several more engagements, in all of which he 
bore the part of a true and faithful soldier. His disability was of 
such a nature, that upon one occasion, at Frederick City, Md., his 
phvsicians abandoned all hopes of his recoverv. and sent the tidings 
of his death to his mother. January 20, 186S, Mr. DeCoursey 
and Miss Hannah Mitchell, daughter of Joseph Mitchell, were 
united in marriage. To this union have been born four children, 
viz.: John W., Arthur I., Minnie G. and Ernst, all living at home. 

D. L. Demixg, the subject of this biography, was born in 
the town of Edinburg, Ind., August 27, 1854, an< ^ i ,s a son °^ ^ - J" 
and Heppy Deming, of English and German descent, respectively. 
The father was for some years a prominent merchant of Edinburg, 
but is now engaged in agricultural pursuits in Bartholomew County. 
He has been twice married, his first wife, whose maiden name was 
Sallie White, and by whom he had one child. He afterward mar- 
ried her sister, Heppy White, who has borne him five children, 
three living, whose names are as follows: Clara, wife of John A. 
Thompson, Mary, and D. L., the subject of this sketch. D. L. 
Deming was raised in Bartholomew County, and received a com- 
mon school education, supplemented by one year's attendance at 



412 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Butler University, Irvington, Ind., where he graduated in the com- 
mercial course. On quitting school he accepted a clerkship in the 
dry goods house of John Walsh, Edinburg, and after spending one 
year in his employ, accepted a similar position with John A. Carvin, 
with whom he remained five years. Severing his connection with 
his employer, Mr. Deming next engaged in business for himself, 
dealing in agricultural implements in Edinburg, with an interest in 
the same kind of a house in Franklin. He carried on a very suc- 
cessful business until quite recently, when he sold out both stores. 
He owns a fine farm in Nineveh Township, a good property in 
Edinburg, and is justly considered one of the substantial and ener- 
getic citizens of Johnson County. Politically, he wields an influ- 
ence for the republican party, but has never aspired to political 
honors, preferring to spend his time and talents in other directions. 
He is a member of the I. O. O. F., belonging to the lodge in Edin- 
burg. October n. 1882, he solemnized his marriage with Miss 
Mary, daughter of Peter J. and Mary (Brewer) Banta, one of the 
oldest and most highly esteemed families of the county. The fruits 
of this union are two children, namely: Byron J. and Edwin L. 
Deming. 

Abraham Deupree (deceased) was a native of Kentucky, 
born in Nicholas County, that state, on the 17th day of June, 1S11. 
His paternal ancestors were French Huguenots, and the family 
history can be traced back through many generations to the mas- 
sacre of St. Bartholomew, in which so many protestants lost their 
lives. Two members of the family t-scaped from France, shortly 
after the massacre, and making their way through England, came 
to America, and settled in the colony of Virginia. The descendents 
of these two brothers subsequently emigrated to North Carolina 
and Kentucky, and from the latter state the father of the subject 
of this sketch, came to Indiana in 1822, and located near the pres- 
ent site of Edinburg. Soon after the family's arrival in the new 
country, the father died, leaving a widow and five small children. 
Abraham at this time was a mere youth, of twelve or thirteen 
years. Thus early deprived of his father he was obliged to make 
his own way in life, and impressed with the necessity of an education 
he attended such schools as the county afforded, until he was able to 
teach. For some years he taught school during the winter seasons, 
and worked on the farm the rest of the year, and by prudent man- 
agement succeeded in laying the foundation for the comfortable 
competence, with which his later life was blessed. In 1833, he 
married Hannah B. Carter, daughter of Nathan and Elizabeth 
(Leonard) Carter, of New Jersev, who bore him seven children, 
six of whom are now living. He became a member of the Christian 






BLUE RIVER TOWNSHIP. 413 

Church of Edinburg, at the time of its organization in 1834, as did 
also his wife, and until his death was an earnest and consistent Chris- 
tian, having been licensed to preach in the year 1840. Although he 
never excelled as a public speaker, yet his talents were far above 
mediocrity, and bv his earnest efforts in behalf of the church, did as 
much, if not more than any other member, to place it upon its present 
substantial footing. He was a strict temperance man, abstained from 
the use of tobacco and intoxicants in all their forms; and shrank 
not from the performance of any duty for the bettering of the con- 
dition of his fellow man. He left to mourn his loss, a widow, live 
children, and sixteen grand-children. Mrs. Deupree joined the 
church the same time as her husband, and is the only charter mem- 
ber of the Edinburg congregation, now living. 

John E. Deupree, son of Abraham and Elizabeth Deupree, 
was born in Shelby County, Ind., on the 23d of June, 1S40. He 
was reared in Johnson County, grew to manhood on a farm, and at 
the age of twenty-two, with the spirit that animated the patriotic 
voung men of the north, he entered the army as a member of the 
Third Indiana Cavalry. lie served three years and one month, 
and bore the part of a brave and gallant soldier on many bloody 
battle fields, and was twice wounded — at Knoxville, Tenn., March, 
1864, in the left shoulder, and at Goldsborough, N. C, 1865, in the 
left shoulder blade, where the bullet still remains, the latter 
wound disabling and unfitting him for active duties in the field. 
He was discharged May, 1865, and immediately thereafter returned 
to Johnson County and engaged in farming in Blue River Town- 
ship, where he has since resided. He manages the home farm and 
looks after the interest of his mother, who is an old lady of seventy- 
live. He owns land in Shelby County, and has met with reasonable 
success as a farmer and stock-raiser, being at this time one of the 
well-to-do citizens of the community in which he resides. Novem- 
ber, 1865, he was united in marriage to Miss Mary A. Kennedy, 
by whom he had one child, who died in infancy. Mrs. Deupree died 
in the year 1872, and on the 9th day of August, 1874, Mr. Deupree 
married Miss Elsie Allen, who has borne him three children, viz. : 
Marth E., Alpha A., and Avery E. Mr. and Mrs. Deupree are 
members of the Christian Church. 

James H. Dorsey, 'attorney at law, Edinburg, was born at the 
town of St. Paul, Shelby'County, Ind., August 28, i860, and is a 
son of Dr. James and Lydia A. (Hart) Dorsey. The father was 
a native of New Jersey, but in early youth was taken by his par- 
ents to Butler County, Ohio, where he grew to manhood. He 
was a physician of extensive practice, and during a long and varied 
professional experience earned the reputation of one of the most 



414 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

successful medical men of southern Indiana, having moved to this 
state a number of years ago. lie began the practice of his profes- 
sion in Shelby County, and until his death, in March, 1862, com- 
manded a large and lucrative business in the counties of Shelbv 
and Decatur. Lydia A. Hart, wife of Dr. Dorse)', was descended 
from Scotch ancestry, on the father's side, and maternally from Irish. 
Some years after the death of her husband, she married Robert 
Armstrong, of Edinburg, who departed this life in 1873, leaving one 
daughter, viz. : Mary Armstrong. By her first marriage Mrs. 
Armstrong had two children, the subject of this sketch being the 
younger. James H. Dorsey was reared principally in Johnson 
County, Ind., and at the age of seventeen graduated with honors 
from the Edinburg high school, delivering the valedictory address 
upon the occasion. He afterward became a student of Moore's 
Hill College, in which he completed the prescribed course, his 
grades of examination during the period of his attendance averag- 
ing ninety per cent., the maximum of the institution. Impressed 
with a strong desire to enter the legal profession, Mr. Dorsey read 
law as opportunities would admit, under the instruction of William 
A. Johnson, and after obtaining a knowledge of the profession, was 
admitted to the bar in 18S1, being at the time barely twentv-one 
years of age. He began the practice in Edinburg, with the late 
C. W. Snow, Esq., and soon succeeded in establishing quite a 
profitable business, which he subsequentlv discontinued, and re- 
moved to Colby Count) - , Kan., where he was for some time en- 
gaged in the real estate and abstract business. Owing to the poor 
health of his wife he was compelled to leave Kansas, and return to 
Indiana, where he has since resided in the enjoyment of a lucrative 
practice in the courts of Johnson and other counties, being at this 
time city attorney of Edinburg. Politically, Mr. Dorsev wields an 
influence for the republican party, and in his professional and social 
relations, enjoys in a large measure the respect and confidence of 
his fellow citizens. Miss Adda, daughter of Alexander and Re- 
becca (Thompson) Breeding, became his wife on the 10th day of 
September, 18S1, a union blessed with the birth of two children, 
namely: Howard A. and Fred J. Mrs. Dorsey died on the 12th 
day of April, 1885, and lies buried in the Edinburg cemetery. 

Martin V. Ensley, retired farmer, is a native of Shelby 
County, Ind., born on the 19th day of December, 1830. Isaac 
Ensley, the father of Martin V. Ensley, was born in New York, 
and accompanied his parents to Shelby County, Ind., where he grew 
to manhood. He married, in that county, Martha A. Brown, 
daughter of Harvey and Patience Brown, who were among the 
earliest settlers in Jackson Township. Isaac and Patience Ens- 



BLUE RIVER TOWNSHIP. 415 

ley were the parents of the following children, viz. : Pauline, 
Bailor and Martin V., the subject, being the only member of the 
family now living. Mr. Ensley died in 1S32. Mrs. Ensley subse- 
quently married Hugh Smiley, an early school-teacher of Johnson 
County. She departed this life in May, 1842. Being thus early 
deprived of his only friend and protector, young Martin Ensley was 
placed under the especial care of a guardian, John J. Lewis, and for 
two or three years thereafter, was compelled to work from place 
to place bv the month, in order to obtain a livelihood. In 1849, 
when nineteen years of age, he began farming for himself on the 
old home place, and on March 21, 1S51. he was united in marriage 
with Miss Lvdia Smock, daughter of Henry and Sarah (Burch) 
Smock, a union blessed with the birth of four children, namely: 
Sarah, wife of William H.Jones; W. A.; Rachel, wife of George 
Lewis, and Emma, wife of Byron Duffey. Mr. Ensley has made 
the pursuit of agriculture a life work, and has been more than or- 
dinarily successful in his chosen calling. He has added to his 
farm until he has become the owner of several valuable tracts of 
real estate, some of which he divided among his children. He still 
owns the old farm of 280 acres in Jackson Township, Shelby 
County. In 1SS1, Mr. Ensley retired from active life, since which 
time he has been a resident of Edinburg. He is a democrat in 
politics, and since 1876, has been an active member of the Metho- 
dist Church. His first wife died in August, 1877, and on the 20th 
day of November, 1879, ms second marriage was solemnized with 
Miss Selina Varner, of Hamilton County, Ohio, daughter of 
Thomas and Martha (Lefeber ) Varner. Thomas and Martha Var- 
ner were early residents of the above county and state, and were 
the parents of the following children, viz. : Saline, Eliza, Sarah 
(deceased), Amanda, and T. Henry Varner. By his second mar- 
riage, Mr. Ensley is the father of one child, to wit: Edgar E. Ensley. 
J. D. Fee, the subject of this sketch, is descended from Scotch 
ancestry, the original name being McDutfie, by which a well-known 
clan in the early history of Scotland, was known. The clan 
McDuffie was early subjected to religious persecution, in conse- 
quence of which the majority of that name were compelled to flee 
their native country and take refuge in Ireland, where in time the 
name became changed to McFee. Still later, the clan was lepre- 
sented in England, where the name subsequently became anglicized 
to Fee, by which it has been known since about the year 1700. 
In 1 780, several representatives of the Fee family came to Amer- 
ica and settled in Pennsylvania, thence later to Kentucky, where, 
as early as 1798, the name was well-known among the settlers of 
Maysville and Boone"s Fort. The ancestors of J. D. Fee were 



416 JOHNSON" COUNTY. 

among the early pioneers of Clermont County, Ohio, where his 
grandfather, Rev. Elijah Fee, acquired some celebrity as a minister 
of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Jacob and Elizabeth (Cam- 
rex- •, Fee, parents of J. D.. were both natives of Clermont County, 
Ohio. Thev had a family of eleven children, nine of whom are 
now living, J. D. being the youngest. The subject was born in the 
town of Moscow, Clermont County, Ohio, March 3, 1S41, and re- 
ceived a practical education in the schools of his native town. He 
was raised on a farm, and remained under the parental roof until 
the age of seventeen, when he entered the army, enlisting August 
1, 1862, in CompaiTy D, Second Ohio Artillery, with which he 
served two years. During that time he took part in several active 
campaigns, and bore a gallant part in some of the bloodiest battles 
of the war, including Shiloh, Stone River, Lookout Mountain, 
Nashville, and numerous minor engagements. At the expiration 
of his term of service, he was honorablv discharged, and imme- 
diately thereafter returned to his native county, and engaged in 
farming, which he followed about two years. In the spring of 
1 868, he came to Edinburg, where, until 18S8, his principal busi- 
ness was painting and paper hanging. In February, of the latter vear, 
he purchased an interest in the hardware store of L. Compton, and 
the firm of Compton & Fee is now one of the leading business firms 
of the city. Thev carry a large assortment of general hardware, 
tinware and stoves, their stock representing a value of $6,000. 
Mr. Fee is an active member of the G. A. R., I. O. O. F., and 
W. O. H., and in politics supports the principles of the republican 
party. He has always manifested a live interest in municipal af- 
fairs, and is at this time a member of the town board of Edinburg. 
November, 1S66, he married Miss Hattie A. Parker, daughter of 
James E. and Catherine Parker, of Clermont County, Ohio. Mr. 
and Mrs. Fee are members of the Edinburg Methodist Episcopal 
Church. 

Thomas B. Forelander was born in Monroe County. Ya., 
October 31, 1S24, and is a son of Lewis and Susan (Sparr) Fore- 
lander. Paternally, Mr. Forelander is descended from Dutch an- 
cestry, his father having been born in Holland. On his mother's 
side he is of German lineage, although his mother was a native of 
Pennsylvania. Lewis Forelander was a tanner bv trade, and fol- 
lowed his calling for a number of years in Pennsylvania, in which 
state his death occurred. His widow afterward emigrated to Ohio, 
thence later to Indiana, in several counties of which she lived at 
different times, mainly Union, Ilenrv, Hancock and Johnson, moving 
to the last named in 1S38. Mr. and Mrs. Forelander have a family 
of four children, two of whom: Catherine, wife of J. D. Collier, 



BLUE RIVER TOWNSHIP. 417 

and Thomas B., are now living. Thomas B. Forelancler remained 
with his mother until her death. He early learned the milling 
trade in Johnson County, and did his first work in John A. Thomp- 
son's mills, at Edinburg, where he continued several years. lie 
has followed milling all his life, principally in Johnson County, and 
has the reputation of being one of the best millers in this section of 
the state. He has been an honored resident of Johnson County for 
half a century, and during that long period of residence no shadow 
of suspicion has been breathed against his good name or Christian 
character. He is an active member of the church, an uncompro- 
mising advocate of temperance reform, and a republican in politics. 
In i860, he was united in marriage with Miss America, daughter 
of Joseph and Sarah (Ruffin) Spicer, who were born in the States 
of North Carolina and Kentucky, respectively. Mrs. Forelander 
was born in Johnson County, Ind., and is the mother of five child- 
ren, two of whom are living, viz.: Susie and William L. Forelander. 
Mr. Forelander is at this time assessor of Blue River Township. 

J. P. Frost (deceased), whose biographical sketch is here- 
with presented, was a native of Ohio, Richland County, born on the 
8th day of March, 1S23. In early life he learned the trade of car- 
pentering and cabinet-making, in the city of Mansfield, Ohio, and 
after becoming proficient in the same, emigrated to Trimble County, 
Kv., where he followed his chosen calling several years. On 
the 2ist day of February, 1850, he married Miss Amanda V. 
McCormick, daughter of Adam and Rachel (Bellows) McCor- 
mick, a union blessed with the birth of four children, two of whom 
are living, namely : Minerva, now Mrs. Miles H.Mitchell, and Mary E. 
(Mrs. Thomas E. Valentine). For a period of three years Mr. Frost 
exercised his mechanical skill in the construction of boats for the Ohio 
River, but in 1856, came to Edinburg, Ind., and resumed carpentering 
and cabinet-making, which he carried on quite successfully for some 
time. He subsequently abandoned mechanical pursuits for the gro- 
cery business, and after following that branch of trade for some 
years engaged in the undertaking business. Mr. Frost was rea- 
sonably successful in the accumulation of property, and occupied a 
conspicuous place among the leading citizens of Edinburg. He was 
an earnest member of the Methodist Church, and for a number of 
years an active worker in the Masonic fraternity. He died at his 
home in Edinburg, on the 27th day of April, 1880. Mrs. Frost, who 
is still living, was born on the 7th day of March, 1823. She is a 
remarkably well-preserved lady, and has a large circle of friends in 
and around Edinburg. She and daughters, Mrs. Mitchell and Mrs. 
Valentine, are members of the Edinburg Methodist Episcopal 
Church. 



Alb JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Orlando Furnas, miller, Blue River Township, is a native of 
Clinton County, Ohio, and third son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Bal- 
lard) Furnas. Joseph Furnas was born of English parentage, in 
South Carolina, and at the age of two years was taken to Ohio, in 
which state he resided from 1S04 to 1838. In the latter year he 
moved to Marion County, Ind., and opened a tavern on the Old 
National Road, which business he conducted several years. His 
wife dving in 1S47, he returned to Ohio, where he farmed until 
1852, and then engaged in the milling business. He subsequently 
resumed farming, and followed that occupation until his death on 
the 13th day of January, 1870. He lost his first wife in 1845, and 
later married Mrs. Howk (nee Compton), by whom he had one 
child. By his first marriage Mr. Furnas had a family of eight 
children, three now living, to wit: the subject of this sketch. Mrs. 
Mary J. Lewis and Mrs. Ruth E. Guver. Orlando Furnas was 
born on the 8th day of October, 1S35, aiK ^ when young, learned 
the miller's trade with his father, in Clinton County, Ohio. He 
worked at the trade in his native state, and later in Marion and 
Johnson counties, Ind. He was at one time employed in the Car- 
lisle mill, Indianapolis, and in 1856, started a mill on Eagle Creek, 
Marion County, for David Baker, with whom he remained two 
years. He next operated a mill in the town of Bridgeport, the 
same county, which burned in 1859, entailing upon him a serious 
loss, in fact breaking him up financially. Shortly after this disaster 
he went back to Ohio, where he worked at milling about eighteen 
months and then returned to Indiana, and became superintendent 
of Beeler & Fletcher's large mills in Marion County, where he 
was employed for thirteen years. In 1875, he came to Johnson 
County and purchased what was known as the Old Foster Mill in 
Blue River Township, which he has since improved and supplied 
with machinery for the manufacture of flour by the roller process. 
The mill stands on the west bank of Sugar Creek, has a capacity 
of sixty barrels per day, and is one of the best and most successful 
mills in the county. Mr. Furnas has been identified with the mill- 
ing business since 1852, and is one of the most expert manufac- 
turers of flour in this section of the country. He has been 
successful financially, owning mill property representing a value of 
$12,000, and a finely improved farm of 150 acres. He was married 
in 1S58, in Marion County, Ind., to Miss Rebecca Ross, of Mont- 
gomery County, Ohio, daughter of Henry J. and Sarah (Carter) 
Ross. Mr. and Mrs. Furnas are the parents of six children, 
namely: Sarah A. (deceased), Cyrus I., Henry E., Eugene, Ella 
and Lucy Ann. Mr. Furnas has always taken an active part in poli- 
tics, and in 1S83, was -elected representative in the legislature on 



^ 



BLUE RIVER TOWNSHIP. 



419 



the republican-prohibition ticket. He is a member of the Masonic 
order, and with his wife, belongs to the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. 

Capt. Charles Griffith, mechanic, Edinburgh was born in 
Franklin County, Ohio, January 19, 1830, and is a son of Charles 
and Jane (Johnson ) Grilhth, of the same state, the father of Irish, 
and the mother of Welsh, descent. The family moved to Jennings 
County, Ind., when the subject was but an infant, and there young 
Griffith grew to manhood, attending in the meantime such schools 
as his neighborhood afforded. On attaining his majority he began 
the blacksmithing trade, at the town of Queensville, and after work- 
ing in that place a short time, located in Vernon, and still later in 
Franklin, Johnson County, in all of which places he was reasonably 
successful in his business. From Franklin he went to Decatur 
County and opened a shop in the town of Sardinia, where he 
worked for a period of about live years. He married in Jennings 
County, in 1855, Miss Camelia McKeehan, a union blessed with four 
children, two of whom, Ella, wife of E. E. Carvin, and George S., 
are now living. Mr. Griffith responded to the country's call in 1861, 
enlisting that year in Company D, Seventh Indiana Infantry, 
with which he shared the fortunes and vicissitudes of war until 
honorably discharged, at the expiration of his three years' term of 
service. He entered the army as second lieutenant of his company, 
was subsequently promoted to first lieutenant, and still later, for 
gallant and meritorious service, was given the command of the 
company, and held a captain's commission from that time until dis- 
charged in 1864. Capt. Griffith was a brave and gallant officer, 
greatly beloved by the men whom he led on many blood} - battle- 
fields. At the close of the war he returned to his family in Jennings 
County, and the same year, in the fall of 1864, he moved to Edin- 
burg, where he has since resided, in the pursuit of his trade. Mr. 
Griffith is a skillful mechanic, and by diligent application to his call- 
ing, has succeeded in accumulating a comfortable competence, 
including a pleasant home and several other residences in Edinburg. 
He is essentially a self-made man, and as such, commands the re- 
spect of his fellow townsmen and others. 

John Hamner, one of the oldest living settlers of Johnson 
County, is a native of Mercer County, Ky., and the third of a 
family of seven children, born to John and Mary (Neubarv) 
Hamner. His parents were both born in Virginia. John and 
Mary Hamner moved to Kentucky a short time after their mar- 
riage, and from the latter state in 1823, came to Johnson County, 
Ind., and settled near the present site of Edinburg. Here they 
lived upon a farm until their deaths, which occurred at the ad- 
27 



420 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

vanced ages of eighty and seventy, respectively. John Hamner, 
Si\, was a soldier in the War of Independence, during which 
struggle he participated in a number of battles, among which was 
the last engagement in which the American Army under General 
Washington took place. The subject of this biography was born 
Feburary 5, 1S10, and was thirteen years of age when his parents 
moved to Johnson County. He was reared a farmer, and for a 
period of sixty-five years has been a resident of this county, during 
which time he has occupied an honorable place in the community, 
and commanded the respect and confidence of all who knew him. 
His life-work has been that of a farmer, and at this time he owns 
200 acres of valuable land, in the County of Edinburg, and lives 
upon the place where his father settled in 1823. Mr. Hamner 
has been twice married, the first time in 1832 to Miss Nancy Lash, 
daughter of Joseph and Mary Lash, by whom he had six children, 
only two of whom are living, to-wit: Samuel and Maria (Miss 
Durbin). Mrs. Hamner died June 20, 1849, an ^ lw0 years later 
Mr. Hamner was united in marriage to Mrs. Mitchell, who died on 
the 8th day of September, 1885. No children were born to his 
last marriage, but by a previous union with Mr. Mitchell, Mrs. Ham- 
ner had two children, one of whom is now living. Mr. Hamner is a 
representative democrat of the old school, having always been an 
earnest supporter of the principles of that party. He is now living 
a quiet and retired life, which only those who have battled success- 
fully with the world for over three quarters of a century, know how 
to appreciate. 

Samuel Hamner, fifth son of John and Nancy (Lash) Ham- 
ner, was born in Johnson Countv, Ind., November 18, 1S42. He 
was raised on a farm and received but limited educational training, 
having attended a single term of school in an old log school-house, 
which formerlv stood upon the spot now occupied by his residence 
in Blue River Township. At the age of eighteen, Mr. Hamner 
began life for himself as a renter on his father's farm, and later 
obtained a tract of land of his own, which he subsequently sold, 
and purchased his present place in the western part of Blue River 
Township. October 29, he married Miss Honorah E. Abbott, 
daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Warner) Abbott. Mrs. Ham- 
ner was born in Johnson County, but the marriage was solemnized 
in the town of Bedford, Kv. Mr. and Mrs. Hamner are the par- 
ents of nine children, four of whom, John T., Andrew, James and 
George E., are living. Mr. Hamner owns a valuable farm of 100 
acres, and is one of the substantial citizens of the township. He 
is a democrat in politics, and a member of the Methodist Church, 
as is also his wife. 



BLUE RIVER TOWXSIIU'. 



4 2r 



E. M. Hardy, editor and proprietor of the Edinburg Courier, 
is a native of Washington Count)', Ind., born in the town of Salem 
on the 24th day of February, 1857. His parents, Niles and Maria 
(Bliss) Hardy, were born in Massachusetts, but early settled 
in Washington County, where, for a number of years, the father 
was a distinguished physician. He practiced his profession in the 
town of Salem, and died there when the subject of this sketch was 
but six months old. Mrs. Hardy is still living, having reached the 
advanced age of seventy years. E. M. Hardy was the onlv child 
born to Niles and Maria Hardy. By a previous marriage the 
father had three children, and the mother, who was also married 
twice, had three children by her former husband, Francis Dickson. 
The educational training of the subject was liberal, including a 
course of instruction in a private school at New Albany, Ind., and 
several years' attendance in Knapp's College, in which he completed 
the prescribed German and English courses, in 1868-9. Having 
earl)' manifested a decided preference for the printer's trade, he be- 
gan learning the art as circumstances would permit, and in 1872, 
engaged in the music publishing house of H. L. Benham, Indianaop- 
lis, where he remained one year. Previous to that time, in 1870, 
he came to Johnson County, and for some time thereafter, was em- 
ployed in a mill at Whiteland, where, in addition to his work in the 
mill, he studied and became proficient in the art of type-setting. 
Severing his connection with the Indianapolis house, Mr. Hardy 
started a job printing office at Whiteland, where he soon acquired 
a lucrative business. He came to Edinburg in 1877, and in part- 
nership with H. C. Allison, established a printing office, and suc- 
ceeded to the proprietorship of the Courier, of which he became 
sole owner and proprietor the following year. Under his man- 
agement, the Courier has been successfully conducted, its circula- 
tion largely increased, and it is now one of the most successful local 
papers in Johnson County. (See Press of Edinburg.) Mr. Hardy 
is a clear and forcible writer, a scholarly gentleman, and possesses 
many of the elements of the successful journalist. He was mar- 
ried February 24, 1878, to Miss Rose B. Myers, of Johnson 
County. Mr. Hardy is a member of the I. O. 0."F. and W. O. II. 
fraternities, and, with his wife, belongs to the Presbyterian Church 
of Edinburg. 

Samuel Hayes, the subject of this sketch, was born in 
Shelby County, Ind., on the 21st day of October, 1S49. His grand- 
father, Lewis Hayes, was a native of North Carolina, and an early 
settler of Shelby County. John Haves, father of Samuel, was 
born in North Carolina also, and was bv occupation a farmer and 
stock-raiser. He departed this life at his home in Shelby Count)-, 



42 2 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

about the year 1856. His wife. Jane Hardin, was born in Indiana, 
and is still living near Franklin, being now Mrs. Shipp. To Mr. 
and Mrs. Hayes were born four children, viz.: Samuel, Lewis, 
James and Madison, all living in this state. Our subject was reared 
in Johnson and Shelbv counties. He was educated in the common 
schools, and early adopted the pursuit of agriculture for a vocation. 
February 20, 1873, he married Eliza E. Beeson, of Johnson County, 
whose father was one of the pioneers of Blue River Township. 
Shortly after marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Hayes moved to White 
County, thence later to Shelby County, where they resided for a 
period of eleven years. In 1SS6, he moved to his present home. 
He owned at one time a valuable farm of 101 acres. He is one of the 
energetic farmers of his township, and a citizen in whom his friends 
and neighbors repose implicit confidence. A republican in politics, 
he has never sought official position, and a member of the Metho- 
dist Protestant Church, he encourages the dissemination of relig- 
ious truth irrespective of denomination or creed. His wife is also 
a member of the Methodist Protestant Church, and takes an active 
part in the congregation lo which she belongs. Mr. and Mrs. 
Haves are the parents of the following children, viz.: John W., 
born February 10, 1874, died March 1, 1879; Lewis O., born De- 
cember 16, 1875; William S., born September 6, 1S77, died Julv 2, 
1880; and Charles C, born April 13, 1879. 

J. W. Hood (deceased). — Mr. Hood was a Kentuckian by 
birth, born in Adair County; on the 27th day of November, 1837. 
His father, Bonaparte Hood, was a prominent citizen of that 
countv, and a captain in the Mexican War, in which struggle he 
met his death. J. W. Hood was reared to agricultural pursuits, 
which useful calling he made his life work. He accompanied his 
mother to Johnson County, Ind., in 1852, and being the oldest 
member of the family, was compelled, while still young, to bear the 
chief burden in the family's support. He looked after the interest 
of his mother until her death, and until thev were able to make 
their own way in life, assumed the responsibility of caring for the 
younger members of the family. He began farming for himself in 
Johnson County, and by dint of industry, and the exercise of good 
judgment and economy, succeeded in purchasing a tine farm, upon 
which he lived until his death, September 11, 1885. As a neigh- 
bor and citizen Mr. Hood was well thought of, and his memory 
will long be cherished in the community of which he was for so 
many years a conspicuous member. He assisted in the organiza- 
tion of the Odd Fellows Lodge of Edinburg, and was one of its 
most zealous workers. Politically, he was a republican, and in re- 
ligion a member of the Christian Church. His marriage with Miss 



BLUE RIVER TOWNSHIP. 423 

Rebecca M. Mitchell, of Johnson County, Inch, was solemnized on 
the 18th day of January, 1863. Mrs. Hood's parents, William and 
Mary (Allen) Mitchell, were among the pioneer settlers of Johnson 
County, moving here when the county was in a wilderness state. 
Mr. and Mrs. Hood had a family of seven children, four now living, 
viz.: William S., born September 12, 1S64, at this time principal 
of the Tavlorsville high school (Bartholomew County) ; Edgar G., 
born September 19, 1S66; Howard, born August 11, 187 1, and 
Effie L., born January 13, 1878. Deceased members of the family 
are: infant not named, born September 25, 1S63, died December 
15, 1863; Cora, born January 23, 1869, died October 30, 1S70; 
Gertie May, born May 5, 1875, died December 3, 1876. 

Joseph Johnson, marble dealer and prominent citizen of Edin- 
burg, was born in Clermont County, Ohio, March 2, 1S27, son of 
Richard and Keziah (Van Arsdal) Johnson, natives respectively of 
Virginia and New Jersey. Richard Johnson was a cousin of the 
noted Richard R^ Johnson, of Kentucky, and like the latter, was 
imbued with the military spirit, having served with distinction in the 
War of 1S12. Joseph Johnson is the fourth son and seventh child 
of a family of ten children. He was raised a farmer, but in early 
life manifested decided preference for mechanical pursuits. Ac- 
cordingly, he began working at the carpenter's trade a short time 
before attaining his majority. He soon acquired great proficiency 
in his chosen calling, and for a number of years was one of the 
leading mechanics in his native county, many of the finest residences 
and other buildings there having been erected under his personal 
supervision. In 1855, he came to Edinburg, Ind., and followed his 
trade in the town and country surrounding for a period of thirty- 
three years, erecting during that time many of the leading business 
houses and residences of the place. In 1879, he abandoned car- 
pentering and engaged in the marble business in Edinburg, which 
he still carries on. Mr. Johnson has been an energetic man all his 
life, and has met with well earned success in his trade and business. 
He is a republican in politics, and as such has rendered valuable 
service to his party in Edinburg, where his counsels always com- 
mand respect and weight. He was married in Clermont Count}-, 
Ohio, April 30, 1850, to Miss Margaret Parker, daughter of 
James E. and Jennie (Logan) Parker, a union blessed with the 
birth of nine children, only three of whom are living, namely: W. A., 
a leading young attorney of Franklin, Jennie K. (Mrs. Badger), 
and Maggie. Mr. Johnson and family are members of the Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church, belonging to the Edinburg congregation. 

J. W. Landis, one of the leading lumber manufacturers of 
Johnson County, and a permanent citizen of Edinburg, is a native of 






424 JOHNSON" COUNTY. 

Pennsylvania, born in Lancaster County, that state, on the 14th 
day of February, 1S32. He is the youngest, son of Abraham 
Landis, also a native of Pennsylvania, and for a number of years an 
industrious mechanic of Lancaster Count}-. The name of subject's 
mother was Margaret (White) Landis. The family left Pennsyl- 
vania in 1S53, and immigrating to Johnson County, Ind., settled 
at the town of Williamsburg, in the old cemetery of which place 
the father and mother now rest side by side. J. W. Landis preceded 
his parents to Johnson County, moving to the town of Williamsburg 
in 1852, where he engaged in his trade of carriage making, which 
he had previously learned in Pennsylvania. Mr. Landis early ac- 
quired great proficency in his chosen calling, and from 1852 until 
1865, did a profitable business in Williamsburg. In the latter year 
he* began the manufacture af agricultural implements at Edinburg, 
but soon abandoned the business, and in 1S67, began dealing in live- 
stock, which he carried or, successfully for about eight years. In 
the meantime he embarked in the lumber business in Shelby County, 
and for some time operated a mill in the vicinity of Edinburg, which, 
like his previous ventures, proved financially profitable. He was 
interested in a saw-mill in Edinburg for some years, in partnership 
with Jacob Mahley, but sold out in 1S83, and the year following, 
began the manufacture of lumber at the town of Trafalgar. In 
1887, he moved his large steam saw-mill from the latter place, to 
Franklin, where it is now in operation. This is one of the largest 
and best equipped mills of the kind in Johnson County, requiring 
the labor of twenty men, and turning out upon an average of 
20,000,000 feet of lumber yearly. In addition to the mills already 
enumerated, Mr. Landis, in 1885, purchased the mill at Needham, 
which he operated until 1S86, disposing of it the latter year. In 
his various business enterprises, Mr. Landis has displayed excellent 
judgment and ability, and as a result of his well-directed efforts, is 
now in the enjoyment of a comfortable competence. His large 
lumber trade is constantly increasing, and in the business circles of 
the state, he enjoys an enviable reputation. He is a member of the 
Masonic, I. O. O. F.,and K. of P. fraternities. Mr. Landis was mar- 
ried September 13, 1853, to Miss Mary H. Hoffman, of Lancaster 
County, Penn., daughter of Frederick Hoffman. Of the eight chil- 
dren born to Mr. and Mis. Landis, only two are now living: Mary A., 
widow of M. C. Cargar, and IdaT., both of whom reside in Edinburg. 
Mrs. Landis died in 1880. 

J. H. Law, of the firm of Sims & Law, butchers, Edinburg, 
was born in Jefferson County, Ind., January 22, 1834, the oldest 
son of William and Mary ( Barnes) Law, natives of Kentucky. 
The'father was a farmer, followed his chosen calling, and in 1836 



BLUE RIVER TOWNSHIP. 425 

settled in Johnson Count}', Ind., where he lived until his removal 
to Tipton County, fourteen years later. He is still living in the lat- 
ter county, having reached a ripe old age. He lost his wife in 1873. 
She was Lorn in the year 180S, and was her husband's senior by 
four years. She was the mother of ten children, all but one living. 
After the death of his first wife, Mr. Law married a Mrs. Ellis, 
who is now dead. He makes his home at this time with his son-in- 
law, T. J. Hancock, of Tipton County. J. H. Law began farming 
in 1854, in Tipton County, and continued that calling four years, 
and then began merchandizing at the town of Normanda, where he 
continued until i860. In 1861, he volunteered his services to his 
country, and enlisted in Co. K, Forty-seventh Indiana Infantry, 
Col. Slack's regiment, with which he served until discharged for 
physical disabilities at the expiration of nine months. On leaving 
the army he returned to his family in Tipton County, and there re- 
sided until 1866, when he moved to Johnson County, where he has 
since made his home. He was for some years extensively engaged 
in the live-stock business and farming, both of which he discontin- 
ued in 1886, and engaged in butchering in Edinburg, where he has 
now, in partnership with Mr. Sims, one of the best meat markets 
in the county. Mr. Law is a progressive citizen, an energetic busi- 
ness man, and an agreeable Christian gentleman. He is a member 
of the G. A. R., and for many years has been an active worker in 
the Methodist Episcopal Church, to which his wife also belongs. 
He married October 5, 1S54, Miss Hannah Bills, of New Jersey, 
daughter of Abraham and Harriet (Johnson) Bills, by whom he 
had two children, Millard F. (deceased), and John F., who is now 
thirty years of age. John F. married Miss Nancy Jenkins, daugh- 
ter of Joseph Jenkins, one of the prominent old settlers of Johnson 
County. 

Isaac Lesley, mechanic and foreman of the H. Maley & Co.'s 
large saw-and planing-mill in Edinburg, is a native of Montgomery 
County, Ohio, and the oldest son of David and Sarah (Schaeffer) 
Lesley. Mr. Lesley's parents were Pennsylvanians by birth, but 
in an early day emigrated to Montgomery County, Ohio, and later, 
to Indiana. Isaac Lesley grew to manhood in his native county, 
and early learned the carpenter's trade, which, in the main, has been 
his life work. February 16, 1851, he was united in marriage to 
Mary Shally, of Ohio, daughter of Joseph and Sarah Shally, and 
one year later moved to Indiana, settling in Shelby County. In 
1853, he came to Edinburg, and followed his trade here with much 
success and financial profit for a period of three years, abandoning 
it at the end of that time, and engaging in farming, which he car- 
ried on until about the year 1870. He assisted in organizing the 



426 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Edinburg Furniture Company, with which he was connected until 
the destruction of the factory by fire. Subsequently, he accepted 
the position of foreman in the saw and planing-mill of H. Maley & 
Co., the duties of which he has discharged with commendable abil- 
ity to the present time. He is a skilled mechanic, a most worthy 
citizen, and enjoys the confidence of the wealthy firm by which he 
is employed. He is a member of the I. O. O. F., and in politics 
supports the principles of the democratic party. 

A J. Loughery, the subject of this sketch, was born in 
Bartholomew County, Ind., September 13, 1S65, son of R. S. and 
Martha (Mitchell) Loughery, parents both natives of this state. 
The father was by occupation a miller, and followed that calling 
for a number of years in the counties of Johnson and Bartholomew. 
He served in the late war as member of Company C, Twenty- 
seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and for a period of three years 
shared the vicissitudes of his command in many of the bloodiest 
battles of the strugge, in one of which, the battle of Chancellorsville, 
Va., he received a severe wound, a minne ball passing nearly 
through his body. He was with the regiment in the battles of 
Winchester, Cedar Mountain, Antietam, Va., Gettysburg, Penn., Re- 
sacca, Atlanta, and numerous other engagements, including Sher- 
man's celebrated Georgia campaign, in all of which he bore the 
part of a brave soldier and sincere patriot. He died at .Lowell 
Mills, Ind., in 1877, and lies burried in the Edinburg cemetery. 
Of the six children born to Mr. and Mrs. Loughery, four are living, 
the subject of this sketch being the oldest of the family. Mrs. 
Loughery is still living, making her home at this time in Edin- 
burg. A. J. Loughery was reared to manhood in Edinburg. and 
in iSS-{, graduated from the high school with honors, delivering 
the valedictory address upon that occasion. In 18S7, he was 
united in marriage to Miss Mary W. Cutsinger, a young lady of 
refinement and intelligence, and a graduate in the same class with 
her husband. Mr. Loughery became principal of the Edinburg 
high school, in 1886, and has already won an enviable reputation 
as a painstaking and successful educator. He is a young man of 
exemplary habits, and possesses those traits of character which 
insure his success in the future. He and wife are members of the 
Christian Church of Edinburg. 

Henry Maley. — Among the representative business men of 
Edinburg, is Henry Maley, who was born in Germany, on the 18th 
dav of March, 1841. His parents were John and Catherine 
(Mohr) Maley, both natives of Germany. They left that coun- 
try when our subject was in his infancy, immigrating to the 
United States and settling in Shelby County, Ind., where the 



r 



BLUE RIVER TOWNSHIP. 427 

father engaged in the pursuit of agriculture. Mr. and Mrs. Maley 
had a family of seven children, four of whom are living. By a 
subsequent marriage Mr. Maley had three children, all living. 
Henry Maley was reared a farmer, and early became acquainted 
with the rugged duties of that useful occupation. His educational 
advantages were quite limited, but by coming in contact with busi- 
ness men in after life, he obtained a practical education, such as 
schools and colleges fail to impart. From 1864 until 1S70 he was 
engaged in farming, in connection with which he also manufactured 
brick and drain tile, meeting with encouraging success in the latter 
business. He made a specialty of the manufacture of tiling for 
several years, but in 1872 began operating a saw-mill, and for 
some time thereafter did a lucrative business in Johnson and Shelby 
counties. In 1S78 he erected a mill in Edinburg, and one year 
later engaged in the lumber business in Charleston, W. Va., where 
he also built a mill, which, with the one in this place, he is still 
operating, the style of the Edinburg firm being, Henry Maley & 
Co. He does a large lumber business, running in addition to his 
saw-mill, a planing-mill and two lumber-yards, all of which return 
him a handsome profit. He is also interested in the Edinburg 
Pulley Factory, besides having considerable capital invested in city 
property and real estate in the country, owning a fine farm of 264 
acres in Shelby County. Mr. Maley is essentially a self-made man, 
and in his social and business relations, enjoys the unbounded con- 
fidence of his fellow-citizens. He is prominently identified with the 
material prosperity of Edinburg, and all movements for the public 
good find in him an earnest and heart)' supporter. He is a mem- 
ber of the Masonic and K. of P. orders, and in politics wields an in- 
fluence for the democratic party. January 10, 1864, he married 
Miss Rebecca Compton, of Shelby County, Inch, a union blessed 
with the birth of the following children: Phebe, wife of E. D. 
Robbins, William H., Charles E., Maude, Claude and Alma E. 

Jacob Mahlev, the subject of this biography, is the eldest 
of a family of six children, born to Adam and Margaret (Zehmer) 
Mahley, and dates his birth from the 9th day of November, 1S34. 
He was born in Germany, and remained in his native country until 
1854, at which time he came to the United States and located in 
Shelby County, Ind., where, for about ten years, he was variously 
employed working at different occupations. In 1865 he engaged 
in the general mercantile trade at the town of Mt. Auburn, Shelby 
County, which he continued with gratifying success for some years, 
and later purchased a valuable farm, and engaged in agricultural 
pursuits. In 1883, he effected a partnership in the saw-milling and 
lumber business with Henry Maley & Co., in which he met with 



428 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

success and financial profit. Mr. Mahley has been very fortunate 
in his business ventures, owning at this time valuable real estate 
in Shelbv County and Edinburg, besides interests in a saw-mill and 
grocery store in the latter place. He is one of the leading citizens 
of Edinburg, and enjoys the esteem and confidence of all who 
know him. He owns valuable propertv, his large brick residence 
on Walnut Street being among the finest dwellings in the city. 
Miss Emma Davisson, who became his wife on the 19th day of 
September, 1872, is a native of Shelbv County, Ind., and daughter 
of Reuben and Rebecca Davisson. Mr. and Mrs. Mahley have 
two children: Jesse W. and Harry. Politically, Mr. Mahley is a 
democrat, and in religion, is a member of the Lutheran Church. 
Mrs. Mahley is a member of the Christian Church. 

G. E. Mayfield, the gentleman whose name introduces this 
sketch, was born in the town of Dupont, Jefferson County, Ind., 
July 1, 1S51, son of Francis and Adelaide (Wilson) Mayfield, na- 
tives respectively of Trimble County, Kv., and Madison, Ind. 
Francis Mayfield was, for a number of years, a merchant at the town 
of Dupont, and afterward engaged in the pork packing business 
at Columbus, Ind., a venture which did not prove financially 
successful. He was a member of the legislature from Jefferson 
County, in 185 1, and during the war held the position of provost 
marshal of Jefferson County. He is now living upon a farm in 
Jefferson County, having reached the advanced age of three score 
and ten, a well-preserved man for his vears, retaining unimpaired 
to a marked degree his mental and physical faculties. Mrs. May- 
field is living also, being eleven years younger than her husband. 
They are the parents of eight children. G. E. Mayfield passed 
his youthful years in his native village, and was the recipient of a 
common school education. His first experience was upon a farm, 
and subsequently he accepted a position as book-keeper with a 
pork packing establishment at Columbus, where he continued until 
the failure of the firm, several years later. On leaving Columbus 
he went to Indianapolis, where, for a period of about one year, he 
was associated in the brokerage business, with J. P. Wiggins, Esq.; 
returning to Columbus at the end of that time, he engaged as 
book-keeper with the Wright Bros., pork packers, in whose employ 
he continued until 1879. Severing his connection with the above 
firm, he became book-keeper in the private banking house of John 
A. Thompson, at Edinburg, and after two or three vears in that 
capacity, was promoted cashier, a position he now holds. Mr. May- 
field is an accomplished business man, thoroughly familiar with the 
details of banking, and enjovs the unbounded confidence of his em- 
ployer. He is withal a courteous gentleman and well deserves 



BLUE RIVER TOWNSHIP. 429 

mention as one of Edinburg's wide-awake and energetic citizens. 
His wife, Mamie Hill, whom he married March iS, 1S75? is a 
native of Columbus, Ind., and daughter of Judge Ralph Hill, a 
prominent lawyer of Indianapolis, and an ex-member of Congress. 
Mr. and Mrs Mayfield have two children, Clifford H. and Mina F. 

D. McDonald, the gentleman for whom this sketch is prepared, 
is a native of Canada, born in the County of Glangary, Ontario, on 
the 7th da}' of October, 1833. His father, John McDonald, was 
a native of New York, and a soldier of the War of 1S12. The 
mother, Christiana (Cameron) McDonald, was born in Canada, 
and was descended from Scotch ancestry. The McDonald family 
came originally from Scotland, and was early represented in this 
country by several members who settled in various parts of the 
eastern states. John and Christiana McDonald reared a family of 
fourteen children, all sons, eight of whom are still living. The 
subject of this biography remained in his native country until his 
sixteenth year, at which time he began life for himself, working at 
different occupations in various parts of the country. He traveled 
for some time from place to place, and finally settled down at the 
town of Lawrenceburg, Ind., where he learned the cabinet-maker's 
trade, which he followed in that town for a period of eight or nine 
years. While at Lawrenceburg, he became acquainted with, and 
married, Miss Eliza J. Armstrong, who bore him three children, 
namely : Luella, Lizzie and Mary. From Lawrenceburg, Mr. Mc- 
Donald went to Evansville, where, after a residence of about one 
year, he returned to the former place, and later, moved to Kentucky 
and engaged in the same business at the town of Carrollton. He 
was in the employ of the government for some time building hos- 
pitals, bridges, etc., but in 1862, engaged in the furniture trade in 
Madison, Ind., where he did a fairly lucrative business until 1868. 
From Madison he came to Edinburg. where, for two or three years 
he operated a furniture factor}', and later, 1884, engaged in the 
furniture trade and undertaking business. In 1856, he identified 
himself with the Methodist Church, of which he has since been an 
earnest and consistent member. He lost his first wife on the 10th 
day of April, 1880, and on the 16th day of November, 1881, his 
second marriage was solemnized with Miss Jennie Battin, of Ohio, 
a union blessed with the birth of one child: Edwin W. Mr. Mc- 
Donald is a republican in politics, a member of the I. O. O. F., and 
as a citizen commands the respect and confidence of the people of 
Edinburg. 

Adam Mutz, whose biography is herewith presented, is a na- 
tive of Lancaster Countv, Penn., born December 22. 1829, the son 
of George and Catherine Mutz. The father was a native of Ger- 



430 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

many, and by trade a weaver. He came to the United States a 
number of years ago, settling in Pennsylvania, where he followed 
his vocation for some time, and where he subsequently married 
Miss Catherine Frybarger, a native of Switzerland. Some years 
after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Mutz emigrated to Montgomery 
County, Ohio, and settled near the city of Dayton, and later moved 
to Miami County, that state, where Mr. Mutz followed agricultural 
pursuits for a period of about twenty years. He subsequently re- 
tired from active life, and until his death, at the advanced age of 
eightv-four years, resided in the city of Covington. Mrs. Mutz 
departed this life in the spring of 1S87, at the age of eighty-seven. 
Mr. Mutz served in the German arm)' before coming to the United 
States, and served in several campaigns against the great Napoleon. 
Adam Mutz was reared principally in Montgomery County, Ohio, 
and obtained the rudiments of a practical education in such schools 
as the county at that time afforded. He subsequently attended a 
school at Fairmount, Ohio, paying his own way bv working for 
wages during the summer seasons. At the age of nineteen he 
came to Johnson County, Ind., and after following various occupa- 
tions for a number of years, effected a co-partnership, in i860 or 1S61, 
with Martin Lynch, in the drug business, which firm still exists, the 
oldest business establishment at this time in the town of Edinburg. 
In his business relations Mr. Mutz has a reputation more than local, 
and as a public-spirited citizen fully alive to all the interests of the 
city in which he has so long resided, few occupy a more conspicu- 
ous and honored place. Bv diligent attention to the demands of the 
trade he has succeeded in establishing a very successful business, 
which has returned him a comfortable competence, his property be- 
ing among the most valuable in the city. He is a democrat in pol- 
itics, and for a period of thirty-five years has been an honored 
member of the Odd Fellows fraternity, being at this time treasurer 
of the Herndon Lodge. On the 12th day of April, 1S66, he mar- 
ried Miss Martha Jarrell. daughter of Henry and Lucv Jarrell, a 
union blessed with the birth of rive children, namely: John R., 
Lucy, Kate, Edell and Howard H. 

G. A. Mutz, son of George and Catherine Mutz, is a native 
of Ohio, born in Montgomery County, that state, on the 16th day 
of July, 1837. At the age of thirteen, he was taken by his parents 
to Miami County, Ohio, where he resided until 1S59, at which time 
he moved to Shelby County, Ind., and engaged in teaching. His 
success in that calling is attested by the fact of his having been em- 
ployed for six successive years in the same place, during which 
time he earned the reputation of an able and painstaking instructor. 
While thus employed, he married Miss Sarah Mullendore, of Shelby 



BLUE RIVER TOWNSHIP. 43 1 

County, daughter of Jacob Mullendore, one of the leading farmers 
of that part of the state. Until 1870 Mr. Mutz was variously en- 
gaged, his principal vocation during the time having been agricult- 
ural pursuits, which he carried on in connection with teaching 
music. In the above year he engaged in the manufacture of furni- 
ture at Edinburg, and for a period of four years was one of the 
proprietors of the Edinburg Furniture Company, which subse- 
quently sustained a very heavy loss bv fire. After the destruction 
of the factory, Mr. Mutz began sellin"' furniture and undertaking 
supplies, but later abandoned the business, and purchased an in- 
terest in a family grocery store, which he carried on from 187S 
until 1S84, in partnership with J. M. Carvin. The partnership was 
dissolved in the latter year, after which Mr. Mutz purchased the 
grocery house of J. D. Brewer, Esq., which he still owns. Mr. 
Mutz is in the enjoyment of a large and lucrative business, his an- 
nual sales amounting to over $30,000. His store is well supplied 
with all the goods demanded by the current trade, and is one of the 
best known and most substantial business houses of Edinburg. 
Politically, Mr. Mutz is a democrat, but has never been an aspirant 
for official honors, preferring to use his time and talents in other 
directions. He is an ardent friend of education, and for a number 
of years has served as a member of the Edinburg school board, 
of which he is at this time president. His early educational train- 
ing was liberal, attending first the common schools, and later the 
high school of Piqua, Ohio, and Heidelberg College, Seneca 
County, that state, in both of which he made substantial progress 
in the more advanced branches of learning. He is a member of the 
K. of P., and Masonic orders, and a gentleman in whom the citi- 
zens of Edinburg place great reliance. Mr. and Mrs. Mutz have 
two children, viz. : May Belle, wife of Elwood Allen, leading manu- 
facturer of Miamisburg, Ohio, and George Raymond Mutz, who is 
still under the parental roof. 

Prof. William B. Owen, superintendent of Edinburg schools, 
is a native of Ohio, born in Ashland County, that state, on the 30th 
day of July, 1853. His father. Rev. A. K. Owen, is a Pennsyl- 
vania!] bv birth, and a distinguished minister of the Methodist 
Church, stationed, at that time, at the city of New Philadelphia, 
Ohio. Rev. Mr. Owen has held various official positions in his 
denomination, among which were those of presiding elder, and 
member of the board of appeals. He is one of a family of eight 
children, three daughters and five sons, the latter of whom all be- 
came ministers of different denominations, while two of the daught- 
ers married ministers. Bv his marriage with Miss Margaret Bru- 
baker, Mr. Owen had a family of seven children, four of whom 



432 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

are now living, viz.: Elizabeth, wife of W. B. Taggart; Edwin 
B., superintendent of schools at Areola, 111.: George, a journalist in 
Oregon, and William B., the subject of this biography. William 
B. Owen enjoyed the advantages of a liberal education, graduating 
at the age of twenty-one from Baldwin University. Berea, Ohio. 
In 1876, he began teaching in Lancaster, Pa., and in the presi- 
dential campaign of that year, took an active part by canvassing 
various counties in the state, in the interest of the republican candi- 
dates, Haves and Wheeler. He made a number of public speeches, 
and earned the reputation of an able and eloquent political orator. 
In 1878, he returned to his native state, and accepted the superin- 
tendencv of the Delta schools, where he taught rive years, and then 
became superintendent of the schools of Tuscola, 111., a position he 
held until taking charge of the schools of Edinburg, Ind., in the fall 
of 18S7. As a teacher, Prof. Owen ranks among the best-known 
educators in this part of the state, and as an institute organizer and 
lecturer, few have a more extended reputation. He has been a 
member of the National Teachers' Association for five years, and 
while principal of the Delta, Ohio, high school, achieved some 
prominence in educational circles as editor of the School Journal, 
published at that place. He is a regular contributor to various 
periodicals, and in addition to his school work, gives instructions in 
sketching and oil painting, being an artist of acknowledged ability. 
Politically, he is an ardent supporter of the republican party, and 
in religion, holds to the Presbyterian creed. He was married in Dela- 
ware County, Ohio, in 1S78, to Miss Sarah, daughter of Jefferson 
P. and Delia (Thrall ) Maynard, a union blessed with the birth of three 
children, viz. : Carl M., L. Percival, and Lou M. Mr. and Mrs. 
Owens are members of the Edinburg Presbyterian Church. 

Dr. Luther Paine is a native of Montgomery County, Ohio, born 
in the town of Miamisburg, on the 29th day of November, 1S24. 
His parents were Henry and Allettah (Lane) Paine, the father at 
one time a leading school teacher of the above county, where he 
also held the position of major in the state militia service. Dr. 
Paine's first experience in life was on his father's farm, and his early 
educational training embraced the limited course appertaining to 
the indifferent schools of that day. While still young he learned 
in Warren County, Ohio, the blacksmith's trade, which was his 
work for forty-one years. He followed his calling several vears in 
Warren, Montgomery and Preble counties, Ohio, and in 1852, 
came to Johnson County, Ind.. locating at Edinburg. where he car- 
ried on his business continuously until 1882. Dr. Paine was always 
a great reader, and in his hours of leisure turned this taste to his 
advantage by studying the standard works on medicine, for which 



BLUE RIVER TOWNSHIP. 433 

profession he early manifested a decided preference. This course 
of study embraced the leading authorities of the Eclectic system, 
and so thoroughly did he read them that in 1882, he abandoned his 
trade and began to practice in Edinburg. He afterward entered 
the American Eclectic College, at Cincinnati, Ohio, in which he 
completed the prescribed course, graduating in the class of 1S83. 
Prior to his entering upon the active practice of the profession, the 
Doctor had treated various diseases by the magnetic method, but 
since 1882, he has given his attention to the practice of both 
methods. The Doctor was married April 16, 1845, to Miss Re- 
becca Vanderveer, daughter of Benjamin and Jane Vanderveer, of 
Ohio, by whom he has had six children, namely: George, Laura, 
Mary J. (deceased), Luther E., Margaret E. and Benjamin V. The 
Doctor is a republican in politics and an active member of the 
I. O. O. F. and Masonic fraternities. 

Joel C. Pierce was born in Johnson County, Ind., September 
29, 183S, and is the second child of David and Nancy (Tracy) 
Pierce, natives of Virginia and Kentucky, respectively. David 
Pierce came to Johnson County in an early day, and was for a num- 
ber of years engaged in teaching in Pleasant Township. He fol- 
lowed teaching as a profession the greater part of his life, and at 
one time held an official position in the county. Of the children 
born to David and Nancy Pierce three are now living, viz. : Will- 
iam, Joel C. and David. Mrs. Pierce subsequently married George 
Hargan, and moved to the State of Iowa. The subject of this 
sketch was reared principally in Tipton County, this state, but in 
1854, returned to Johnson County, where he has since resided. 
Since 1855, he has lived in the western part of Blue River Town- 
shis, where he now owns a beautiful and well improved farm. He 
is a substantial citizen, upright in all his dealings and enjoys the con- 
fidence and respect of a large circle of friends throughout this and 
other townships. He is a member of the Christian Church, and in 
politics, votes with the democratic party. In 1864, he married 
Sarah A. Henderson, daughter of L. J. and Catherine (Allen) 
Henderson. Seven children have been born to this marriage, viz.: 
Jessie T., Flora M., Joel E., Lewis E., Clarence I., Katie and Laura 
B. (deceased). Mrs Pierce is also an active member of the Chris- 
tian Church. 

Jackson Pruitt, prominent farmer and stock-raiser, son of 
Pleasant and Mary Pruitt, is a native of Shelby County, Ind., and 
was born on the first day of November, 1840. His early educa- 
tional privileges were of a meager character, embracing a few 
months in the common schools, but his practical knowledge, ob- 
tained by coming in contact with business men, has enabled him to 



434 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

discharge successfully the duties of an active life. He was reared 
to agricultural pursuits, which honorable calling has been his life 
work. April 10. 1864, he was married to Miss Eliza Patterson, of 
Jennings County, Ind., and daughter of Adam and Roxana Pat- 
terson. Mr. Pruitt ran a saw-mill several years for his father, and 
later began farming in German Township, Bartholomew County, 
where he now owns a valuable farm of 400 acres. In 1S74 he 
moved to Blue River Township, Johnson County, since which time 
his residence has been in the suburbs of Edinburg, where he moved 
in order to better educate his children. In addition to his farming 
interests, Mr. Pruitt has been extensively engaged in buying and 
selling live-stock, being at this time one of the most active dealers 
in this section of the county. He is an ardent friend of education, 
takes an active part in all public enterprises, but is withal, a man of 
domestic tastes and habits, finding his greatest pleasure in his 
home and family. Mr. and Mrs. Pruitt have three children, viz. : 
Arthur W., Nannie, and Charles F. 

Jacob Pruitt, one of the substantial citizens of Edinburg, 
and youngest son of John J. and Elizabeth (Hawkins) Pruitt, was 
born in Shelbv County, Ind., on the 20th dav of Julv, 1S58. He 
was raised to agricultural pursuits, and chose that useful occupation 
for a life work, and followed it with good success until his removal 
to Edinburg in the year 1888. Mr. Pruitt belongs to that sturdy 
class of people, who though quiet and unassuming, have by their 
industry and sterling qualities of manhood, proved the most valu- 
able and substantial members of societv. He occupies a prominent 
place in the estimation of his neighbors and fellow-citizens, and has 
a large circle of friends in Edinburg and surrounding country. 
He is the possessor of a tine farm in Blue River Township, and is 
otherwise well provided for, in the way of earthlv wealth. Like all 
members of his family, Mr. Pruitt is a republican, but has never 
been a partisan or office-seeker. He married, in December, 1881, 
Miss Mary'Ludeka, of Buffalo, N. Y., daughter of Henry and 
Abigail ( Dangert) Ludeka, natives of Germany. Mr. and Mrs. 
Pruitt are the parents of four children, viz. : John (deceased), 
Ralph, Belle and Howard. 

John J. Pruitt (deceased). — Few of the early pioneers of 
Johnson Countv were more widely and favorably known, than the 
late John Pruift, brother of Pleasant Pruitt, whose biography ap- 
pears below. John J. Pruitt was born in the district of Abbey- 
ville, South Carolina, on the 9th day of August, 1814. and when 
less than a year old was brought bv his parents to Indiana, in which 
state he grew to manhood. His youthful years were spent in the 
counties of Franklin. Fayette and Shelby, and like the sons of all 



BLUE RIVER TOWNSHIP. 



435 



early settlers, he was reared in a time when hard work and mani- 
fold privations were the common lot of all. He early developed 
extraordinary powers of endurance, and choosing agriculture for a 
life-work, bent all of his energies to the accomplishment of the one 
purpose o.f founding a home, in which he was more than ordinarily 
successful. In 1S36 he married Miss Jane Kyle, a native of Fayette 
County, Perm., daughter of Nathan and Elizabeth (Nixon) Kyle, 
who were among the early settlers of Shelby County. To 
this marriage were born eleven children, seven of whom are living, 
namely : William N., Pleasant, Mrs. Elizabeth Sergeant, Joseph, 
Mrs. Mary Thompson, David and Jacob. The deceased members 
of the family are as follows: Moses, died at New Orleans, July 9, 
1861; Herman, died November 15, 1861; Abigail, wife of Robert 
W. Medkirk. died April 12, 1870; Belle, wife of G. W. Overstreet, 
of Franklin, died March 24, 1S76. Mr. Pruitt, was very success- 
ful in his business affairs, and during a long and very active life, 
accumulated a large propertv, much of which consisted of valuable 
real estate, in Johnson, Shelbv and Bartholomew counties. He was 
a liberal patron of all public enterprises, and a man prominent in 
the circles in which he moved. In his death, which occurred on the 
5th day of November, 1S61, the family suffered the loss of a kind 
husband and father, and the citizens of the community, a wise coun- 
seller and faithful friend. Mrs. Pruitt departed this life on the 21st 
day of November, 1887, aged sixty-nine years and a day. 

Pijcasaxt Pruitt, Sr. — Among the successful self-made men, 
of Johnson County, men who have been foremost in the laudable 
work of developing the material resources of the country as well as 
adding character to the community, the name of Pleasant Pruitt is 
deserving of especial mention. The ancestors of Mr. Pruitt were 
among the sturdy yeomenry of South Carolina, in which state the 
family was represented in colonial times by a number of worthy 
members. Moses Pruitt, father of the subject, was a Carolinian 
by birth, and an early settler of Franklin County, Ind., moving to 
this state about the year 1S15, and later to Fayette and Shelby 
Counties, in the latter of which his death subsequently occurred, at 
the age of fortv-seven years. He was essentially a self-made man, 
and during his life accumulated a valuable property, all of which 
represented the fruits of his unaided efforts. His wife, whom he 
married in South Carolina, was Elizabeth Hawkins, a woman of 
sterling worth, whose virtues and characteristics are largely repro- 
duced in the subject of this biography. Moses and Elizabeth Pruitt 
were the parents of seven children. Pleasant being the second born 
of the family. His birth occurred in the district of Abbeyville, 
S. C, on the 6th day of January, 181 1, and at the age of four years, 
28 



436 



JOHNSON COUNTY. 



he was brought by his parents, to Franklin County, Ind. He af- 
terward accompanied the family to Fayette and Shelby counties. 
and it may be truly said that the best years of his life were passed 
amid the rugged duties and stirring scenes of pioneer times. Be- 
ing the eldest son. he was early compelled to bear his share of the 
family burden, consequently his educational training was of a 
meager character. His practical knowledge, however, gained 
through a long series of years in the school of experience, is more 
thorough and complete, and by means of it, he has been enabled to 
transact successfully, the duties of a very active life, and turn, what 
to many would have proved misfortune, to his own advantage. No- 
vember ii, 1833, he took to himself a help-mate, in the person of Miss 
Nancy Breeding, who proved a true and faithful wife, and valu- 
able assistant until her death, which occurred on the 2Sth day of 
March. ibSj. Mrs. Pruitt was born in Kentucky County, this 
state, in the year 181 7, and was a woman honored and respected 
for her many admirable traits of character, having been an earnest 
member of the Christian Church for a number of years. To Mr. and 
Mrs. Pruitt were born a family of eleven children, four of whom 
are living, namely: Alexander, Jackson, Milton and Elizabeth, 
(Mrs. Drake |, with the latter of whom Mr. Pruitt, now makes his 
home. Mr. Pruitt's life-work has been that of a farmer, in which 
he has been more than ordinarily successful. To each of his chil- 
dren he recently gave a fine farm, besides assisting them in various 
other ways. In all his business transactions, Mr. Pruitt has made 
it a point to meet promptly his every obligation, and to-day he is 
proud of the fact that he owes no man. His life has been a long 
and useful one, and during a residence of sixty-six years in John- 
son County, the people have learned to revere him for his sterling 
manhood, and have profited by his advice and counsel. He is now 
in the seventv-eighth year of his age, a well-preserved old gentle- 
man, retaining in a remarkable degree, his mental and physical 
faculties. He is an earnest member of the Christian Church, and 
a true type of the old-time gentleman. 

Elder P. S. Rhodes, pastor of the Edinburg Christian Church, 
is a native of Rockingham Count v. Ya.. born on the 25th dav of 
November, 183S. His parents, David and Magdalene E. Hilde- 
brand Rhodes, were also natives of Virginia, in which state the 
father followed the farmer's occupation. He was a minister of the 
Menonite Church, and died in the year 1859, aged forty- 
nine years. Mrs. Rhodes is still living on the old home- 
stead in Rockingham County, having reached her seventy- 
eighth year. Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes raised a family of twelve sons. 
The subject of this sketch was reared in his native state, and re- 



BLUE RIVER TOWNSHIP. 437 

ceived a good common school education. He afterward became 
a student of Washington College, Iowa, where he pursued his 
studies for sometime, with the object of entering the ministry in 
view, and also taught several terms of school, and earned the repu- 
tation of a successful instructor. He was ordained a minister of the 
Christian Church, at Chandler, Iowa, October, 1872, by Elders 
E. S. Athearn and C. White, and immediately thereafter entered 
upon the active duties of his calling among the churches of that 
state. In 1874, he returned to Virginia, and, after preaching sev- 
eral years in his native county, accepted the position of district 
evangelist, and later became evangelist for the state, which work 
required his time and attention for nearly five years. He founded, 
in 1880, at the town of Gordonsville, Va., the Atlantic Missionary, 
a religious periodical, with which he was identified in the capacity 
of editor about four years, contributing in the meantime to columns 
of various papers of the church with which he is connected. 
Owing to the poor health of his family, he was compelled to dis- 
continue missionary and evangelistic work, and accept a pasturate, 
which he did in 1887, moving that year to Edinburg, where he has 
since ministered with great acceptance to the large congregation at 
this place. Elder Rhodes is a popular minister, and possesses 
many of the elements which go to make up the successful pulpit 
orator. He is earnest and faithful in the presentation of scriptural 
truth, honest in his religious convictions, and has already won a 
warm place in the affections of his congregation. He was mar- 
ried September n, 1862, in Keokuk, Iowa, to Miss Isabelle Law- 
ler. daughter of Ausburn Lawler. Mr. and Mrs. Rhodes have a 
family of six children, viz. : John, Medora, Ella, William, Bertie 
and Florence. 

M. A. Roth. — George J. Roth, father of the subject of this 
sketch, and one of the reliable men of Edinburg, was born in 
Nuremburg, German}', April 7, 1826, and is a son of Frederick and 
Ann Maria Roth. He came to America in 1849, and located in 
Louisville, Ky., thence later to Edinburg, Ind., which place has 
been his home since the year 1853. He married Miss Frances E. 
Gibbs, of Shelby Count}', Ky., in 1S51, and by her had these chil- 
dren, namely: Mary Ann, Michael A., George J., William R., 
Amelia, Lillius, Mollie and Llewellyn. Mrs. Roth dying, Mr. Roth 
afterward married Miss Sarah E. Runchv, of Shelby County, Ind., 
a union blessed with the birth of two children : Frances E. and 
Edward. Mrs. Sarah Roth died December 22. 1876, and Novem- 
ber 25, 1880, Mr. Rotlvs third marriage was solemnized with Mrs. 
Nancy Cummings (nee Matheny), of Morgan County, Ind., who is 
his present wife. Michael A. Roth was born in the city of Louis- 




/ 



438 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

ville, Kv., February II, 1853, and while still an infant was brought 
to Edinburg, where he has since resided. He was educated in 
the schools of the town, and made his first beginning in life sawing 
wood for the J., M. & I. Railroad, and later began dealing in coal 
in a small way, which business eventuallv increased until he was 
enabled to start a coal yard. He operates the yard at this time, 
supplying the greater part of the coal consumed in the city, doing 
a flourishing business. In connection with the coal yard he has 
charge of the Adams Express office in Edinburg, and in all his bus- 
iness transactions has the reputation of an earnest and energetic 
man. He is a member of the Knights of Pythias and Odd Fel- 
lows orders, and in politics supports the principles of the demo- 
cratic party. October 14, 1S77, was solemnized his marriage with 
Miss .Mary K. Werner, of Bartholomew County, Ind., daughter of 
John Werner. Three children are the fruits of this union, namely : 
George J., Clarence A. and Maggie A. 

John B. Ri"bush, a native of Montgomery County, Va.. and 
second son of George and Susan (Tinkle) Rubush, was born on the 
17th day of November, 1823. George Rubush, the father, was a 
native of England, and his wife was born in the state of Pennsyl- 
vania. Thev were among the early pioneers of Johnson County, 
Ind., moving here in 1S33. George Rubush was by occu- 
pation a stone and brick mason, and for a number of years 
preached for the United Brethren Church. He resided in Johnson 
County eleven years, and then moved to Hamilton County, Ohio, 
where his and his wife's death occurred, at the respective ages of 
seventy-three and sixty-eight years. John Rubush grew to man- 
hood in Johnson County, Ind., and until his twentieth year worked 
at the farmer's occupation. He then began contracting and build- 
ing, which he continued until 1862, when he entered the army as 
member of Company G, Third Indiana Cavalry. He served three 
years in the army, during which time he earned the reputation of a 
brave and gallant soldier, having been with his command in many 
of the bloodiest battles of the war. Orr leaving the service he re- 
turned to Indiana, locating in Brown County, thence in 1S65. to John- 
son County, where, with the exception of several years spent in 
Indianapolis and Acton, he has since resided. Mr. Rubush has 
given his time and attention principally to contracting and building, 
and has earned the reputation of a skilled and successful mechanic. 
He is a member of the Christian Church, and stands high in the 
community as a straightforward and courteous Christian gentleman. 
He has been an elder of the Christian Church of Edinburg for a 
period of twenty years, and is one of the leading and influential 
members of the society. He married, December, 1843, Miss Eliz- 



BLUE RIVER TOWNSHIP. 439 

abeth McLain, daughter of Jacob McLain, of Kentucky, by whom 
he has had seven children, the following living, to-wit: Lymon S., 
Isabelle, Fletcher, Sarah and John. The deceased members of the 
family were Ellen and Malissa. 

G. B. Ruxkle, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Blue 
River Township, was born in Bartholmew County, Ind., Decem- 
ber 7, 1834, and is a son of Lewis and Ruth (Barlow) Runkle, na- 
tives respectively of Virginia and Kentucky. Mr. Runkle's 
parents came to Johnson Countv quite early, and settled upon a 
farm. Our subject was raised a farmer, and at the age of sixteen 
went to Shelby Countv, where he remained until attaining his ma- 
joritv. He then went to Clinton Count}', where on the 13th of De- 
cember, 1S55, he married Miss Mahala Anderson, daughter of 
William and Rebecca Anderson. Shortly after his marriage Mr. 
Runkle returned to the old homestead in Johnson County, where 
he still resides, and which he owns. He is a successful farmer, an 
energetic citizen, and as a man is widely and favorably known for 
his man} - excellent traits of character. Of the five children born 
to Mr. and Mrs. Runkle, three are living, namely: William J., 
Lydia and Mamie, wife of Harry Furnas, Esq. 

William P. Rush, M. D., one of the leading physicians and 
surgeons of Edinburg, is a native of Franklin County, Pa., and son 
of James and Margaret (Hasson) Rush. Dr. Rush's ancestors 
were natives of Ireland, from which country the father emigrated 
a number of years ago, and settled in Pennsylvania, where his 
death occurred. His widow subsequently moved to Ohio, and 
after spending some time in that state, moved to Vernon, Inch, and 
later, to Louisville, K\\, where her death occurred at the age of 
sixty-three. Dr. Rush was born March 7. 1822, and spent the 
greater part of his early life in the town of Vernon, Ind. He ob- 
tained a practical education in the schools of the above place, and 
having earlv evinced a decided preference for the medical profes- 
sion, entered upon the study of the same in the year 1841, under 
the instruction of Dr. Thompson, now of Indianapolis. He after- 
ward pursued his studies with Drs. Schlissler and Batty, of Madison 
and Vincennes, respectively, and began the practice of his profes- 
sion about the year 1844, at the town of Rockford, this state. Im- 
pressed with the necessity of a more thorough preparation for his 
chosen calling, the Doctor, in 1854, entered the Medical University 
of Louisville, Ky., from which institution he graduated in the class 
of 1854-5. July, 1845, he began the practice of medicine at 
Edinburg, Ind., where, with the exception of about live years spent 
in Indianapolis, Ind., he has since resided. While in Indianapolis 
the Doctor was engaged a part of the time in the wholesale drug 



440 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

trade with Messrs. Daily and Kiefer, which branch of business he 
carried on in connection with the practice of his profession. His 
practice at this time is quite extensive, including a large portion of 
Johnson and adjoining counties, and in his profession he occupies a 
conspicuous place among the successful medical men of this part of 
the state. November, 1846, the Doctor's marriage with Miss 
Eliza G. Stout, of Vincennes, was solemnized, a union blessed with 
the birth of seven children, whose names are as follows, to-wit: 
Lucy (deceased), Margaret (deceased), Thomas, Eliza G., wife of 
Owen Moffett, E. W. J., James and Louis Rush. Politically, Dr. 
Rush is a democrat, and in religion, a Roman Catholic. 

H. W. Scholler, the gentleman whose name introduces this 
biography, is a native of Jefferson County, Ind., and son of George 
and Elizabeth (Ox) Scholler, parents born in Germany. George 
Scholler was a stone-mason by trade, and was employed in that 
vocation for some time in the city of Madison, where he did some 
fine work for the Madison & Indianapolis Railroad Company. Both 
he and wife died at Madison, and lie buried in the cemetery of that 
city. H. W. Scholler was born on the 14th day of September, 
1844, and grew to manhood in his native county. His early edu- 
cational advantages were quite limited, and at the age of ten years 
he began working for himself in a brick-yard, and later found em- 
plovment in a starch factory, at Madison. After continuing in the 
latter vocation for a number of vears, and becoming thoroughly 
familiar with the details of the business, he came to Edinburg and 
accepted a position with the firm of Tilford & Co., starch manufac- 
turers, and later purchased an interest in the business and became a 
member of the well-known firm of Cutsinger & Co. He still re- 
tains his interest, and at this time is general superintendent of the 
factory. Mr. Scholler is essentially a self-made man, and as such 
occupies a conspicuous place in the confidence and esteem of his 
fellow citizens. Politically, he is a democrat, taking an active in- 
terest in the councils of his party in Edinburg and Johnson County. 
He is a member of the Masonic and K. of P. fraternities, in the 
deliberation of which he bears a conspicuous part. June 11, 1S65, 
he was united in marriage to Miss Mary Herbesh, of Madison, Ind., 
a union blessed with the birth of six children, three of whom: 
Clinton C, Harry A. and Florence, are living. 

James R. Sharp was born in the city of Madison, Ind., on 
the 23d of October, 1842, and is a son of John and Miriam (Mc- 
Cartney ) Sharp, natives respectively of Ohio and Indiana. John 
Sharp was a printer by trade. He came to Indiana a number of 
vears ago, settling in Madison, and later came to Johnson County, 
where he and wife died at the respective ages of forty-two and 



BLUE RIVER TOWNSHIP. 44I 

sixty-seven years. They were the parents of five children, three 
of whom are living, viz.: Alice, wife of Henry Henry; Miriam, wife 
of Mr. Reese, andjames R. The subject'syouthfulyearswere spent 
in the counties of Jefferson and Johnson, and at the early age of 
fourteen he began life for himself as a grocer's clerk in the town of 
Tavlorsville. Owing to the fact of his being obliged to rely upon 
his own resources at such an early age, his educational training was 
sadly neglected, but by coming in contact with the business world 
he soon obtained a practical education which has enabled him to 
discharge successfullv the duties of a very active life. From Tav- 
lorsville he came to Edinburg, where he held a clerical position until 
September, 1S61, at which time he entered the army, enlisting in 
Company E, Twenty-seventh Indiana Infantry, for three years' ser- 
vice. He participated in the most active campaigns of the war, and 
took part in many of the bloodiest battles of that great struggle. On 
leaving the army he returned to Edinburg and accepted the posi- 
tion of book-keeper in the bank of Harvey Lewis, and later, in 
1SS5, became book-keeper for S. Cutsinger & Co., in their starch 
factory at this place, a position he now holds. Mr. Sharp is a skill- 
ful accountant, and for nine years was city clerk of Edinburg. He 
is a member of the I. O. O. F., and G. A. R., and with his wife belongs 
to the Methodist Church. His marriage with Miss Sarah Van Dorn, 
daughter of J. D. Van Dorn, whose biography appears in this work, 
was solemnized on the 24th day of October, 1866. To Mr. and Mrs. 
Sharp have been born three children, namely: Jessie (deceased), 
Eva D., and Harry V. 

Dr. Julius C. Sharp, one of the oldest medical men in John- 
son County, is a native of Highland County, Ohio, born on the 9th 
day of November, 1810. His father was Isaac Sharp, and his 
mother's maiden name was Sallie Leaveston. Isaac Sharp served 
as a corporal in the War of 181 2, and died shortly after the close 
of that struggle, in the vigor and prime of early manhood. Mrs. 
Sharp subsequently married Alexander Mence, Esq., by whom she 
had four children. By her first marriage she was the mother of 
five children, the subject of this biography being the second son 
and only member of the family now living. The mother of Dr. 
Sharp was the second time left a widow, and later, she was united 
in marriage with J. S. Crumley, Esq. Dr. Sharp was raised and 
educated in his native county, and grew to manhood amid the stir- 
ring scenes of farm life. Impressed with a desire to enter the medi- 
cal profession, he began preparing for the same, by a course of 
reading in the office of Dr. C. C. Sams, of Hillsborough, Ohio, 
and later graduated from the Ohio Medical College, at Cincinnati, 



442 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

completing the prescribed course of that institute in 1S41. He be- 
gan the practice of his profession at the town of Marshall, not far 
from his old home, where he continued twelve years, and then moved 
to Shelby ville, Ind., where he was similarly engaged for three years. 
He afterward practiced two years in Clark County, 111., two years 
at Bowling Green, Ind., and in 1855, located in Edinburg, where he 
continued the profession until his retirement from its active duties, 
about the year 186S. Since that time he has turned his attention 
principally to mechanical pursuits, being a skillful artisan in all 
kinds of wood-work. etc. The Doctor has a military record ex- 
tending over a period of one year in the late Civil War, having 
served that time as member of Company II, Fifty-third Indiana 
Volunteer Infantry, Col. W. Q. Gresham's old regiment. He was 
in the battle of Shiloh and other engagements, but owing to sick- 
ness, was discharged from the service at the end of the time above 
mentioned. Dr. Sharp was married in 1850, to Miss Deborah 
Toner, daughter of John Toner, of Edinburg. One child was born 
to this marriage, namely: John E. Sharp, now one of the leading 
citizens of Columbus, and auditor of Bartholomew Count}'. 

J. L. Sims, one of the progressive citizens of Edinburg, son of 
William P. and Mary A. C. (Murphy) Sims, was born in Bartholo- 
mew County, Ind., on the 10th day of April, 1S34. He began life for 
himself before attaining his majority, as an employe of the J., M. 
& I. Railroad Company, and continued that calling with little 
or no interruption until the breaking out of the Civil War between 
the states. He held various positions with the above company, in- 
cluding the local freight agency at Edinburg, the duties of which 
he discharged for a period of sixteen years. Julv, i86i,he entered 
the army, enlisting in Company H, Nineteenth Indiana Volunteer In- 
fantrv, for the three years' service, during which time he participated 
in a number of active campaigns and bloody battles, and earned a 
record of which he feels deservedly proud. It is a noticeable fact 
that during his army experience, he never once visited his home, 
and from the time of enlisting- until honorably discharged, he did 
not see any member of his family. He resumed railroading upon 
his return from the service, and continued it until a few years ago. 
On severing his connection with the J., M. & I. Railroad Company, 
he was appointed postmaster of Edinburg, and discharged the 
duties of that office three years. He is at this time proprietor of a 
meat-market in Edinburg, a business which has returned him hand- 
some financial profits. Mr. Sims and Miss Ellen Bradburn, of 
Philadelphia, Perm., daughter of Alexander and Ellen (Remo), of 
the same state, were married on the 19th day of July, 1857. They 



BLUE RIVER TOWNSHIP. 443 

are the parents of eight children, seven living, viz. : Charles E., 
Gertrude J., Many A., Maggie M., Samuel S., Nellie A. and 
Horace S. The deceased member of the family was John D. 

N. N. Sims, the gentleman whose name introduces this bio- 
graphy, was born in Bartholomew County, Inch, on the 20th of 
February, 1833, son of William P. and Mary A. C. (Murphey) 
Sims, natives of Tennessee and Kentucky, respectively. Pater- 
nally, the Sims family were Scotch, while the subject's mother was 
descended from English ancestry. William P. Sims was by occu- 
pation a butcher, in which business he accumulated a handsome 
competence. He died a number of years ago, and lies beside his 
wife in the cemetery at Edinburg. Mr. and Mrs. Sims were the 
parents of eleven children, of whom these are living, viz.: J. L., 
W. P., John F., Christian P., Palmyra and Mary. N. N. Sims' 
first practical experience in life was as a railroader, having been en- 
gaged for some time as fireman and locomotive engineer with the 
J., M. & I. Companv. Later he engaged in the produce business 
at Edinburg, and for a period of three years served as city marshal. 
He was proprietor of a meat market for twelve years, and in 1S86, 
began dealing in poultry, a business which proved quite remunera- 
tive. In addition to his business career, Mr. Sims has a military 
record of which he feels deservedly proud, having responded to his 
countrv's call, in i860, by enlisting in Co. C, Twenty-seventh In- 
diana Volunteer Infantry, with which he shared the fortunes and 
vicissitudes of the war for three years. He was with his regiment 
in many of the bloodiest battles of the eastern campaign, including 
Gettysburg, and earned the reputation of a brave and gallant sol- 
dier. He was honorably discharged in September, 1S64. Mr. Sims 
was married October i, 1S54, *° Miss Emilv Huff, of Johnson 
Countv, Ind., by whom he had five children, namely: William D., 
Louis A., Edward B., Jerome H. and Alvarado (deceased). Mrs. 
Sims died in the year 18 — . Mr. Sims subsequently married a 
half-sister of his first wife, to-wit: Miss Mary Danver, who 
has borne him two children, both deceased. In his various business 
enterprises Mr. Sims has been quite successful, his property at this 
time representing a value of over $20,000. He has done a great 
deal to advance the material interests of Edinburg, and is justly 
considered one of the city's leading citizens. 

Charles W. Snow. — Charles W. Snow (deceased), late 
member of the Johnson County bar, was born in Clark Count}', 
Ind., on the 9th day of May, 1827, son of John and Mary Snow, 
early residents of Shelby Countv, where the family settled in 1839. 
Charles W. was the eldest of a family of nine children. His par- 
ents being in moderate circumstances, he was early in life obliged 



'- 



444 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

to relv very largely upon his own resources, and while still young 
contributed his full share toward the support of the family. He 
received a practical education in the common schools, and at the 
age of twenty-two, with his young wife, Jennette Pike, of Ken- 
tucky, whom he had married two years previous (January 24, 
1846), moved to Franklin, and began the study of law with Col. 
Ovler. He was admitted to the Johnson County bar in 1855, and 
began the practice at the city of Edinburg, to which place he moved 
the year previous, and soon earned the reputation of an able attor- 
ney and safe counsellor. He continued the practice for several 
years with good success, and bv diligent attention to the interests of 
his clients, acquired a business which returned him handsome profits. 
He accumulated large tracts of valuable real estate in Indiana and 
elsewhere, all of which is at this time in the possession of his widow, 
who resides in Edinburg. Mr. Snow departed this life at his home 
in Edinburg, on the 24th day of July, 18S4, deeply lamented bv all 
who knew him. He was laid to rest with the appropriate and 
touching Masonic ceremonies, of which order he had for a number 
of years been an active member. For much of his success Mr. 
Snow was indebted to the wise counsels and sensible advice of his 
wife, who proved a helpmeet indeed, in his hours of adversity, and 
an appreciative sharer of his days of prosperity. His large estate, 
embracing 800 acres of land in Sullivan County, Ind., 900 acres in 
Texas, besides other valuable property, she has ably managed, a 
fact which attests her superior business abilities. Mrs. Snow is the 
mother of two children, both deceased. While unfortunate with 
her own family, she has generously aided other children, proving a 
foster mother to eight orphans whom she raised and cared for. 
She is now looking after the interests of a ninth, who, like the other 
sharers of her bounty and care, will doubtless grow up to call her 
blessed. 

Thompson Family. — The name of Thompson has been prom- 
inently connected with the history of Johnson County from the 
early days, and that family has done fully its share in bringing 
about the many changes it has taken to turn the forests of the past 
into the magnificent country that is embraced within the present 
limits of Johnson County, and to develop the rich and well-improved 
portion of the Blue River Valley that surrounds the busv town of 
Edinburg. The Thompsons are of Scotch-Irish descent, and the 
first of whom we have an account — James Thompson by name — 
came to America from Ireland about 1774-75, having eluded his 
parents who were opposed to his coming; in the same vessel with 
him came his cousin, Carmichael, and wife. Soon after their ar- 
rival in this country, and in the beginning of the War of the Revo- 



BLUE RIVER TOWNSHIP. 445 

lution, Carmichael lost his life bv an attack of pleurisy, and soon 
after his death, about 1776, his widow married James Thompson. 
The} - moved to Tennessee in early times, but it is uncertain whether 
it was in this state or in Virginia, before their departure, that 
Alexander, their only son, was born. Alexander was born July 5? 
177S, and grew to manhood in Granger County, Tenn. About the 
year 1S00, he was married to Ann Donaldson, daughter of 
William and Mary Donaldson: she was born September 10, 
1775. In 181 6, Alexander and family moved to Franklin County, 
Ind.: staved there one vear, then moved to what is now Fay- 
ette County, where they remained till 1S21, when the}' came 
to Johnson County and settled near Edinburg, where he died 
August 21, 1822, with fever, being cut down in the prime of man- 
hood. His wife survived him some time, her death taking place 
June 21, 1836. They had six children born in Tennessee, and 
two after their removal from that state. James, the eldest, was 
born April 19, 1S02, and died October 4, 1872; Isabel C, born 
March 2, 1804, was married to Nathan Wheeler, January, 1822, 
and died August 26, 1834; John S., born September 6, 1806, who 
was a prominent man in Johnson County, was sheriff of the county 
for some years, also served in the legislature as representative 
and state senator; he was engaged in business for some time with 
T. R. Threlkeld and A. C. Thompson, in the mercantile line in 
Edinburg; he was married in the fall of 1835, to Sarah Carvin; in 
1837, he sold out his interest in the store in Edinburg, and moved 
to Franklin, where he was engaged in the mercantile business for 
awhile, after which he moved on a farm in Bartholomew County; 
he died September 20, 1845. The next of Alexander Thompson's 
family — Mary — was born January 18, 1809; married William R. 
Hensley, January, 1823, in Edinburg; died October 21, 1873, m 
Texas. Alfred C, who is the onlv one surviving of the family, 
whose biography is fully written up further on, was born Septem- 
ber 2, 1S11; Jennet, born June 2, 1814, married in Edinburg to 
Timothy R. Threlkeld; in 1839, moved to Texas, where she lived 
till her death, which took place December 13, 1S76; Alexander B., 
born August 2, 1817, died in 1825; Celia D., born August 22,1822, 
in Edinburg, Ind., married in Jackson Count} - , Tex., in 1S41, to 
Darwin M. Stapp; died of yellow fever October 10, 1867. 

Alfred C. Thompson. — Prominent among the successful and 
public-spirited men of Edinburg and Johnson County, is A. C. 
Thompson. As above stated, he is the only surviving member 
of the family of Alexander Thompson, and was born in Granger 
County, Tenn., on the 2nd dav of September, 181 1. Unlike the 
youth of the present day, his early years were passed amid scenes 



446 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

where a ceaseless routine of labor was the common lot of all, and 
his educational training embraced only a few months* attendance 
each year in such schools as the country at that time afforded. 
While it can be said that Mr. Thompson is not educated in the 
sense of scholastic attainments, yet, by intelligent observation and 
the exercise of those qualities which mark the career of the suc- 
cessful man. he has obtained a fund of practical knowledge which 
has enabled him to discharge faithfully the duties of a very active 
business life. While still young, he was taken by his parents to 
Franklin and Fayette counties, Ind., and at the age of ten years 
accompanied them to Johnson County, where, since the year 182 1, 
he has constantly resided. By the death of his father in 1S22, he 
was thrown upon his own resources, and thus early in life laid the 
foundation upon which his subsequent successful career was in a 
large measure founded. He remained at home and grew up a 
farmer, an occupation he followed with success until 1836, at which 
time he embarked in the mercantile business at Edinburg, in part- 
nership with T. R. Threlkeld and John S. Thompson. After a 
time this business was abandoned, owing to the stringency of the 
times, and he subsequently engaged in the carpenter's trade, which 
he carried on about two years. In 1841, he again embarked in the 
mercantile business, and, in time, became one of the leading mer- 
chants in Johnson County. He continued merchandising until 1S70, 
the last ten years of which time he was associated in the business 
with his son, E. C. Thompson. Having accumulated a handsome 
competence in the mercantile trade, Mr. Thompson, in 1870, dis- 
continued the business, and the year following, in partnership with 
his son, E. C, established a bank in Edinburg, which they have 
since conducted successfully, and which at this time is one of the 
most substantial and well-known private enterprises of the kind in 
this part of the state. In 1S7S, his youngest son, John A. Thomp- 
son, became a partner in the institution, and the firm now consists 
of A. C. Thompson & Sons. Mr. Thompson justly ranks as one 
of the safest and most successful business men of Johnson County. 
He is a financier of transcendent ability, endowed with wise fore- 
sight, intuitive perception, broad comprehension and accurate 
judgment. He is clear-headed, able to utilize all his energies 
and accomplish the purpose of his will even though it required 
long and persistent effort. His life has been free from vicious 
habits which weaken and destroy the physical system, and 
although upward of seventy-eight years, he is to-day in the 
possession of all his physical and mental faculties, and bids fair 
to live many years in the enjoyments of his many blessings. He 
is a conspicuous example of the successful self-made man, and the 



BLUE RIVER TOWNSHIP. 



447 



acquisition of his fortune, amounting to over $159,000, by honest 
business methods, speaks well for his ability as a financier. He 
became a member of the Christian Church a number of years ago, 
and is still a devoted worshipper, contributing liberally of his means 
toward the support of the Edinburg congregation. Mr. Thompson 
was married in 1835, to Maria W. Carvin, who proved help-mate 
to him in his years of struggle and adversity, and an appreciative 
sharer of his prosperity. She was a devoted Christian woman, and 
her death, which occurred on the 14th day of January, 1887, was felt 
as a calamity by the entire community. The following are the 
names of the children born to Mr. and Mrs. Thompson: Sarah A., 
born March 29, 1S36, died November 3, 1836: Edward C, born 
December 22, 1S37; James M., born April 16, 1840, died August 
•9,1844: Harrison C, born July 1, 1843, died August 12, 1844; 
Mary A., born March 7, 1846, died April 26, 1853; Hannah E., 
born April 25, 1849; Amanda C, born October 4, 1851, died Sep- 
tember 2. 1852: Richard L., born February 9, 1854, died June 27, 
1S54, and John A., born October 1, 1S55. Hannah E. Thompson, 
the fifth of the living children, was married March 29, 1S70, to G. 
B. McEwen, who died December 9, 1879. Mr. McEwen was born 
September 7, 1847, and was the second son of William and Mary 
(McFall) McEwen. The McEwen family came originally from 
North Carolina, and were among the prominent citizens of Colum- 
bus, where William McEwen carried on the banking business. G. 
B. McEwen was interested with his father in the bank, and became 
one of the active business men of Bartholomew County. He was 
an accomplished scholar, an active member of the Christian Church, 
and a gentleman who possessed the confidence and esteem of a 
large circle of friends in Bartholomew and Johnson counties. To 
Mr. and Mrs. McEwen were born the following children, viz. : 
Imogene, born December 29, 1870; Edith R., born March 8, 1873, 
died August 15, 1873; William A., born June 14, 1875; Nannie 
L., born February 13, 1878, and Lillie, born July 2, 1880. 

James Thompson (deceased), as has been stated, was the eld- 
est son of Alexander, and was born in Granger Countv, Tenn., 
April 19, 1S02. He passed his boyhood days in Tennessee, having 
limited educational opportunities, and came to Indiana with his par- 
ents in 1816: was with them during their stay in Franklin and 
Fayette counties, and came with them to Johnson Countv in 1821. 
In the following year his father died, and, being the oldest son, he 
was of great assistance to his mother in carrving on the farm. 
Mr. Thompson was brought up a farmer, but learned the trade of 
blacksmithing under Isaac Collier, and afterward went into part- 
nership with him in blacksmithing, continuing in it up to the time 



448 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

of his marriage in 1S25, when he was united to Susan Collier, 
daughter of Isaac, by whom he had children as follows: Rebecca 
Ann, born April 19, 1S26; John Alexander, born April 22, iSjS: 
Isaac M. and Alfred C, twins, born August 22, 1831 (A. C. died 
April 12, 1858); W. II., born December 7, 1833; Redding B., 
born November 27, 1838, died June 22, 1849: James I., born April 
15, 1841, died in September, 1876. Some time previous to his 
marriage, he had been laying plans preparatory to engaging in the 
milling business, and soon after his marriage, in 1825, erected a 
grist- and saw-mill on the Blue River, near where the mill of John 
A. Thompson now stands. This was one of the first mills in John- 
son County, and James Thompson was one of the pioneer millers. 
He could hardly have realized then to what perfection the process 
of milling would be carried in comparatively so short a time, and 
the primitive mill of that day would be almost as much of a curios- 
ity to the people of to-day as the present mill, with all its improve- 
ments and milling machinery, would have been to the early settlers. 
He engaged in, and carried on, the milling business so successfullv, 
that about fifteen years later he added a woolen mill and rebuilt the 
saw- and grist-mill, making them as perfect as the day and age 
were capable of. In 1852, Mr. Thompson abandoned the saw- and 
woolen-mill, and built a line six-story stone and brick mill, with 
all modern improvements, changing the site of the mill a few hun- 
dred feet down the Blue River. This mill he carried on until he 
sold out to his son, John A., in 1859, having accumulated an ample 
fortune. Mr. Thompson also owned a farm, which he worked 
with the aid of his sons. Politically, he was a whig, and later a re- 
publican, but never specially sought any office, though he was jus- 
tice of the peace for man}' vears, holding that office at the time of 
his death. He relinquished the office for a time prior to the time 
of his retiring from the milling business, and after he had sold that 
out, having more leisure, again accepted it. Susan Collier, Mr. 
Thompson's first wife, died in September, 1850, and he was mar- 
ried again December 29, 1850, to Phoebe Hicks, bv whom he had 
several children, three of whom — Mary Emily, Charles Fremont 
and Lydia Harriet — are living. Coming to Johnson County at so 
early a day, and in the heighth of his youth and strength, Mr. 
Thompson entered into the affairs of life with that earnestness of 
purpose that insured success. He did much to improve and ad- 
vance the country and community where his lot was cast, and 
raised a family who have been and are amply capable to further 
what he began. In his dealings, he was strictly honorable and 
possessed of that common-sense and good judgment that enabled 
him to see what was for his own good, and made him a prominent 



BLUE RIVER TOWNSHIP. 449 

factor in his community. After he sold his mill to his son John he 
was not as actively engaged in business, but carried on a certain 
amount up to the time of his death, which occurred in 1872, and 
was caused indirectly by a kick received from a mule about a year 
previous to this. This kick caused injuries which, though at one 
time nearly healed, were further aggravated a short time before 
his death bv his being run over by a wagon drawn by the same 
team. The combination caused the formation of an abscess which 
was the immediate cause of his death. He died at the ripe old 
age of seventy, having accomplished a life-work that was an honor 
to his name and justly entitled him to the respect of all. 

James E. Thompson, third son of John A. and Elizabeth 
Thompson, was born in Johnson County, on the 29th day of Decem- 
ber, 1863. He was raised in Blue River Township, received a 
good education, and began life for himself in his father's mill, near 
Edinburg, of which he eventually became superintendent. Mr. 
Thompson possesses those traits of character which render him 
popular with the people, and as a business man, fully alive to the 
interests of the enterprise with which he is connected, few young 
men have as good a record. He stands high, socially, and has be- 
fore him a promising future. March 28, 1887, he married Miss 
Fannie W. Wilson, daughter of C. C. Wilson, of Columbus, Ind. 

James I. Thompson (deceased). — Few business men in John- 
son County were more widely and favorably known than the late 
James I. Thompson, of Edinburg. Mr. Thompson was a native of 
Johnson County, Ind., born April 15, 1841, the son of James and 
Susan (Collier) Thompson. He was reared and educated in 
Johnson County, and for some years was prominently identified 
with the mercantile interests of Edinburg. He subsequently 
abandoned merchandising, and accepted a position in the large 
flouring-mill of the late John A. Thompson, where he held the po- 
sition of book-keeper and general superintendent. While thus 
employed he married Miss Jennie Cutsinger, daughter of Samuel 
Cutsinger, of Edinburg, and shortly thereafter engaged in the pork- 
packing business at Columbus, where he continued for some time. 
Later he established a harness and saddlery business in Edinburg, 
and after discontinuing this branch of trade, became identified with 
the Blue River Starch Works, of which enterprise he was one of the 
proprietors. Mr. Thompson was one of the leading citizens of 
Edinburg, and a man widely and favorably known throughout 
business circles of the state. He was a marked example of those 
sound, practical business qualifications, which secure the confidence 
of the people, ami those personal qualities that win and retain the 
public esteem. He took an active part in the prosperity of Edin- 




450 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

burg, was a liberal patron of all measures, having for their object 
the material and moral good, and will long be remembered as 
one of the community's most progressive and reliable business men. 
He was a republican in politics, and an active member of the Ma- 
sonic and K. of P. fraternities. His widow lives in Edinburg, and 
is the mother of seven children, whose names are as follows, to- 
wit: Elizabeth, Minnie, James S., Lewis J., John A., Jr., Stella 
(deceased) and Mary I. Mrs. Thompson has spared no pains in 
the intellectual improvement of her children, all of whom have en- 
joyed superior educational advantages. The daughters have at- 
tended the well known Vassar College, of which institution the 
eldest. Miss Elizabeth, completed the musical course. The second 
daughter, Miss Minnie Thompson, is an artist of acknowledged 
ability, and the eldest son, James S., holds an important clerical 
position in Boston, Mass. 

John A. Thompson (deceased). — Among the active and suc- 
cessful business men of southern Indiana, few occupied a more con- 
spicuous place than the late John A. Thompson, of Edinburg. Mr. 
Thompson was a native of Johnson County, born on the 22nd day 
of April, 1828, the eldest son of James and Susan ( Collier ) Thompson. 
His early years were passed upon his father's farm near Edinburg, 
and in the common schools he received a practical English educa- 
tion, which, supplemented by a year's course in Franklin College, 
and a thorough knowledge of business affairs, obtained in subse- 
quent life, entitled him to a place among the best-informed men of 
the community. At the age of eighteen he accepted a clerkship 
in. his uncle's store at Edinburg, and later, in partnership with two 
brothers, under the firm name, of John A. Thompson & Bros., 
rented his father's large flouring mill on Blue River, and engaged 
in the milling business. The firm thus constituted, continued about 
three years, at the end of which time (1859), J onn ^- purchased 
the entire interest, and became sole owner of the mill propertv. 
He carried on the business with the most encouraging success dur- 
ing the years that followed, and realized therefrom a handsome for- 
tune. In 1872, his valuable mill was completely destroyed by fire, 
entailing upon him a loss considerably in excess of $60,000. With 
the energy characteristic of the man. he soon rallied from the effects 
of the disaster, and at once rebuilt the mill, and was soon in the en- 
joyment of a far more extensive business than he had formerly con- 
ducted. December. 1874, he established a private bank in Edin- 
burg. which, with his milling business, he carried on with success 
and financial profit until his death. In addition to the above enter- 
prises, he owned several valuable farms and dealt largely in live- 
stock, especially fine cattle, upon the raising of which he was con- 



BLUE RIVER TOWNSHIP. 45 1 

suited as an authority bv the stock-men of his neighborhood. In 
his various business ventures, he was more than ordinarily fortunate, 
financial success such as falls to the lot of few having attended him 
throughout his long and useful career. Mr. Thompson was 
essentially a business man, and as such ranked among the 
most successful and progressive in southern Indiana. As a 
financier he had no superior in this section of the state, 
and as a public-spirited and courteous gentleman, he deserves 
a prominent place in the rank of Johnson Countv's representa- 
tive citizens. In politics, he was an ardent republican, and al- 
though not a partisan in the sense of seeking official position, 
was one of the leaders of his party in Johnson County, and ren- 
dered valuable service in many local, state and national contests. 
He was a man of deep feelings and true instincts, a devoted mem- 
ber of the Christian Church, and a liberal contributor to all charita- 
bleand benevolent purposes. He hated deceit, underhandedness, and 
impurity, with, the same fervor that he loved honest}-, sinceritv and 
uprightness. Those who knew him best loved him most, and his 
death, which occurred on the 13th day of October, 1S86, left a 
vacuum in the commercial affairs, and was felt as a personal be- 
reavement by the citizens of Edinburg, and all others with whom 
he had relations of a business nature. His success in a financial 
point of view is attested by the fact of his having accumulated val- 
uable property in different states. His fortune at the time of his 
death was estimated at above $300,000. Mr. Thompson was 
united in marriage, January 19, i860, to Miss Mary Cutsinger, 
daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth Cutsinger, a lady widely 
and favorably known for her many excellent traits of character. 
The issues of this marriage were the following children, namely: 
Susan, wife of Henry Bailey, born October 20, i860; Samuel C., 
born March 10, 1862; James E., born December 29, 1S63; Lillie ]., 
born February 17, 1867; William T., born May 14, 1870, and Isaac 
C, born July 31, 1873. 

Jonx A. Thompson, youngest son of A. C. and Maria Thomp- 
son, was born in Johnson County, Ind., on the 1st day of October, 
1855. He was reared and educated in Edinburg, and here he also 
began his business career in 1878, as partner in the banking house 
of his father, with which he is still identified. He is thoroughly 
posted in all the details of banking, and at this time holds the 
responsible position of cashier. In his business and social relations 
Mr. Thompson occupies a conspicuous place in the estimation of 
his fellow citizens, and as a courteous gentleman, few stand higher 
in the community. He owns a third interest in Thompson & L'o.'s 
Roller Mills, at Edinburg, and occupies one of the most beautiful 
29 






452 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

residences in the city. October 2, 1879, he married Miss Clara, 
daughter of Benjamin J. and Heppv Deming, a union blessed with 
two children, viz. : Rebie and Frank. 

J. M. Tindle was born in Randolph County, Ind., June 14, 
1842. He is the youngest of a family of nine children born to 
Robert A. and Amy Tindle, the father a native of one of the east- 
ern states, and the mother of Ohio. Mr. Tindle's paternal ances- 
tors were Scotch-Irish, and were among the early residents of 
Ohio. His grandfather was one of the first settlers in Cincinnati, 
and made brick in that city when it was only a small western town. 
Robert A. Tindle grew to manhood in Cincinnati, and there learned 
the trade of brick making with his father. He married in 1S22, 
Amy, daughter of Oliver Kelly, of Cincinnati, after which he came 
to Indiana and engaged in agricultural pursuits in various parts of 
the state. In 1852, he abandoned farming, and began the manu- 
facture of brick in Shelbyville, and later sold out his business and 
went west for the purpose of purchasing land. Since his departure 
nothing has been heard from him, and the supposition is that he 
met his death in some mysterious manner. His wife departed this 
life in Edinburg in the year 1872. J. M. Tindle was reared prin- 
cipally upon a farm, and after the mysterious disappearance of his 
father, looked after his mother's interests until her death. In 1862 
he entered the army, enlisting in Company M, Twentv-first Indiana 
Infantry, and was afterward transferred to the First Heavy Artil- 
lery, at Baton Rouge, La. He served with the latter until the 
close of the war, and took part in the last artillery engagement of 
the Rebellion, which was fought at Mobile, Ala., April 11, 1865. 
After being honorably discharged from the service he returned to 
Edinburg, and for about three years or more worked at different 
places and employments in and around the town. He next opened 
a blacksmith shop about three miles east of Edinburg, at the Har- 
vest City Mills, which he operated for about fifteen years, and then 
moved to the town where he has since resided. From 1882 to 
1885, he followed his trade in Edinburg, but since the latter year 
has been engaged in various pursuits, being at this time in the in- 
surance business. Mr. Tindle is a prominent member of the United 
Order of Honor, and has assisted in organizing lodges in different 
parts of the state, being at this time employed especially for that 
purpose. In politics, Mr. Tindle is a republican, and in religion be- 
lieves in the doctrine as taught and practiced by the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. He has been twice married, first on August 
20, 1869, to Miss Clara Dragoo, of Johnson County, by whom he 
had five children, all living, viz.: Minnie M., Korah, Svlvester K., 
Abigail and Wilford O. "Mrs. Tindle died April, 1883, and on the 



BLUE RIVER TOWNSHIP. 453 

ist da}- of August, 1S86, Mr. Tindle married his present wife, Mrs. 
Venia Compton {tiee Pitcher). By her previous marriage .Mrs. 
Tindle had one child, Oscar Compton. 

J. L. Toner, one of Edinburg's most enterprising citizens and 
business men, is a native of Lycoming County, Pa., and the oldest 
of a family of ten children, born to John and Susan (Latchaw ) 
Toner, of the same state. The parents moved to Indiana in 1853, 
settling at Edinburg, Johnson County, where their deaths occurred 
at the advanced ages of eighty-four and seventy-eight years, re- 
spectively. Of the twelve children of John and Susan Toner, but 
three are now living, namely: J. L., Solomon and Deborah (Mrs. 
Sharp), all of whom make their homes in Edinburg. The subject 
of this sketch grew to manhood in his native state, and at the age 
of eighteen, went to the city of Pittsburg, thence later, to Shelby 
County, Ind., where, for about one year, clerked in the dry goods 
store of N. Teal, Shelb3'\'ille. He subsequently accepted a similar 
position with Isaac Sorden, Esq., in Shelbyville and Edinburg, and 
in 1S56 purchased his employer's stock in the latter place and be- 
gan the mercantile business upon his own responsibility. Shortly 
after engaging in business, he erected what is now the Central 
Hotel, designed for dry goods store and hall, which he subsequently 
sold, and purchased a flouring-mill, operating the latter quite suc- 
cessfully for six years. The mill afterward burned, entailing upon 
him a heavy loss, aggregating over $10,000. The next business 
venture in which Mr. Toner became interested, was a mill for the 
manufacture of hominy, which he erected in 1872 at a cost of 
$15,000. He disposed of this in 18S3, and for one year thereafter 
was engaged as a grain and flour broker, a business which proved 
financially remunerative. In 1886, he built a large elevator in 
Edinburg, and began buying and shipping grain, a business which 
he still carries on. He is at this time one of the largest grain 
dealers on the J., M. & I. Railroad, buying and shipping as much as 
any other man similarly engaged in Johnson Count}'. In his va- 
rious business enterprises Mr. Toner has met with more than 
ordinary success, which has resulted principally from two causes: 
first, a wonderful energy, and, second, a remarkably good judg- 
ment. He has accumulated a handsome competence, much of 
which has been expended in the material improvement of Edin- 
burg. He has built a number of substantial buildings in the city, 
one of which, his private residence, represents a capital of over 
$23,000. Mr. Toner was united in marriage to Miss Malinda C. 
Shipp, daughter of Samuel Shipp, of Frankfort, Ind., on the 28th 
day of September, 1S48. To Mr. and Mrs. Toner have been born 



454 JOHNSON" COUNTY. 

four children, only one of whom is now living, namely: Susan, wife 
of C M. Hess, of Indianapolis. 

J. P. Townsend, one of the oldest native born citizens of John- 
son County, and a prominent resident of Blue River Township, is 
the joungest of a family of four children, all sons, born to Joseph 
Townsend, a pioneer, who came to the county in 182 1. The 
father was a native of Kentucky, in which state he married Lucv 
Barnett. When they came to Blue River Township, the family 
consisted of two sons, and on the 27th of September, 1824, the sub- 
ject of this sketch was born. Joseph Townsend died in the year 
1825, at the age of thirty. His wife survived him three years, de- 
parting this life in 1828, aged thirty. After his parents' death, the 
subject was taken bv an uncle, Ambrose Barnett, under whose 
care he grew to early manhood, working the meantime upon a 
farm. Hard toil being the rule of the times in which his youthful 
years were passed, he obtained but meager educational training, 
but bv intelligent observation, he has since acquired a fund of val- 
uable, practical knowledge. He was married September 1, 1845, 
to Rosa Jane Wells, of Johnson Countv, daughter of Baker and 
Sarah (Cutsinger) Wells, who bore him two children, viz.: Joseph 
T. and George R., the former deceased. Mrs. Townsend died on 
the 3rd day of August. 1854. March 25, 1855, Mr. Townsend 
was married to Elizabeth, daughter of Richard and Rhoda 
I McGuire) Russell, of Shelby County. For seven years Mr. 
Townsend held the position of freight agent for the J., M. & I. R. 
R. Co., at Edinburg, and later, in 1865, purchased eighty acres of 
land, one mile northwest of Edinburg, to which he moved the fol- 
lowing year and began farming. He has since purchased other 
land, and is now the possessor of valuable real estate, upon which 
are some of the best improvements in the township. He is a re- 
publican in politics, and has held the office of constable three terms. 

li. W. Tucker, the gentleman for whom this sketch is pre- 
pared, is a native of Johnson County, Ind., and dates his birth from 
the 13th day of September, 1853. His father, George H. Tucker, 
was an early settler of this county, and died here in' 1855. His 
mother, whose maiden name was Parthenia Nay, subsequently mar- 
ried Harris Almond, of Hendricks County, Ind., where she now re- 
sides. Owing to the death of his father, which occurred when the 
subject was but two years old, and the consequent dependent con- 
dition of his mother, he was early in life thrown upon his own 
resources, and for a number of years contributed his full share 
toward the Family's support. He found employment in different ca- 
pacities, working at whatever presented itself, until about the year 
1S75, at which time he rented a small farm and engaged in the pur- 



BLUE RIVER TOWNSHIP. 455 

suit of agriculture. By the exercise of rigid economy, he was 
enabled to purchase a place of fifty-three acres, which he still owns. 
In 1887, he engaged in the agricultural implement business, in 
Franklin, in partnership with W. D. Branigan, and in 1SS8, started 
a similar establishment in Edinburg, where he now has stock to the 
amount of over $40,000. Mr. Tucker's life is a commendable ex- 
ample of what energy and determination can accomplish in the face 
of adverse circumstances. Beginning life with no capital, he has 
by diligent application, succeeded in establishing a good home and 
a remunerative business, and is at this time classed among the suc- 
cessful men of Edinburg. October 17, 1875, he married Miss Si- 
belia Pritchard, who has borne him three children, two of whom, 
Florence A. and Anna C, are living. 

J. C. Valentine, an old and reliable business man of Edinburg, 
was born in Lycoming County, Penn., August 19, 1819, the son of 
Jacob Valentine, a native of one of the eastern states. He spent 
the first fifteen vears of his life in his native state, and in 1834, ac- 
companied his parents to Switzerland Count}', Inch, where he grew 
to manhood. While still young, he began working at the carpen- 
ters trade, in which he acquired great proficiency, as is attested by 
the numerous residences, barns, and other buildings he erected 
while following his chosen calling in Switzerland County. He 
followed mechanical pursuits for a period of twenty years, aband- 
oning that work in 1S60, and engaging in the mercantile busi- 
ness at the town of Edinburg, where he has since resided. He 
carried a full line of groceries and queensware; also, feed, lime 
and cement, in which departments of the trade, he led the town. 
Mr. Valentine has met with encouraging success in his business, 
having by diligent attention to the demands of the trade, and by 
that exercise of economv by which his life has been characterized, 
succeeded in accumulating a comfortable competence. He was, 
until recently, associated with his son, under the firm name of Val- 
entine & Son, but is now living a retired life in Edinburg. Mr. 
Valentine is an active member of the Methodist Church, and for a 
period of forty years, has been prominently identified with the 
Masonic fraternity. He is a democrat in politics, and while not a 
partisan in the sense of seeking official preferment, has always taken 
a lively interest in political matters, both local and national.. Mr. 
Valentine married in Switzerland County, in December, 1842, 
Miss Elmira Cole, who has borne him ten children, four of whom 
are living, viz.: Phoebe F., Thomas E., John C, and Horsford E. 
Like his ancestors, Mr. Valentine possesses a vigorous body, and 
although nearly seventy years of age, retains, unimpaired, all his 



456 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

faculties, both mental and physical, and bids fair to outreach the al- 
lotted three score years and ten. 

J. C. Valentine, Jr., son of J. C. Valentine, was born in the 
town of Mt. Sterling-, Switzerland Co., Ind., on the 1 8th day of June, 
1859. He was raised in Johnson County, and through industry 
gained a fair education, which, supplemented, by a practical business 
experience, has made him an intelligent and well-informed man. 
In early life he began clerking in his father's grocery store, where 
he obtained his first knowledge of business, and later, accepted a 
clerical position in the Edinburg Starch Works, his duties being 
that of book-keeper and correspondent for the firm. He after- 
ward became a partner in the establishment, and is at this time a 
member of the well-known firm of S. Cutsin<rer & Co., the largest 
starch manufacturers in Indiana. Mr. Valentine has successfully 
brought himself to a leading place among the active young business 
men of this county, and is a gentleman in whom the citizens of Edin- 
burg have unlimited confidence. He was united in marriage to 
Miss Ella W. Cutsinger, daughter of Samuel Cutsinger, Esq., in 
the year 1880, a union blessed with the birth of two children: 
Lucy Blish and Irwin Scholler Valentine. Mrs. Valentine is a lady 
of culture and refinement, and occupies a prominent position in the 
social circles of Edinburg. 

T. D. Van Dorn, manufacturer of wagons and carriages, 
Edinburg, Ind., is a native of New Jersey, and was born in the 
County of Monmouth, that state, on the 22c! day of December, 
1817. His parents were Peter and Catherine (Dubois) Van 
Dorn, the father of Dutch, and the mother of French-German de- 
scent. Mr. Van Dorn is the eldest of a family of six children. He 
was reared in the east, enjoyed the advantages of a liberal educa- 
tion in his native county and Pennfield, N. Y., and in earl}- man- 
hood learned the wagon and carriage making trade, in which he 
acquired great skill and proficiency. At the age of twenty-two he 
went to Ohio, and was in that state for a period of ten years, work- 
ing at his chosen calling. While there he met and married Miss 
Lydia Craig, a native of that state, a union blessed with the birth 
of eleven children, of whom these are living: Ann, William C., 
Sarah, David C, Sophia M., Charles D. and Hattie M. In 1850 
Mr. Van Dorn came to Edinburg, Ind., and established a good 
business, manufacturing wagons, carriages and farm implements, 
besides doing repairing of all kinds, necessary to the trade. He 
subsequently abandoned the manufacture of agricultural imple- 
ments, and gave his entire attention to wagon and carriage build- 
ing, which he still carries on. He has a well equipped establish- 



BLUE RIVER TOWNSHIP. 457 

ment, supplied with all the latest improved machinery and appli- 
ances, and turns out a very substantial and durable class of work. 
Mr. Van Dorn is a public-spirited citizen, and during a long period 
of residence in Edinburg, has won a prominent place in the esti- 
mation of the people. He has been a member of the town board 
at different times, and manifests a lively interest in all measures for 
the public good. ' 

John Walsh (deceased). — Among the men identified with 
the material interests of Edinburg in the past, few, if any, occupied 
a more conspicuous place than the gentleman whose brief biography 
is herewith, presented. John Walsh was a native of Ireland, born 
in Count}- Galway, on the 9th day of August, 1816, the son of John 
and Margaret (Flannary) Walsh. He was reared amid the active 
' scenes of farm life, and remained in his native country until sixteen 
years of age, at which time he came to America and located in the 
city of Quebec, Canada. After spending several years in that 
place he went to New Orleans, thence a little later to Madison, 
Ind., where, as in the former cities, his employment was that of 
clerk and book-keeper. November 16, 1845, he married Miss 
Mary Dalgleish, who was born in Scotland on the 28th of October, 
1821. Mrs. Walsh's parents, John and Margaret (Wallace) 
Dalgleish, were each descended from old and prominent Scotch 
families, the Wallaces being among the families noted in the history 
of that country. Shortly after his marriage Mr. Walsh "and wife 
emigrated to Indiana, and settled in Johnson County, where for a 
period of thirty-four years he was prominently identified with the 
mercantile interests of Edinburg. Having by successful manage- 
ment succeeded in accumulating a comfortable competence, Mr. 
Walsh transferred his business to his sons and son-in-law, in 1886, 
from which time until his death he lived a retired life. In ad- 
dition to his mercantile business, Mr. Walsh was, for a number of 
years, extensively engaged in agricultural pursuits, which added 
largely to his pecuniary gains. He became the owner of valuable 
real estate in different counties, which, with his other property, rep- 
resented the fruits of his own industry. Mr. Walsh was a public- 
spirited man in all the term implies — fully alive to the interests of 
the town and count} - , and all movements having for their object the 
general good, found in him an earnest supporter and liberal patron. 
A democrat in politics, he never aspired to official distinction, and a 
Roman Catholic in religion, he encouraged the dissemination of 
religious truth, irrespective of church or creed. He was a kind 
husband and a devoted father, and exemplary citizen, and in his 
death the community realized the loss of a friend and benefactor. 
Mrs. Walsh still survives, living at this time in Edinburg. 




45§ JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Mr. and Mrs. Walsh were the parents of seven children, four of 
whom are living, namely: Maggie, wife of T. H. Daily; Annie C, 
wife of W. A. McNaughton; Mary E.. wife of W. M. Howell, and 
Francis V. 

Israel J. Watts, farmer and stock-raiser, is a native of John- 
son County, Ind., born in Edinburg on the 3rd day of October, 
1848. His parents were Israel and Elizabeth (Dunham) Watts, 
who had a family of three children, two now living, viz.: the sub- 
ject, and a brother in Indianapolis. Israel Watts was for some 
years a merchant in Edinburg. in which town he died a few months 
previous to the birth of Israel J. The mother departed this life 
about the year 1S51. After the death of his mother, young Israel 
was taken by his grandfather Dunham, who reared him in Boone 
County, Ind. He grew to manhood on a farm, and returning to 
Johnson Count}', settled on a tract of land which was left him by his 
parents. Since 1870, he has resided in Blue River Township, be- 
ing at this time, one of the substantial farmers of his neighborhood, 
owning 184 acres of finely improved land. He is a substantial citi- 
zen, and has a large circle of friends in Blue River Township, and 
other parts of the county. November 5, 1S74, he married Eliza- 
beth Compton, daughter of William Compton, a union blessed with 
three children: William II., Clarence O., and Mary E. 

John Weli.s was born in Blue River Township, Johnson Co., 
Ind., March 15, 1S4S, and is a son of James and Louisa (Cox) 
Wells, natives of Kentucky, respectively. James Wells came to 
Johnson County in a very early day, and with the exception of 
about nine years spent in Louisville, has lived here ever since. His 
principal occupation has been gardening, which he has carried on 
in Edinburg. His wife died in the year 1885. leaving a family of 
five children. John Wells was reared to manhood in Johnson 
County, and enjoyed the advantages of a practical English educa- 
tion in the common schools. He began life for himself as a farmer, 
but subsequently became interested in the milliner business in the 
capacity of flour packer, which he followed in Bartholomew 
County for a period of three years, and in Tippecanoe Countv 
about seven years. From the latter he returned to Johnson County, 
where he was engaged in milling two years, and at the end of that 
time began buying and shipping poultry, which he carried on for 
some time with success and financial profit. In September, 1SS2, 
he began the butchering business in Edinburg, which he now car- 
ries on, being at this time in the enjoyment of a large and lucrative 
trade. Mr. Wells has been twice married. His first wife was 
Miss Elizabeth Bush, who was born in Africa while her parents 
were on a visit to that far-away country. On the return voyage 



BLUE RIVER TOWNSHIP. 459. 

to her native country, Germany, Mrs. Bush, mother of Mrs. Wells, 
died, and was buried in mid-ocean. Mrs. Wells died in 1S75. Mr. 
Wells' present wife, whom he married in 1876, was Miss Elizabeth 
Clark, a native of Ireland. Her father was a soldier in the late 
war, and fell in the bloody battle of the Wilderness. Mr. and Mrs. 
Wells are the parents of six children, four of whom are living. 
Their names are as follows: Elizabeth, John, Samuel and Louisa. 
Mr. Wells is one of the progressive business men of Edinburg, and 
a worthy member of the K. of P. fraternity. lie is a Democrat in 
politics. 

Ezekiel Wheatley, farmer and stock-raiser, of Blue River 
Township, was born in the eastern part of Maryland, No- 
vember 30, 181 7, son of William and Rebecca (Tull) Wheatley. 
William Wheatley was a soldier in the War of 1812. He left 
Maryland in 1823, emigrating to Ohio and renting on the Big 
Miami fourteen miles north of Cincinnati, where his death occurred 
the year following. He was a farmer by occupation, and the 
father of six children, two of whom are now living, viz. : the sub- 
ject of this biography and Mrs. Celia McHenry, of Hamilton 
County, Ohio. Mrs. Wheatley afterward married a Mr. Van 
Sickle, by whom she had two children, both deceased. Bv the 
death of his father, Ezekiel Wheatley earl}' in life was thrown upon 
his own resources, and for some years worked as a common la- 
borer, contributing his earnings to the support of his widowed 
mother and six orphan children. At the age of twenty-three, he 
married Miss Mary Cone, of Franklin County, Ind., and for one 
year thereafter farmed in that countv, and then moved to Hamilton 
County, Ohio, which was his home for four years. At the end of 
that time he returned to Franklin County, this state, and three 
years later moved to Nineveh Township, Bartholomew County, 
where he resided for a period of thirty years. His wife died 
March 5, 1S77. She was the mother of fourteen children, all of 
whom grew to manhood and womanhood. Their names are as 
follows: Martha Ann, Charles H. (deceased), William H., Re- 
becca, John N., George W., Joseph F., Adelia, Lizzie A., Joseph 
E., Alice M., Maggie, Kate and Mollie. Charles H. was a mem- 
ber of Company I, Seventy-ninth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and 
died from exposure while in the service, July 3, 1863. Of the other 
children, nine are married, and all but one, George W., whose home 
is in Kansas, live in this state. Mr. Wheatlev's home farm con- 
sists of 150 acres of finely improved land in the southwestern part 
of Blue River Township. He is one of the old and substantial 
citizens of the community, and for a number of years has been an 
ardent supporter of the republican party. 




460 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

George C. Williams was born in Union Countv, Ind., Sep- 
tember 21, 1842, and is the second son of James T. and Julia 
Williams, the father born in Ohio, and the mother on Blannerhassett 
Island, in the Ohio River. The parent were of Welsh and English 
descent, respectively, and raised a family of nine children, rive now 
living. James T. Williams was by occupation a cabinet-maker, but in 
later life followed farming. He died in the vear 1862, at the age 
of fifty years. His wife survived him fourteen years, departing 
this life in 1878, aged sixty-eight. The subject of this biography 
was raised in his native countv, and at the age of eighteen began 
life for himself as clerk in a mercantile house in Waynesville, Bar- 
tholomew County. He continued in that capacity for three years, 
and then began farming and dealing in grain and live-stock, in 
Jackson County, which he followed with success and financial profit 
for a period of about twelve years. He subsequently clerked for 
some time in the town of Seymour, and in 1SS3, came to Edinburg, 
where for one year he was similarly engaged in the hardware store 
of Compton Bros. Severing his connection with this business, he 
accepted a position of traveling salesman, which, with clerking, 
formed his principal occupation for the succeeding three or four 
years, when he purchased an interest in a hardware stock at Edin- 
burg, with G. W. Tucker. He disposed of his interest in the win- 
ter of 1SS8, and at this time is not actually engaged in any business. 
Mr. Williams was married December 21, 1869, to Miss Anna B. 
Rockstroth, a native of Clark County, Ind., and daughter of John 
L. Rockstroth, a leading manufacturer of lard, oil and candles, of 
Jeffersonville. Three children were born to this union, namely: 
John, Anna and Minnie. Mrs. Williams died February 12, 1878, 
and in April, 1SS0, Mr. Williams married Miss Mary A. Hutchings, 
who has borne him one child, to wit: Lewis C. Mr. Williams' life 
has been one of great activity, and his various business ventures 
have proved quite successful. He owns good property in Jackson 
County, Seymour, Jeffersonville and Edinburg, and is classed 
among the progressive citizens of the last-named city. 

A. W. Wixterberg, manufacturer and dealer in boots and 
shoes, Edinburg, is a native of Hanover, Germany, and son of 
Diedrieg and Cathrina Winterberg. He was born on the nth da)' 
of July, 1S39, an d until his sixteenth year remained in his native 
country, attending in the meantime an educational institution at the 
town of Grandorf, where he pursued his studies with the object of 
the priesthood in view. Thinking the new world offered better 
opportunities for a young man, than his native country, Mr. Wint- 
erberg. in September, 1S55, set sail for the United States, and after 
a long and tiresome voyage of nine weeks, landed at the city of New 






BLUE RIVER TOWNSHIP. 461 

Orleans. From there he came directly to Edinburg, Ind., for the pur- 
pose of joining an elder brother who had preceded him, and for 
about one year, after arriving here, worked with his brother at the 
painter's trade. September, 1S56, he entered upon an apprentice- 
ship in Edinburg to learn the shoe-maker's trade, and after becom- 
ing proficient in the same, worked at the business in various 
places throughout Indiana and Ohio until 1S64. In that year 
he opened a shop in Edinburg, which he operated until 
1S67, when he moved to his present well-known place of 
business on Main Cross Street, and beffan dealing in boots and 
shoes, in connection with their manufacture. From the above date 
his business increased rapidly, and he was soon obliged to enlarge 
his capacity in order to meet the increasing demands of the trade. 
He still manufactures boots and shoes, employing several skillful 
workman, and carries a full and complete stock for the gen- 
eral trade, representing a capital of from $6,000 to $8,000. As a 
business man, Mr. Winterberg ranks among the most successful in 
Edinburg, and as a citizen enjoys the esteem of all who know him. 
He has always taken an active interest in public affairs, and as a 
republican, was elected to the position of township trustee, the 
duties of which he discharged for a period of six years. He also 
served on the school board of Edinburg, and at this time is presid- 
ing officer of the city council. In 1861, he entered the army as 
a member of Company H, Seventh Indiana Infantry, for the three 
months' service, and was honorably discharged at the expiration of 
that time. He was made a Mason in 1862, aside from which order 
he belongs at this time to the I. O. O. F. andG. A. R. December 
26, 1S61, he married Elizabeth J. Fretrick of Cincinnati. Ten child- 
ren have been born to Mr. and Mrs. Winterberg, the following of 
whom are living, viz.: Minnie E., Charles H., Ida, Edward, William, 
Jennie, Harry and Walter. 







v 



462 JOHNSON COUNTY. 



CHAPTER VI.* 




Geology — Situation and Boundary — Topography — Con- 
nected Section — Recent Geology — Paleozoic Geology. 



GEOGRAPHICALLY, Johnson County lies south of the 
center of Indiana. It comprises an area of 320 square 
miles, or 211,206 acres of land. In form it is a true 
parallelogram, measuring, from east to west, sixteen 
miles, and, from north to south, twenty miles. This 
county is bounded, on the north, by Marion; on the east, 
bv Shelby; on the south, by Bartholomew and Brown, 
and on the west, by Morgan Count}'. Franklin, the 
county seat, is twenty miles south of Indianapolis. Originally, the 
whole county was an unbroken forest, with a dense undergrowth, 
much of it regarded as worthless, being wet and swamp)'. Other 
portions were supposed to, be so broken as to prevent successful 
cultivation. Under energetic and progressive agriculture, these 
difficulties have been annihilated; every marsh has been made a 
marvel of fertility, and every hillside a mine of wealth. 

Topoo-rapliv. — The surface features of Johnson County are 
very simple. A bird's-eye view of its whole extent would reveal 
a general outline as follows: A broad, high ridge, beginning in the 
northern part and gradually growing higher as it extended to the 
south, would be observed in the central part of the count}'. It 
would appear to be a sort of flattened ridge, in a crescent form, 
with the convex side westward. From this elevated center, a 
gentle slope would be observed on both sides, in the northern part 
of the county ; but, as it extended toward Brown County, the slope 
would appear more abrupt and precipitous. On the eastern side, 
this descent, in places, as in Nineveh Township, would be quite 
abrupt, making the boldly escarped hills of that township. On the 
western side, the descent has caused the streams to cut deep chan- 
nels, rendering much of the land very broken. To the east and 
south, would be stretched away, as far as the eye could reach, a 
broad, alluvial plain, covering the whole area of Clark, Needham 
and Blue River townships. To the west and south, would be seen 
the bold bluffs of White River, running sheer up to the eroded 

* Adapted to this volume from the State Geologist's Report for 1SS3, by David S. 
McCaslin, A. M. 



GEOLOGY. 463 

channel of its waters. West of the northern extremity of this 
ridge, would be seen a broad valley, extending to the White River, 
threaded by Honey Creek and Pleasant Run. This surface outline 
reveals the hydrography of the count}'. 

The ridge is the watershed, and upon its summit all the streams 
originate. The flattened ridge, in the north, forms broad plateaus 
that were originally swamps, but now, thanks to thorough drainage, 
they are so no longer. These swamps are, really, the highest land 
in the count's-, and not the lowest, thus facilitating their reclamation. 
Many of the ditches made to drain them continue to cut deeper 
channels, instead of rilling up. From this summit region the 
streams all flow either southwest or southeast, emptying into Blue 
River or White River, according to their relation to the ridge. 
White River touches the county on the northwest, cutting off about 
1,000 acres, and Blue River touches the southeast corner, cutting 
off about' 1,400 acres. It will be seen, thus, that the whole of 
Johnson County is a watershed, lying between these two rivers. 

The streams that flow clown its slopes, or plunge down its de- 
scents, are numerous and beautiful. Sugar Creek is the main 
stream of the eastern slope. It receives, in Needham Township, 
through Little Sugar Creek, nearly the whole of the drainage of 
Clark Township. Young's Creek, with its tributaries, Indian, 
Moore's, Burkhart's and Hurricane creeks, drain the concave side 
of the crescent ridge. Gathering, thus, the whole volume of water 
from this level basin, it finally empties into Sugar Creek, near 
Amity, in the northwest part of Blue River Township. From the 
southern and highest part of the ridge, Nineveh Creek sweeps 
down a narrow ravine, excavated by its plowing waters. Its chan- 
nel is simply a gorge, with high and precipitous clay banks. On 
the western side of this ridge, Indian Creek begins with its various 
tributaries. These streams, like all running in that direction, de- 
scend to the valley of White River, through deep channels, not all 
of them, however, of recent origin, for some of them have evidently 
adopted the channels of ancient glacial streams. 

The other streams are, Stott's Creek, with its tributaries, and 
Crooked and Coot's creeks. These last streams are small, and, 
indeed, none on the western side of the countv are large enough to 
afford mill power. Occupving, as they do. rocky gorges, they are 
quite dry during most of the year. Some, at points where there 
are springs flowing, make a rill, useful only as a supply of water 
for stock. Sugar Creek is the only stream of the county that fur- 
nishes adequate mill power, and along its banks a number of large 
mills have been erected. This topographical outline puts before us 
the various topographical features of this county. We have the 



4 6^ 



JOHNSON COUNTY. 



form, and are now ready for the structure and constituents. Ob- 
servations throughout the county, with measurements of many 
widely separated exposures and outcrops, give the following con- 
nected section: 

Quaternary Age. 

Alluvium oo ft. to 40 ft. 

Loess 00 ft. to 30 ft. 

Lacustral silt 00 ft. to 25 ft. 

Bowlder drift 25 ft. to 100 ft. 



Total 25 ft. to 195 ft. 

Carboniferous Age. — Knobstone Group or Epoch. 

Knob shales and sandstone 25 ft. to 150 ft. 

Devonian Age. — Hamilton Group. 
Black slate (Genesee shale) 00 ft. to 30 ft. 



Grand total 375 ft. 

Recent Geology. — It being the fact that all geological forma- 
tions are the results of successive depositions of material, the lower 
deposits, if undisturbed, are the older, and the rocks are later, suc- 
cessively, until we reach the surface, where the latest formations 
are found. These later deposits, as seen by the section given, are 
very heavy in Johnson Count}', and present many features of in- 
terest. 

These formations present three varieties in Johnson County. 
The ridges of the southern part, in Nineveh and Hensley town- 
ships, are capped with Loess, a yellow or buff-colored sediment. 
It has much siliceous material, but little coarse sand, and is easily 
removed bv currents of water. The hills are accordingly cut into 
gullies and gorges, with abrupt sides. The valleys in many places 
are filled up with the lacustral from the hills. . The loess bed ex- 
tends, in a wedge-shaped tract, almost to Trafalgar. In the west- 
ern point of Hensley and Union townships, a large extent of light 
gray soil was observed, which is also assigned to this period. 
Slight changes were observed in several localities, where these 
line-grained sedimentary deposits are replaced by silt, a sandy de- 
posit made by slowlv moving currents of shallow water. These 
lacustral deposits are simply fragments of a great area of loess 
that covered several counties of Indiana, thus cut up into isolated 
areas, in later transformations of surface, by erosion and denuda- 
tion. The ancient lake bed is thus the level of the highest ridges, 



GEOLOGY. 465 

and the soil that caps them the sedimentary deposit of its quiet 
Waters. Underneath these alluvial and lacustral beds, throughout 
the county, is found the glacial drift. It is either obscurely unstrat- 
ified or modified, and in one form or the other, or both, it covers the 
rocky substratum of the whole count} - . The alluvial of Sugar 
Creek valley rests upon modified drift. But the lacustral deposits 
of the high southern ridge as far as observed, lie above deposits of 
undisturbed drift, the latter being", in general, compact blue clays 
filled with angular, fragmental rocks. This formation is evidently 
the foundation of the primeval glacial deposits. 

This glacial drift varies greatly in thickness, ranging from only 
a few feet to over a hundred, wells that deep not having reached 
its base. The probability is that its thickness over this region was 
quite uniform, and that what remains in place is the undisturbed 
portion of a great mass of drift material. As far as seen, this part 
of the drift, throughout the county, was quiet uniform. The 
variations of the surface are very marked, being lacustral, fiuviatile, 
or alluvial, but the identity of this blue clay that superimposes the 
sandstone is clearly apparent. Dig where you will, on the great 
central ridge of this country, this blue clay will be found at varying 
depths. It, like the others, gets its name from its origin. The 
alluvial is formed by the wash and overflow of streams; the 
lacustral by the slow accumulation of sediment in quiet waters; the 
glacial drifts were formed by the action of great masses of moving 
ice. 

The local details of the drift in Johnson County, furnish a good 
exposition of glacial phenomena. The primeval glacier extended 
over the whole of Johnson County, there being evidence that it 
covered the whole of Brown County, save the summit of " Weed- 
patch Hill, " the northern ridge of Brown County became a great 
barrier in the pathway of the glacier. The changed climate came 
on slowly. The melting ice causes the gradual recession of the 
glacier. Its dissolution sets new agencies into operation. Tor- 
rents of water begin the re-assortment of the drift. As the glacier 
withdrew, its detritus of bowlders, sand, and clay is subjected to 
the action of these fiuviatile floods. The original deposit of the 
glacier is unstratitied bowlder drift; the foundation is of blue clay, 
or hardpan that underlies the surface deposits. The glacier did 
not recede uniformly. Its progress backward was varied with 
periodical advances. Nor was its retreat equal in every latitude. 
Surface elevation, and the nature of the underlying formations, 
would affect the dissolution of the ice mass. Tongues of the 
glacial ice would extend southward. Along elevated ridges, 
waters, rushing down, would conspire in the construction of deep, 



466 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

broad channels, where the excavation was the easiest. That would 
he the locality where the surface was lowest and the underlying 
formations most susceptible of erosion. 

This was the process of glacial action in Johnson County. The 
great central ridge of the county was covered with ice after it had 
whollv disappeared in the eastern side of the county. Indeed, it 
appears, from conditions observed, that the whole valley of Sugar 
Creek was a portion of what is now definitely known to science as 
"Collett's Glacial River." Through this region, comprising three 
townships, there is evidence of deep erosion. There is no outcrop of 
the substratum, save one exposure of the black shale. The depos- 
its are all fluviatile, modified bowlder drift, either as a pebbly clav, 
with pockets of sand, or large and wide-spread deposits of obliquely 
stratified sand and gravel. Throughout this region, large bowlders 
are rarely found. The western shore of this ancient channel is well 
defined. In the southern part of the county are boldly out-lined 
hills of the knobstone formation. Some of them are plainly ter- 
raced, as particularly one on '-Montrose farm,"' in Section 34, Nin- 
eveh Township. From the top of this hill there is a magnificent 
view of this ancient valley. Its eastern shore, the highest lands in 
Shelby County, stands out in distant outlines. This hill is 140 
feet above the valley at its base, and 207 feet above Edinburg, six 
miles to the east, and located on the alluvial and fluviatile deposits 
in the bed of this ancient river. In the northeastern part of the 
county, this outline is not less distinctly, though not so abruptly and 
grandly defined. On the map, it coincides almost exactly with the 
course of the Hurricane Creek. Observation revealed the striking 
fact that this stream, with an almost due south course, followed the 
eastern limit of the modified bowlder drift. This is seen in the fact 
that tlie western bluff of the stream is the highei for a distance of 
seven miles, and that this higher bluff, throughout this whole ex- 
tent, is full of bowlders, while none were observed on the eastern 
side. West of Hurricane, the bowlder clays are thick and undis- 
turbed: but on the east, the soil is sandy and loamy, with local 
gravel deposits, just as observed elsewhere throughout this ancient 
yallev. This shore line, beginning thus in the northern part of 
this county, continues, with this general southern course, to the 
southern part of the state. 

Prof. John L. Campbell has conjectured that at the time of 
greatest How in this channel, the southern terminus of the glacier 
was not far south of Indianapolis. There is evidence of this, not 
only in the fact that the western shore disappears in this region, but 
that the cresctnt-like ridge of this county sweeps around to the east 
with a sharp curve, outlining to the observer, a mighty mass of 



GEOLOGY. 467 

drift material that is a notable feature in the northern part of Pleas- 
ant and Clark townships. It extends from Greenwood, eastward, 
with its axial line running a little south of east. It is a ridge well 
marked by the hundreds of bowlders that are strewn along its sur- 
face. Near Greenwood, the railroad crosses this ridge at an eleva- 
tion of 840 feet above the sea, this being the highest point on the 
railroad between Indianapolis and Louisville. The eastern termi- 
nus of this ridge is in Section 4, Clark Township, at which it is 
rounded by Leatherwood Creek. Throughout its course, no de- 
posits of gravel were seen. The bowlders are everywhere thickly 
studded in a solid matrix of clay. Near Rocklane, a multitude of 
unusuallv large ones were seen, sometimes hundreds of them in an 
area of a few acres, many of them ten to fifteen feet in length and 
weighing many tons. On the farm of Mr. W. F. Kimuck, in Sec- 
tion 36, Clark Township, one was measured, showing the follow- 
ing dimensions: Length over top, 18 feet, 1 inch; circumference, 
41 feet, 10 inches; height above ground, 5 feet. Near this mon- 
ster were a number of immense proportions. 

There are a number of localities where a heavy removal of clay 
is revealed by the abundance of bowlders exposed, notably in 
Nineveh Township, Section 16. The whole mass of undisturbed 
bowlder clays of the central part of this countv are more or less 
filled with these massive, eratic rocks. Most of them are granitic. 
Occasionally a feldspathic or chistose bowlder is seen. A few 
large fragments of limestone, usually filled with Devonian fossils 
were noted; one weighing several thousand pounds was seen in a 
deep ravine, near Barnes' Creek, in Ilensley Township, Section 17. 

Proof that large volumes of water, at one time, flowed through 
these passage-ways of this glacial ridge, is found in the fact that, in 
the deep channels of the creeks in Hensley Township, deposits of 
gravel are found. In many places they occupy positions with ref- 
erence to the clay and sandstone that show the direction of flow as 
being from the northeast. Two beds of gravel on Barnes' Creek 
were examined, having the usual oblique and alternating stratifica- 
tion of such fluviatile deposits. Both were on the west bank of the 
valley, the one in Section 17, facing a bluff with an exposure of 
sandstone capped by about 30 feet of clay. The current that cast 
up this sand-bank came down this valley from the northeast. Simi- 
lar conditions were observed in other valleys, many of the low points 
in these deep gorges being simply deposits of the post-glacial 
streams. 

Where the region to the northeast of this central ridge is ex- 
amined, it reveals the fact that these fluviatile waters wrought won- 
ders in re-assorting the drift. North and east and south of Frank- 
30 



468 JOHNSON" COUNTY. 

lin, extensive deposits of sand and gravel exist. In their arrangement 
there is a general trend to the southwest. The sand ridge begin- 
ning at Franklin runs southwest, without interception, for several 
miles, where it is intersected by a small stream, but it appears again 
in the west, in Sections 29 and 30, Franklin Township. The sand 
and gravel at Mount Pleasant Church is a continuation of the ridge 
south of Franklin. 

Another conspicuous deposit of sand and gravel, and probably 
the most remarkable, is the "Donnell Mound," Section 8, Frank- 
lin Township. It is an illustration of the effect of fluviatile waters, 
and it shows well their southwestern course. The northeast side 
of this mound is abrupt; and the southwest side, sloping gently 
toward Young's Creek, presents a talus, showing the direction of 
the current. The sand and gravel at Hopewell and vicinity is all 
of the same origin. The '-Donnell Mound'" presents a section of 
alternate layers of sand and clay and gravel, showing well the " flow 
and plunge " structure. The mound is about ninety feet above the 
bed of Young's Creek. From its rounded summit there is an 
interesting view of a region of wondrous fertility and beautv. While 
these floods were re-assorting portions of the glacial drift in the 
central part of the county, the eastern parts were wholly submerged. 
Clark Township was a broad flood-plain, and in Sugar Creek Val- 
ley the waters had more current: hence the casting up of the great 
sand deposits, characteristic of this region. The elevated portions 
of Needham Township, notablv on the land of L. Waggoner, in Sec- 
tion 18, and of W. Duckworth, in Section 15, are excellent examples 
of these fluviatile deposits. Thev overlie large areas in Blue River 
Township. All of these deposits bear a marked resemblance 
throughout the county, and all are contemporaneous in origin. 

The only departure from this rule, that was observed, was a 
gravel deposit in Section 20, Hensley Township. This formation is 
apparently near the base of the glacial drift, being overlaid by from 
thirty to fort}" feet of bowlder clay and loess deposits. From ob- 
servation, this bed of gravel is present through quite an area of 
drift, and is not a mere pocket of sand and gravel, as such deposits 
usually are in unstratified drifts. The formation is, on an average, 
about ten feet thick, and, as far as seen, shows a regular, horizontal 
stratification. The alternating layers of fine sand and gravel are 
from six to ten inches thick, and all are charged with various mineral 
solution, that gave the whole deposit a variegated appearance. 
The bands are reddish-brown, ash-gray, blue, and yellow, features 
of chemical discoloration not seen in any gravel deposits elsewhere 
in the county. In many, the ordinary coloring of red oxide of iron 
was seen, but nothing with these features of color and stratification. 



GEOLOGY. 469 

This deposit, probably, antedates the general fluviatile modifica- 
tions of the drift, and was formed at the first advance of the glacier. 
under the action of the waters attending its periodic advance and 
retreat, and, as thus deposited, finally deeply covered with drift, when 
the glacier reaches its culmination. The contrast of condition between 
this gravel bed and the one on Barnes' Creek, just one mile west, 
is very striking. The one lies above the drift, with oblique strati- 
fications: and the other below it, with regular layers. The cover- 
ing of the gravel pit on Barnes' Creek, is black alluvium; of this 
one, the covering is of the most compact clay, so hard and firm that 
it could only be removed by blasting. The relative antiquity of 
these two adjacent deposits is thus suggested. An epoch of geolog- 
ical history probably intervenes them. 

Along the bluffs of the White River, the peculiar phenomena 
of the glacial and post-glacial periods are observed. On this side 
of the central ridge of the count)', the fluviatile floods apparently 
had not the advantage of long continued erosion. Instead of filling 
up a wide valley, already excavated, the great flood performed the 
Herculean task of cutting a channel through the sandstone ridge 
that extended, in bold outlines, across its course. This fluviatile 
erosion of the ancient valley of White River is thus seen to be a 
later event in geologic history than the formation of the 
" Collett Glacial River," which was the product of glacial ac- 
tion previously. This sandstone formation was probably capped 
with a heavy drift deposit. Through this barrier the water 
found its way, having, as the shore of its channel, the bold 
bluffs of White River, at Waverly and Far West. The 
bluffs mark the eastern limit of the Knobstone formation. 
Instead of following the outline of the outcrop, as in " Collett Gla- 
cial River" valley, the waters are compelled to cut directlv across 
the barrier, because of the ridge on the east. North of Smith's 
valley there is a broad level plain, covered deeply with alluvium. 
Parallel with the present channel of White River, there are, in 
many places, detached ridges of sand and gravel, the axial lines of 
which lie northeast and southwest, coincident with the course of the 
ancient river. Some of these sand deposits are very thick. In 
several places they are piled directly upon the Sandstone, all the 
clay having been removed. The sand and gravel gradually dis- 
appear as we go east from Far West, showing that these deposits 
were limited to that ancient channel. The hiirh lands of Sections o, 
16. etc., of White River Township, are the eastern shore of glacial 
drift, of superimposing sandstone strata. From the county line, one 
mile south of Far West, this elevation affords a magnificent view of 
the ancient valley, now threaded by the comparatively diminutive and 



47° JOHNSON COUNTY. 

meandering channel of White River. Observation and inquiry in 
various parts of the county reveal the fact that buried timber and 
leaves are frequently found, under such conditions as to position 
and distribution as to indicate a glacial and not " forest-bed " origin. 
The wood was apparently that of conebearing species, and found 
usually imbedded, at irregular depths, in clays. In Section 21, 
Franklin Township, at the bottom of a well twenty feet deep, leaves 
and twigs were found in the clay; and in Section 20, three-fourths 
of a mile west, fragments of wood were taken out thirty-five feet 
below the surface. These remains all seem to be isolated and 
fragmentary — not a portion of a buried forest, but particles of 
wood and debris, dislodged and ground up by the moving glacier, 
and deposited finally with its detritus. 

In Section 12, of Hensley Township, just south of Trafalgar, 
on the farm of J. J. Moore, is a formation of tufa that is quite ex- 
tensive and interesting. There is above it a deposit of gravel, much 
of it is cemented firmly together: beneath it lies a mass of calcareous 
tufa, or " honey-comb limestone." It contains perfectly preserved 
outlines of sticks, grass, moss, and leaves. The formation is pro- 
duced by the filtration of water through the soil, which is highly 
charged with mineral ingredients, in this instance particularly, cal- 
careous matter. The water becoming thus charged with lime, de- 
posits a thin layer upon an)' object that it may cover: hence, the 
leaves and moss lying where such waters issue will, sooner or later, 
have their material replaced with carbonate of lime, and, so, per- 
fect casts are preserved and these curious formations are produced. 
For this reason these tufaceous deposits are usually observed in the 
vicinity of springs. 

Paleozoic Geology. — The substrata of Johnson County com- 
prises two different formations — one of the Carboniferous Age 
and the other Devonian. The Sub-carboniferous period is repre- 
sented by the Knobstone group or epoch, that underlies the drift 
throughout the western portion of the countv. The Devonian is 
represented by the black shale of the Hamilton period, which is 
seen at a single exposure in Blue River Township, but, probably, 
underlies the drift throughout the eastern third of the county. 

Knobstone Group or Epoch. — As previously intimated, this 
formation underlies the glacial drift in the western portion of the 
countv. As traced by outcrop, it enters the southern line of the 
county in the southeast quarter of Section 34, where it appears in 
force, forming the precipitous slopes of Woodruff's Hill, near Nin- 
eveh. From this point it extends northwest in a waving line, hav- 
ing a heavy outcrop in Section 10, Nineveh Township, at Prit- 
chard's Hill; thence, northwest through Sections 4 and 5, Nineveh 



J 



geology. 47 r 

Township, and Section 31, Franklin Township. In all the deep 
channels of the streams in Hensley, Union and White River town- 
ships, there are uniformly exposures of strata of this formation. 
Generally, the exposures are continuous to the very source of the 
small streams, showing that this formation lies well up in the cen- 
tral ridge of the county. It was seen at the head-waters of Nine- 
veh, Indian, Stott's, Crooked and Bluff Creeks. This elevation of 
strata suggests the possibility of their continuance underneath a 
portion of the eastern extension of this ridge, through Pleasant and 
Clark townships. This can only be determined by a deep bore 
in those regions. The probability of this extension is increased 
by the consideration that eroision did not occur here so deeply, 
because of the overlying ridge of compact bowlder drift. This 
whole region was more or less protected while the denudation of 
the formations southward was in progress. 

Originally, the Knobstone formation extended eastward much 
farther than at present. Indeed, such an extension is demanded by 
the present position of the strata. They lie in position with an un- 
disturbed and almost horizontal stratification, and with only a gen- 
tle dip to the west, yet, six miles west of Edinburg, they have an 
altitude of more than 200 feet above the level of Blue River. 
There are no sufficient data to prove that this difference of altitude 
is produced by oscillations of surface; the ledges show no signs of 
any sort of disturbance. The main cause of the change has, ap- 
parently, been the deep erosion of the eastern portion of the Knob- 
stone toward the older and more elevated formations of Shelby 
and Decatur counties. The precipitous walls of the Knobstone 
formation in southern Johnson County indicates that it was caused 
by erosion. The very constituency of the lower portion of the 
Knobston group favors the idea of their general denudation in the 
eastern part of Johnson County. 

The characteristic of these ledges is that the lower are more ar- 
gillaceous; hence, loose, fine-grained clay shales are found, almost 
generally toward the base of this formation, with an increase of sand- 
stone toward the top. The whole group in Johnson County ex- 
hibited these features. 

The easily disintegrated clay shales are lowest and eastward, 
and the heavier ledges of massive freestones are found, as we rise, 
in series toward the limestone of the next formation. This feature 
indicates not only the probability of extensive erosive action along 
the eastern outline of the Knobstone, but suggests also the fact 
that the physical condition of the lower parts of the Knobstone 
conditioned the course of the Collett Glacial River, and contributed 



472 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

not a little to the formation of this glacial valley. The natural ten- 
dency of water is to follow the line of an outcrop, especially when 
an outlet with the dip is not easily secured, as was the case in this 
instance. The glacial deposits, westward, overlaying massive sand- 
stone formations, made the natural channel coincide with the out- 
crop of the soft clay shales of the Knobstone. These favored deep 
and rapid erosion. All the data have, as yet, not been gathered to 
establish its depth and extent. It certainly swept away the whole 
part of the clay shales, and a greater part of the black shale of the 
next period. It is possible that the drift deposits, in some localities, 
rest upon the corniferous limestone — the final bed of the deep 
flowing river of the misty past. 

The Knobstone formation is quite uniform throughout the countv. 
A section from White River Township would coincide, in general 
features, with a section in Hensley. Everywhere, the blue clay 
shales are filled with ironstone concretions, of all sizes and shapes. 
Thev are particularly abundant in the deep ravines of Nineveh and 
Hensley townships. They contain a large per cent, of iron, but 
the quantity is not sufficient to give them economic importance. 
Near the top of the outcrop at " Pritchard's Hill, " Section 10, 
Nineveh Township, two beds appear that are quite rich in iron, the 
mineral not being in nodules, but mingled with the shale, and, 
under exposure, showing a reddish-brown color. 

The aluminous shale, while persistent through the whole sec- 
tion, nevertheless, varies in appearance. In one locality, on the 
land of Alfred Vandiver, in Section 5, Nineveh Township, it was 
a fine micaceous clay. The outcrop is about ten feet thick, under- 
lying layers of freestone, about six inches in thickness. In char- 
acter, it was very soft and friable, but, on exposure to the air, it 
soon hardens, and, if it is rubbed, it takes a smooth polish and turns 
white. The earl}'' settlers of the neighborhood used it as a finish- 
ing mortar in " daubing " their houses. Its qualities demand some 
test of its practical value. No other exposures of this aluminous 
shale were observed, with the peculiarities of this outcrop. Else- 
where, they are more of a drab color, and usually with more or 
less of arenaceous material. 

Along the course of Indian Creek, in Hensley Township, the pe- 
culiarities of this formation are well displayed. One branch of the 
stream rises in the northern ridge of Brown Countv and the other 
starts from high land south of Trafalgar. Each one passes down 
a deep gorge, in part the work of its own waters. The South 
Fork presents the best exhibit of the Knobstones. Along its whole 
course they present a precipitous bluff, ranging from seventy-five 



GEOLOGY. 473 

to one hundred feet in height. At the junction of the two branches 
of Indian Creek, in southeast quarter of Section 27, the following 
section was taken: 

Soil 2 ft. 00 in. 

Loess 20 00 

Clay, about 30 00 

Sandstone 00 10 

Arenaceous shale 12 00 

Freestone 00 06 

Clay shale 10 00 

Sandstone 00 08 

Blue clay shale 12 00 

Paving stone (bed of creek) 00 00 • 

Total 88 ft. 00 in. 

This alternation of shale and sandstone is very marked as we 
go down the stream. The sandstone becomes more massive, but 
the shales are persistent. The door of the stream, at the point of 
the section given, is a layer of ferruginous sandstone. It is in broad 
slabs from three to six inches thick. It quarries easily, is regularly 
seamed in one direction and breaking with a square fracture in the 
other, thus being well adapted for pavements. The verticle part- 
ings through this layer all trend east and west. 

This layer is exposed in Union Township, under similar con- 
ditions, in the bed of the Middle Fork of Stott's Creek. The dip 
of the strata is down stream. It was observed that they rapidly 
thickened as they continued westward; a stratum of freestone, six 
inches thick, increased to about two and one-half feet in less than 
two miles. The increase of thickness was very uniform through 
the whole distance. Its continuous outcrop along this creek is a 
very noticeable feature of the scenery. The ledge juts out in 
massive shelves over the water. Where it finally passes below the 
bed of the stream, it is nearly three feet thick. At this point, the 
overlying deposits are comparatively thin, and the conditions are 
favorable to the successful removal of this excellent building stone. 
It is a durable rock, hardening with exposure and not affected by 
climatic changes. Ledges that had been exposed for an indefinite 
period, preserved the sharp angles of the first fracture. 

No fossils were found in any part of this formation, though 
constant and careful search was made. Ripple marks were 
occasionally seen, though usually in faint outlines. One slab 
of brown ferruginous sandstone on " Woodruff's Hill " had 



474 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

its surface covered with raindrop-like impressions; another was 
was found in Henslev Township, with outlines of " fucoids or 
sea-weed/' The absence of fossils is explained by the conditions 
of the ancient sea in which these shales and sand-stones were 
deposited. The turbulent and shallow water of its shore, may 
have been fatal to their existence, or, if they existed, its 
deposits were not adapted to their preservation. In some of the 
ravines of White River Township, geodes were found quite numer- 
ously, but, generally, smaller than those abounding in Brown 
County. The hollow concretions are characteristic of the Keokuk 
beds, the next higher formations, and appearing in outcrop some 
distance westward. Their presence in this distant and isolated val- 
ley may be explained by the decomposition of some outlier of the 
Keokuk. The calcareous matter of limestone being removed, 
these siliceous concretions would remain, and would naturally find 
their way to the beds of small streams. In the valley of Indian 
Creek, a geodized goniatite was found bv Hiram Porter, who 
kindly presented it to the State Museum. • 

The Black (Genesee) Shale. — There is but one outcrop of this 
well-known and much studied formation. It is well exposed in the 
bed of Sugar Creek, in Blue River Township. The outcrop begins 
just below the railroad bridge, in Section 9. and extends down the 
stream to the iron bridge, over Bradley's Ford, in Section 17. It 
is a fine exposure, the formation composing both the bed and the 
banks of the steam. The shale is jet black, breaking usuallv, on 
exposure, into small pieces, the fracture being quite as ready in 
one line as another. Other ledges exist in broad slabs that are 
quite massive; these are usually studded with quantities of iron 
pyrites in flattened concretions. When broken, the illusive yellow 
suggests the common name, "fool's gold," and, therefore, is simply. 
sulphide of iron. 

This exposure of the black shale seems to be an isolated one, 
there being no other observed nearer than Valley Mills, in Bar- 
tholomew County, nearly seven miles south. It seems to be an 
island of shale, capped with a heavy deposit of modified drift. If 
any of this bed exists in any place in this locality, it is at a much 
lower level. In this outcrop, the shale ascends well up on the 
bluffs of the creek; and in the adjacent regions the alluvial and 
fluviatile deposits are very heavy, the deepest wells never reaching 
the shale. 

Only one fossil was found in this outcrop. Though this group, 
in other localities, has furnished quite a namber of species, the 
specimen found was the impression of a fossil plant on a large slab 
of the shale. It was fully six feet long, and was apparently a 



CLARK TOWNSHIP. 475 

rush-like plant with a jointed stem, which, when growing, must 
have been a gigantic Equisetum, allied to the genus Catamites of the 
carboniferous age. It had jointed stems, the joints being from 
two to four inches apart. In process of preservation these joints 
seem to have been separated, and, in the interstices, was found a 
layer of coal that was as hard and irridescent as anthracite. This 
black shale is full of carbonaceous matter. 

The rocks of this period, in other localities, are rich in oil, but 
these shales contain only about ten per cent, of combustible matter. 
For this reason, they burn with a bright flame for a few minutes, 
when placed in a hot tire, but, aside from this they have no other 
resemblance to coal ; nor have they any relation to the coal-bearing 
rocks, being far below them geologically. These beds probably 
underlie the most of the surface of the eastern part of the county. 
It has been subject to great erosion, and, as it readily decomposes 
on exposure to air and water, it is not unlikely that the broad belt 
of black loamy land in Clark and Needham townships derive their 
color and fertility from the decomposition of the black shale. Its 
clayey, carbonaceous matter, mingling with alluvial deposits of or- 
ganic material, produces a fertile soil. 



CLARK TOWNSHIP. 

Johx Ballard, a farmer of Clark Township, was born in 
Kentuckv, May 18, 1S32, and is a son of Taylor and Nancy ( Fitz- 
patrick) Ballard. The former was of English descent, and was 
born in 1S01, and was .assassinated January 15, 1885; the latter of 
Irish descent, was born in 1806, and died March 6, 1S83. Our 
subject's early life was spent on a farm in Clark Township. He 
received a good common school education. At twenty-one years 
of age he began the struggle of life for himself as a farmer, and 
on January 27, 1859, he was united in matrimony to Charlotte 
Drake, a daughter of Gideon and Susan Drake, the former of whom 
was born in 1S01, and the latter in 1S05. To this union the fol- 
lowing children were born: Theodore, deceased; Taylor O., born 
October 8, 1862; Laura May, born December, 1868;" Arthur, born 
March 6, 1876. The mother of these children was born Decem- 
ber 8, 1837. He and wife are members of the Protestant Metho- 
dist Church, and in politics he is a republican. He now owns 143 
acres of fine land in Clark Township. His father lived alone, and 
it was generally known that he had a great deal of money, and on 
going to the barn to feed his stock, he was waylaid and shot twice. 

James II. Baxta, a prosperous farmer of Clark Township, 



476 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

was born January 8, 1835. He is a son of Abraham and Emma 
(Ramsdall) Banta, the father was a son of Peter A. and Margaret 
(Voris) Banta, and was born about 1807, and died about 1872; the 
latter was born in 1813, and died in 1S57. Our subject was reared 
on the farm which was entered by his rather, about 1830. He re- 
ceived a common school education. At the age of twenty-one 
years, lie began life for himself, his vocation being that of a farmer. 
In 1 86 1, when our Union was threatened with dissolution, and in 
answer to his country's call for 300,000 troops, he shouldered 
his musket and marched to the front. He enlisted on the 
14th day of July, 1S61, at Indianapolis, under Capt. Wood's Com- 
pany F, Eighteenth Indiana Infantry, and served until the 12th day 
of May, 1864, when he received an honorable discharge at Baton 
Rouge. March 4, 186S, he was united in marriage to Marv A. 
Brooks, daughter of Henry and Lydia (Barnes) Brooks. This 
union was blessed with the following children: Carl E., born De- 
cember 14, 1S70: Minnie M., born January 26, 1S73, deceased. 
The mother of these children was born May 30, 1849. departed this 
life, August 26, 1873. He was married October 19, 1875, to Mary 
M. Mangun, a daughter of Benedict W. and Jane (Wiley) Man- 
gun: the former was born April 29, 1S1S, the latter was born June 
11, 1820, died January 16, 1873. To this union the following children 
were born: Arthur M., born December 31, 1877; Emma J., de- 
ceased, born January 2. i8bo: William A., born April 16, 1SS2: 
Mary C, deceased, born August 30, 1884; Edith, born October 
30, 1S85. The mother of these children was born October 25, 
1S41. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Banta 
is a member of the James Wagner G. A. R. Post, at Greenwood, 
Ind. He is a republican, and served as trustee of his township, two 
years, and it is a democratic township. He now owns 160 acres of 
well improved land in Clark Township. 

John Barlow, who is a practical and progressive farmer of 
Clark Township, was born March 1, 1S26, a son of Jacob and 
Rebecca (Piles) Barlow; the former was of Dutch descent, and 
was born in Virginia, February 26, 1785. and died June 9, 1S63; 
the latter was of Irish descent, and was born May 13, 1793. Our 
subject's early life was spent on the farm. He received a common 
school education in the old log school-house. This education was 
received under disadvantages, school terms being short and poorly 
taught, and he onlv attended school in winter, and then when the 
weather would not permit of his working on the farm. He never 
served an apprenticeship at any trade, but is very handy with tools 
of all kinds, and can make almost anything that is used on the farm. 
At the age of twenty-one years, he began life for himself as a 



CLARK TOWNSHIP. 477 

farmer. August 21, 1853, he was united in marriage to Hannah 
Smith, a daughter of William and Elizabeth (Heck) Smith. The 
father was of English descent; was born in 1797- the mother was of 
German descent, and was born in 1800. This union was blessed 
with the following children: William II., born July 3, 1S54; Orea, 
born April 3, 1861; May, born May 1, 1S68; Herman, born Sep- 
tember 15, 1870. Orea departed this life, September 5, 1863. The 
mother of these children was born December 3, 1832. Mr. and 
Mrs. Barlow settled in Clark Township, on what was then known 
as the " Gulf," in 1853, a piece of land which was very heavily 
timbered, with very thick underbrush, and when they had only 
.been there six weeks an exciting incident happened. Airs. Barlow, 
while Mr. Barlow was away from home, on hearing the hogs mak- 
ing a terrible noise, went to the door to ascertain the cause, when 
she saw all the hogs running for dear life toward the house, and 
never halted until they were inside. She then discovered that they 
hail been chased into the house bv a catamount; it is useless to 
say that Mrs. Barlow was badly frightened. Mrs. Barlow, her 
daughter and oldest son, are members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. Mr. Barlow was a granger during the life of that order. 
In politics he is a republican. He now owns 480 acres of land in 
Clark Township. It is one of the finest and most convenient stock- 
farms in the county, well watered, ditched and drained. In con- 
nection with farming he makes a specialty of short-horn cattle and 
berkshire hogs. He has commenced the erection of a tine stock- 
barn which, when completed, will be an ornament as well as a useful 
addition to his already beautiful farm. Mr. Barlow's father was 
quite a genius: although he had never served an apprenticeship at 
any trade, could make anything he undertook. Mr. Barlow has in 
his keeping an old iron square, made bv his father about fifty years 
ago. Mr. and Mrs. Barlow are highly esteemed by all their neigh- 
bors. In regard to schools and churches, and all laudable improve- 
ments, he has been friendly, and has throughout life been 
characterized as an industrious and enterprising, as well as a progres- 
sive, citizen and successful farmer. 

Jesse M. Beard, farmer, was born December 1, 1844, and is 
a son of William and Mary J. (Tucker) Beard; the former was of 
Irish, and the latter was of English descent. Our subject's early 
life was spent on the farm. He received a common school educa- 
tion in the country schools, and then attended college at Franklin, 
one term of three months. On the 8th day of March, 1863, he 
was united in marriage to Miss Frances A. Webb, daughter of 
Zachariah and Nancy A. ( Huff 1 Webb, the former of English de- 
scent. The latter was born in Ohio, April 22, 1813. This union 



478 JOHNSON COUNT V. 

was blessed with the following children: Birdellah A., bornjanuary 
16, 1S64: Laura B.. born February 21, 1866; Emma E., born Oc- 
tober 27, 1869, and Carrie O., born April 3. 1871. The mother of 
these children was born February 19, 1846. Mr. and Mrs. Beard 
are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. In politics. Mr. 
Beard is a republican, casting his first presidential vote for Lincoln. 
He owns 212 acres of good land, 140 acres of which are in a good 
state of cultivation. 

John J. Beard was born in Johnson County. Ind.. December 
15, 1858. He is a son of John W. and Jane (Sutor) Beard. The 
father was born January 16, 1813, and while he was yet an infant, 
his parents emigrated westward from North Carolina, and lo- 
cated in what is now Clark Township, Johnson Count}-, before the 
State of Indiana was admitted to the Union. Our subject was 
reared in Johnson County, and his youth was spent on the farm, 
and farming has been his life pursuit. He received a common 
school education, and on June 14, 1SS5, he was married to Nancy 
A. Boucher, daughter of William and Mary (Coffen) Boucher. 
This union was blessed by two children (twins), viz.: Ora and Oda, 
born April 13, 1886. The mother of these children was born Sep- 
tember 23, 1867. She is a member of the Methodist Protestant 
Church. Mr. Beard is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. 
In politics, he is a republican, casting his first presidential vote for 
Garfield. He owns 460 acres of good land, well improved. 

Samuel Billingsly, a prominent young farmer of Clark 
Township, was born October 14, 1 861, son of Samuel and Mariah 
L. (Harbert) Billingsly; the former was born in North Caro- 
lina, November 16, 1S09, of Irish descent, and died August 19, 
1876, and the latter was a native of this state, born October 5, 
181 7, and was of English descent. Although she is seventy-one 
vears old, she does the house-work and cooking for her son and 
hired help. Our subject's early life was spent on the farm on 
which he now lives. He received a good common school edu- 
cation, and when he was fourteen years of age his father died, 
which caused him to give up the idea of further schooling, and he 
then had to take charge of the farm and the care of his widowed 
mother. He is a member of the Christian Church. In politics, he is 
an ardent democrat, and a recognized leader among the young men. 
He was elected trustee of his township, at the April election of 1888, 
by eleven votes, his predecessor having been elected by only four 
votes. He and his mother own 120 acres of well-improved land. 

William H. Dungan, a native of Washington County, Va., 
was born November 25, 1824. He is the son of Charles G. and 
Nancy (Johnson) Dungan. The former was born December 11, 



CLARK TOWNSHIP 



479 



1798, and died March 22, 1877- The latter was born in Washing- 
ton Count} - , Ya., April 24, 1804. Charles G. settled in Johnson 
County, in October, 1834, and the same year commenced clearing 
the farm on which he lived until his death. The wife of Charles G. 
is still living on the old farm with her son, William H., the only 
one living of a family of seven children. In 1828, she became a 
member of the Christian Church, in which she has since continued 
to be an active and zealous worker, laboring with earnest purpose, 
to bring souls to Christ, which has been the greatest ambition of 
her life. She has lived a long and active life, and is now passing 
the decline of years in happiness and comfort. Our subject came 
with his parents to Johnson County at the age of ten years. He 
received a thorough common school education, and commenced life 
for himself at the .age of sixteen years. He was an apprentice at 
the wagon-maker's trade, which he followed a number of years. 
In 1862, he volunteered as a private in Company F, Fifth Indiana 
Cavalry, under Capt. Felix W. Graham, and in six days after he 
was mustered into the service, was appointed first lieutenant and 
quartermaster of the regiment; one month later, was offered the 
commission of tirst major of his company, refusing, because he felt 
his inability to fill so important a position. In 1863, he resigned his 
quartermaster position upon the surgeon's certificate of disability, 
and was discharged in August, 1863, at Glasgow, Ky. He then 
opened a claim office at Louisville, Ky., remained in this business 
four years, when his health failed, and he returned to the old farm 
in Johnson County. He then built a planing mill in Clarksburg, 
remaining in this business one year, when, in 1873, he removed to 
Indianapolis for the purpose of schooling his children, where he 
remained two and one-half years, and again returned to the old 
farm, where he now lives. He was married November 20, 1845, 
to Sarah Robison. She was born October 3, 1821, in Monroe 
County, Ind. To this union the following children were born, viz. : 
Charles T., November 27, 1846; George H., September 1, 1848; 
Jane, Septembers, 1850; Nancy A., November 11, 1852; James A., 
December 3, 1854; Elizabeth A., November 6, 1S57; Joseph J., 
August 18, 1861; Eliza F., October 11, 1864. Mr. Dungan and 
wife are members of the Christian Church. Mr. Dungan was an 
elder and a deacon in his church a number of years. Has served 
his township as trustee one year. He possesses a great deal of 
genius, evidence of which is found in the fact that he has invented 
and received patents on a number of devices, several of which are 
now in general use; among these may be mentioned, a buggy-jack, 
apple-trimmer, a harrow, and a wire fence, which he now manu- 
factures. 



480 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Francis Dunlayy, an old and highly esteemed pioneer of 
Clark Township, was born January 6. 1803, in Montgomery County, 
Kv., a son of Daniel and Martha (Yocono 1 Dunlavy; the former 
was born January 16. 1765. and died in 1846, the latter was born 
January 27, 1783, died in 1838. Our subject's early life was spent 
on a farm in Kentucky. He removed from Kentucky in 1825 and 
settled in Lawrence County, Ind., where he remained twenty-six 
years, thence to Iowa, where he stayed three years, and in 
1S54, came to Johnson County, Ind., and settled on the 
farm on which he now lives. He received a common school 
education in the pioneer log school-house. He served an ap- 
prenticeship at the stone-mason's trade, which he continued to work 
at occasionally for about thirty years. At the age of twenty- 
one he began the struggle of life for himself, working at his 
trade. July 25, 1824, he was united in marriage to Mahala Stew- 
art, a daughter of John and Mary ( Jenning) Stewart. To this union 
the following children were born: James H. (deceased), born 
Mav 25, 1S25: Mary J. (deceased), born February 13, 1827; 
Martha A., born February 11, 1829: John W., born July — , 1831; 
Francis M. (deceased), born December 29, 1833. The mother of 
these children was born February 15, 1801 ; died August 22, 1835. 
He was united in a second marriage with Eleanor Miller, a 
daughter of Daniel W. and.Rhoda (Arthur ) Miller. This union was 
blessed with the following children: Daniel W., born April 11, 
1840; William, born February 20, 1845; Elvesta, born March — , 
1847, and Julia A., born May — , 1851. The mother of these 
children was born in 1S13, and died March 26, 1873. His third 
marriage was to Mrs. Eliza Mavity, who was born in 1816: died 
November 24, 1883. He has been a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church over sixty years. 

Adam Dinlap, a prosperous and industrious farmer, was born 
September 18, 1833. He is a son of James and Anne ( McCor- 
mick) Dunlap: the former was a son of Adam and Sarah (Kirk) 
Dunlap. William Dunlap, the great grandfather, came from Ire- 
land, at the age of four years, and settled in West Virginia, near 
West Liberty, about the middle of the eighteenth century. His 
wife, Martha (Gamble) Dunlap. was of Irish descent. The great 
grandfather, Adam Dunlap, was born in West Virginia, 1772, and 
was married to Sarah Kirk. 1 Le died in Ohio, in 1840. The wife died 
in 1822. James Dunlap, the father of our subject, was born Febru- 
ary 3, 1802, in Jefferson County, Ohio, removed to Indiana, in 1837, 
and died near Hopewell Church, in Johnson County, in 1884. The 
mother of our subject was born in Louisville. Kv., January 23, 
1815, of Irish descent; died near Franklin, February 26, 1853. 



CLARK TOWNSHIP. 48 1 

Our subject's boyhood and youth were spent on a farm in Morgan 
County. Ohio. He received a common school education and came 
to Indiana at the age of eighteen years, and began life for himself 
at the age of twenty-two, his vocation being that of a farmer, and 
in connection with farming he has been buying and shipping poul- 
try for about twenty years. September 12, 1S55, he was united in 
marriage to Marrietta Freeman, daughter of Charles and Mary A. 
( Langston ) Freeman. The father was a son of John and Hannah 
Freeman, who were both natives of New Jersey. They were mar- 
ried in 179S, and removed to Hamilton County, Ohio, in 1S17. In 
1848, they removed to Union County, Ind. He departed this life 
in 1 85 1, aged seventy rive years, in Union Count}-. She departed 
this life May 28, 1873. This union was blessed with the following 
children: Mary A., born June 18, 1856; Anna M., born August 
1, 1S58, and James R., born November 22, 1S77. The mother 
of these children was born April 15, 1838. They are both 
members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics, he is a republi- 
can. He now owns eighty acres of fine land which is in a high 
state of cultivation. He and wife are highly esteemed by their 
neighbors. 

Oliver H. Draper, a prosperous and successful farmer of 
Clark Township, was born March 15, 1828, in Decatur County, Ind., 
a son of Thomas and Catharine (Harbert) Draper; the father was 
of English descent, was a native of Virginia, was born May 4, 17S8, 
and died in 1872. The latter was of English descent, was a native 
of Pennsylvania, and was born about 1790. Our subject's early 
life was spent in Decatur County, Ind., on a farm, and on January 
15, 1848, he came to Johnson County, and bought the farm on 
which he now lives. He received a common school education at the 
district school, and through the advantages of books and news- 
papers, he has acquired a good, practical knowledge on general sub- 
jects. At the age of twenty-one, he began life for himself, his 
vocation being that of a farmer. March 23, 1848, he was united 
in marriage to Phebe Harbert, a daughter of John and Elizabeth 
(Cora) Harbert; the former was of Dutch descent, was born in 
Pennsylvania, in 1798, died in 1S78; the latter was of English descent, 
born in 1S00, died in 1834. To this union the following children 
were born: Sarah J. (deceased), born February 18, 1849; Mary E., 
born March 19, 1851: Winfield S., born March 19, 1853: Thomas J., 
born March 24, 1855; Elizabeth (deceased), born February 5, 
1857; Catharine, born November 26, 1858; John H., born June 29, 
1861: Nancy A., born May 7, 1863: Joseph M., born August 21, 
1S65; Effa O. and Elzora. twins, born October 20, 1869; Oscar G., 
born May 14, 1872. The mother of these children was born Septem- 



482 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

ber 26, 1S30. She is a member of the Christian Church. He was a 
Granger during the life of that lodge. In politics, he is a republi- 
can. He now owns 472 acres of well improved lands, seventy-two 
of which are in White River Township. 

Adam S. Dougherty, a prominent farmer of Clark Township, 
was born in Pennsvlvania, September 9, 1S22, the son of William 
E. and Sarah (Smith) Dougherty. The former was born in Mary- 
land, of Scotch-Irish descent, and was a soldier in the struggle for 
independence. The latter was born in Pennsylvania. Our sub- 
ject's early life was spent in Pennsvlvania, his occupation being a 
miller. He received a common school education. At the age of 
twenty-four years, he began life for himself by working at his trade. 
About six years later, on account of failing health, he gave up mill- 
ing, and commenced clearing the farm, on which he now lives. 
July 27, 1851, he was united in marriage to Miss Margaret 
Barlow, who was a daughter of Jacob and Rebecca (Piles) 
Barlow, and to this union the following children were born, viz.: 
Jacob B., born July 10, 1S52 : William E., born November 12, 1853; 
Rebecca J. (deceased ), born August 15, 1855; James M., born June 
15, 1857; Sarah E., born May 18, 1859; Mary E. (deceased), born 
January 28, 1861; Alvira A., born December 2, 1862; John W. 
(deceased) and Hannah E., twins, born September 12, 1865; Albert 
U., born April 30, 1868; Margaret A., born October 31. 1870. 
The mother of these children was born May 2, 1828, and died 
April 25, 1875. She was a devoted member of the Methodist 
Protestant Church. He was united a second time in marriage to 
Mrs. Mary J. Crouch, a daughter of Thomas and Jane (Mitchell) 
Poriteus, both born in Ireland. Mary J. Dougherty was born 
August 31, 1828. He and his wife are both members of the Meth- 
odist Protestant Church. He is a member of the Knights of 
Labor. In politics, he belongs to the Union Labor Party. He 
now owns 114 acres of well-improved land. 

Daniel Dake, a native of Shenandoah County, Ya., born March 
21, 1818, and is a son of John and Catharine (Bowman) Dake. 
The former was born in Virginia, about 1796. His father came 
from Virginia, was of German descent, and died about 1868. The 
latter was born in Virginia about 1801, and died about 1S56. Our 
subject emigrated from Virginia with his parents, and settled in 
Ohio, remained there two years and removed to Shelby County, on 
what is known as Sugar Creek, but removed to Johnson County in 
iSs5- and settled on the farm on which he now lives. He received 
a common school education. At the age of twenty-one years he 
began life for himself as a farmer, which he has continued all through 
life. He married Eliza J. Moore, October 29, 1S54. She was 



CLARK TOWNSHIP. 



4S3 



born in Highland County, Ohio, May 8, 1834, an( ^ died January 24, 
1883. To this union the following children were born, viz.: Cath- 
arine, born August 25, 1S55; Eve Margaret, born August 8. 1857; 
Abijah W., born May 8, r 860; John, born September 1, 1862; 
Ladora, born January 3, 1865; Henry E., born November 25, 
1867; James \V.. born December 25, 1S70. Of these only three 
are living, vi/.. : John, Ladora, and James. His wife's parents were 
both born in Ohio, and her father was of German descent, and her 
mother was of Irish descent. In politics, Mr. Dake is a democrat. 
He now owns 177 acres of well-improved lands. 

Toliver Fisher, an old and respected farmer of Clark Town- 
ship, was born in this state October 11, 1818, a son of James and 
Mark- (Mahoney) Fisher, both natives of Kentucky. After the 
death of both father and mother, our subject was taken to Ken- 
tucky, when about four years of age, where lie lived with an 
uncle until about twenty-two years of age, when he emigrated 
from Kentucky, and walked to Marion County, where he remained 
two years, thence to Clark Township, where he has since resided. 
Being an orphan, he was compelled to work both winter and sum- 
mer, and never had the advantage of any schooling at all. He be- 
gan life for himself at the age of twenty-two, and his occupation 
has always been that of a farmer. On March 31, 1S41, he was 
united in marriage to Mary M. Miller, a daughter of John and 
Catharine (Messinger) Miller, and to this union the following 
children were born, viz.: James M., deceased, born January 8, 1843; 
William, deceased, born November 8, 1849; John, born June 2, 
1851; Zachariah, born February 8, 1853: Garrett, deceased, born 
January 1, 1S63; Cynthia A., deceased, born June 10, 1868; Tol- 
iver, born September 10, 1867; Thomas J., born June 10, 1868; 
Harvey, born January 21, 1869; Albert, born January 26. 1871; 
Dayton C. and George W., twins, George W., being deceased, 
born January 13, 1872: Jacob, born August 31, 1873: Stephen, 
born January 26, 18S3, and one unnamed. The mother of these 
children was born January 1, 1824. She is a member of the 1 
Will Baptist Church. In politics, Mr. Fisher is a democrat, cast- 
ing his first presidential vote for Harrison. He now owns 120 
acres of land. 

Robert S. Fitzpatrick, a farmer of Clark Township, was 
born August 26, 1838. He is a son of Hezekiah and Ruth ( Webb) 
Fitzpatrick: the former's father was born in Ireland, and 
this country and settled in Kentucky, and thence to Shelbyville, 
where the former was born. The hitter was born in 
County, Kv. Our subject's father came to Indiana at an early 
date, and settled in Chirk Township. Our subject's early life «;is 
3i 



4S4 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

spent in Clark Township, on the old homestead. He received a 
common school education in the old pioneer log school-house. At 
the age of twenty-one years, he began life for himself, as a farmer, 
which vocation he has followed through life, and in connection, he 
has been in the poultry business for about eighteen years. Au- 
gust, 1 861, he enlisted in Company G, Third Indiana Cavalry, under 
Capt. Graham. He was with his company in several severe en- 
gagements: among them may be named, Stone River, Pittsburg 
Landing, Missionary Ridge, and Atlanta, Ga. In January, 1870, 
he was united in marriage to Malinda Jane Beard, daughter 
of William and Mary J. (Tucker) Beard. This union was blessed 
with one child, Alma, who onlv lived one vear. The mother of 
this child was born September 29, 185 1, and died September 19, 
1873. He was united in a second marriage to Millie Williams, a 
daughter of James and Charity (Smith) Williams, March 11. i s 75- 
To this union one child was born, Victor II., September 2. 1876. 
The mother of this child was born April 15, 1852, and departed 
this life October 26, 1S77. He was again married, to Nancy U. 
Harriatt, February 4, 1879, a daughter of John and Elizabeth 
(Overstreet) Harriatt. This union was blessed with one child, 
Norah, born October 12. 1SS0. The mother of this child was born 
October 3, 1849, and departed this life October 30, 1S80. He was 
again married January 16. 1883. to Cornelia W. Overstreet, a 
daughter of William II. and Laura (Wick) Overstreet. She was 
born September 27. 1849. She was formerly a Presbyterian, but 
after her marriage she became a member of the Methodist Church, 
with her husband. In politics, he is a republican, casting his first 
presidental vote for Lincoln. He now owns 160 acres of land, 
which is under a high state of cultivation. 

Thomas O. Francis, a prosperous farmer of Clark Township, 
was born in Sugar Creek Township, Shelby County. March 8, 
1S4S, son of Milton and Sarah ( Henderson) Francis. To our sub- 
ject's father and mother these children were born: Mary E:, born 
January 19, 1846; Thomas O., born March 8, 1N4S; Emma C, 
born September 9, 1853: Jennie, born January 15, 1S60. Our sub- 
ject's early life was spent on a farm, working on it in summer, and 
attending the district school in winter. He received a good com- 
mon-school education, and he began life for himself at the age of 
twenty-one as a farmer. His father being an extensive stock- 
trader, he was away from home a great deal of his time, which 
placed the responsibility of looking after the farm upon our subject 
while he was yet quite young. In 1870, Mr. Francis went to Kan- 
sas on a prospecting tour, where he remained six months, he then 
returned to Shelby Count}', where he remained with his father one 



CLARK TOWNSHIP. 



4 s : 



year, and thence to Clark Township, Johnson Count}', where he 
"batched" one year, and raised one crop, then returned to Shelby 
County and remained about six months, when he again returned to 
Clark Township, Johnson County, and settled on the farm on which 
he now lives. On the 19th dav of November, 1S73, he was united 
in marriage to Mary L. Craig, a daughter of Henry T. and Mary 
j Ransdell ) Craig. To this union the following children were born, 
viz.: Alice A., October 25, 1874; Mary A., September 17, 1S76; 
Charles E., January 10, 1S7S; Stella, January 22. 1881 : William O., 
July 10, 1883, and Thomas E., July 15, 1886. The mother of these 
children was born November 28, 1857. He and wife are members 
of the Missionary Baptist Church. He is also a member of the 
Masonic order. During the late war he belonged to a company of 
Home Guards under Capt. B. F. Reeves. In politics, he is an ar- 
dent republican, casting his first presidential vote for Grant. He 
now owns eighty-nine acres of well improved land. 

Graxyillf R. Griffith, a farmer of Clark Township, was 
born June 29, 1843, a son of James and Isa Ann (Dobbins) Griffith; 
the former was a native of Kentuckv, he emigrated from Keutucky 
and settled in Jennings County, Ind., and then came to Johnson 
County, about 1S51. The mother was born in South Carolina. Our 
subject was reared on a farm in Johnson Count}'. He received a 
common-school education, and at the age of nineteen years he be- 
gan life for himself. In August, 1S62, he volunteered in the War 
of the Rebellion, in Company I, Seventieth Indiana Infantry, at Ind- 
ianapolis. He participated in all the battles that his regiment was 
engaged in, among which were: Russleville, Ky., Resacca, Dalton, 
and many others, including Sherman's March to the Sea. He was 
discharged in June, 1865, at Indianapolis. He was united in marriage 
January 16, 1867, to Mary E. Fitzpatrick, daughter of James and 
Margaret Fitzpatrick. To this union the following children were 
born: James L., January 19, 1S69; Anna B. (deceased), No- 
vember, 187 1 ; Maggie May, August 9, 1873. The mother of the 
children was born in 1S50. She was a member of the Missionary 
Baptist Church, and departed this life m October, 1873. He was 
married to Susan A. Clark, January 4, 1877. She was a daughter 
of Samuel A. and Mary (Darrel) Clark. This union was blessed 
with one child: Mary V., born May 19, 1886. The mother of this 
child was born April 22, 1S49, and is a member of the Christian 
Church. I Ier husband is a member of the Presbyterian Church. 
In politics, he is a republican, casting his first presidential vote for 
Johnson. He now owns 100 acres of good land in Clark Town- 
ship, about eighty of which are under cultivation. 

William Griffith, an honored old citizen of Clark Township, 



486 JOHNSON" COUNTY. 

was born in Scott County. Kv., November 3, 1805, and is the son 
Thomas and Hannah (Rictcheson) Griffith, the former of whom 
was born in the state of Delaware. When he was thirteen years 
old, or in 1818, his parents came to this state and located in Jen- 
nings Count} - , where he spent the rest of his youth on a farm. He 
was married in that county. December 27. 1838, to Eliza Ann 
Campbell. She was born in Jennings County, this state, April 13, 
1818, and is the daughter of David and Anna (Clinton) Camp- 
bell. Mr. and Mrs. Griffith began their married life on a farm in 
Jennings Count}'. In March. 1863, they came to this county, and 
first located in Pleasant Township. In the following September, 
they remoyed to Clark Township and located where Mr. Griffith 
now resides. His life occupation has been farming. He owns a 
farm which contains about 120 acres, about 100 of which are in cul- 
tivation. Mr. and Mrs. Griffith ha\'e had six children: Eliza J., 
born October 18, 1839; Presley R., September 10, 1842: Elzora, 
August 4, 1S4S; Calvin L., October 27. 1850: William H.. August 
19, 1856: and a twin sister to William II.. that died unnamed. Mr. 
and Mrs. Griffith are members of the Baptist Church. In politics, 
Mr. Griffith is a republican. 

James T. Grubbs, Sr., an industrious and enterprising farmer 
of Clark Township, is a native of Kentucky, a son of James T. and 
Eliza P. (Prentiss) Grubbs. The father was born in Louisa 
County, Ya., 1796, the mother was born in Lexington, Kv. Our 
subject's father was a physician, and practiced his profession in 
Burlington, Kv., about fortv vears. He departed this life May 21, 
1SS4. The wife died in 1880. To our subject's father and mother 
the following children were born: William B., in 1831; Anna G., 
in 1834, and James T., in 1837. Of these, the two brothers are 
now living. The sister was married in 1873, to Samuel Bergen. 
Our subject came to Indiana and settled in Johnson County, April 
II, 1855. and began farming. He began life for himself at the age 
of twenty-one years, when he entered into merchandising in Bur- 
lington. Ivy., where he remained two year;. On June 7. i860, he 
was united in marriage with Mildred A. Grubbs. a native of Christian 
Countv, Kv. To this union the following children were born: 
James T., Jr.. August 29, 1861 ; John T.. May 5. 1864, and Anna M.. 
March 21, 1870. The mother of these children, and the oldest son 
and daughter, are members of the Christian Church. Mr. 
Grubbs is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He 
emigrated from Kentucky in 1S65, and settled in Johnson 
County, where he began farming, and by close economy and good 
management, he has added to his farm until he now has 350 acres 
of fine farming land, 200 acres of which are under a high state of 



CLARK TOWNSHIP. 4S7 

cultivation. He is a straight-out democrat. In 1SS2, he, with his 
sons, began the manufacture of shingles, and since that time have 
added a lumber saw to their mill, and for the last two years have 
been doing an extensive business in shipping pine shingles. They 
have under construction at this time a planing and box factory, with 
all kinds of building material, under the firm name of J. T. Grubbs 
& Sons. 

Ebenezer Harbert, a prominent farmer of Clark Township, 
was born July 1, 1837, and is the son of Oliver and Mar}' A. 

( Wheeler ) Harbert. The father was born September 21, 1S06, in 
Pennsylvania. He emigrated with his parents from Pennsylvania, 
and settled in Dearborn County, Ind., about 1S10. He came to 
Johnson Count}' about 1835, and for many years he would take his 
reap hook in harvest time and go to Dearborn County and harvest 
for 50 cents per day. He died September 20, 1886. The latter 
was born in Kentucky, September 16, 1S1S, and died January 20, 
1SS7. Our subject's early life was spent on the old homestead 
farm, a part of which he now owns. He received a good common 
Lchool education, in the old pioneer school-house. At the age of 

wenty-one years he began life for himself, his vocation being that 
of a farmer. In August, 1862, he volunteered in the War of the 
Rebellion, Company I, Seventieth Regiment Indiana Volunteers, 
under Capt. William Fisher. He has the honor of serving under 
Gen. Benjamin Harrison. He was detailed into the Pioneer 
Corps of the Army of the Cumberland. He participated in sev- 
eral of the hard-fought battles; among them may be named the 
battle of Stone River, and was in the brigade that supported the 
famous Chicago Board of Trade Battery, commanded by Capt. 
Stokes. He served three years, and received an honorable dis- 
charge, at Nashville, Tenn., in June, 1865. On May 2, 1866, he 
was united in marriage with Mildred A. Johnson, a daughter of 
Henry and Ellen (Harmon) Johnson. The former was born in 
Kentucky, April 30, 1820, the latter was born May 20, 1S26. This 
union was blessed with the following children, viz. : Curtis M., 
born February 24, 1867; Clay A., December 27, 186S; Minnie 
L. O., January 11, 1871; Ebenezer D., June 7, 1S74; William A., 
September 14, 1876: Samuel B., November 26, 1878; Eaura E., 
February 8. 1881. The mother of these children was born May 
24, 1848. Mr. Harbert is a fluent writer, and has contributed 
numerous poems to the Franklin Republican; and has in addition 
to this, written many songs of merit. He and wife are members 
of the Christian Church. He is a member of the James Wagner 
Post No. 177, at Greenwood, Ind. In politics, he is a republican, 



4S8 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

casting his first presidential vote for Lincoln. He now owns 
seventy acres of good land in Clark Township. 

George Huston, born in Montgomery County, Ohio, the 22nd 
day of October, 1817, son of Samuel and Nancy (Key) Huston. 
The former was born in 1774, the latter in 17SS. To this union 
there were eleven children born, our subject being the eighth. His 
parents came to this state from Ohio in 1S2S. The former died in 
1S57, and the latter in 1861. At the age of twenty-one, Mr. Huston 
began the battle of life for himself as a farmer. He entered 160 
acres of land in Jasper County, 111., but never went to it. He then 
purchased fort}- acres in Clark Township, on which he now re- 
sides. He married Miss Mary A. Clark, February 27, 1S40. To 
this union the following children were born: Francis M., September 
1, 1841; Almira, April 9, 1842; Nancy, March 13, 1845; Mary, 
May 9, 1847: James, March 22, 1856; Ellen, February 2, 1858; 
George W., date unknown. Mrs. Huston died August 14, 1872. 
He was married to Mrs. Ruhama Grittan, in February, iS74- This 
union was blessed with the following children : Charles E., born 
May 11, 1875; Gracy B., January 1, 1878; Maude, March 11, 
1880; Harry, April 4, 1S83. His second wife was born May 3, 
1 841. In politics, Mr. Huston is a democrat, and he and wife are 
members of the Christian Church. 

Jabus Kinnick, one of the pioneers of Clark Township, is a 
native of North Carolina, and was born April 15, 181 2, a son of 
George and Hannah (Grimes) Kinnick. The former was born in 
1 784, and died in 1865 ; the latter was born in 1787, and died in i860. 
Both were natives of North Carolina. Our subject immigrated 
from North Carolina in 1833. He only had the advantage of 
forty-five days' schooling in his life, but being of a studious turn 
of mind, and by close reading, he has acquired a good knowledge 
of general topics. He began the battle of life for himself at the 
age of twenty-one years, as a farmer, which vocation he has con- 
tinued through life. December 14, 1834, ' ie was united in mar- 
riage with Elizabeth Todd, and this union was blessed with the 
following children: Hannah J., born October 11, 1835; John R., 
April 6, 1837; William H., February 19, 1840; George W., Feb- 
ruary 15, 1842; James T., January 15, 1844: Sarah A., May 24, 
1S46: Samuel E., May 29, 1848: Joanna, Feburary 16, 1851: Susan 
E., November 4, 1^52 : Armelia, August 12. 1S54: Amanda, March 
22, 1856; Mary I., September 5, 1858; Harriet, July 10, i860. 
Of the above children, only seven are now living. In politics, Mr. 
Kinnick was formerly a democrat, but during the war became a 
republican, and has identified himself with that part}- ever since. 



CLARK TOWNSHIP. 489 

He has been a member of the Christian Church fifty-three years. 
His wife was formerly a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
but has been a member of the Christian Church twenty-five years. 
He has been a deacon in his church about thirty years. Three of his 
children, James T., Susan E. and Joanna, were successful teachers 
in the country schools. In regard to schools, churches and all 
laudable improvements, he has been friendly, and throughout life 
has been an industrious and enterprising citizen. 

Lawrence Lowe, a farmer, was born December i, 1S23, and 
is a son of Elijah and Kate (Voris) Lowe. The father was born 
about 179S, and died about 1828. The mother was about the 
same age of the father. Our subject came to this state with his 
parents, from Kentucky, at the age of five years, and settled on 
Young's Creek, Pleasant Township, Johnson Count}-, where they 
remained about thirteen years, going thence to Keutucky, where 
they resided about tour months, thence to Ohio, remaining there 
about six months, and returned to Johnson County, and settled in 
Franklin Township, remained about three years, thence to Clark 
Township, and settled on the farm on which he now lives. He re- 
ceived a very limited education, but through the advantage of home 
reading, has become acquainted with subjects of general interest. 
He served an appi enticeship at the blacksmith's trade, at which he 
continued to work until his failing eye-sight compelled him to aban- 
don his trade. He began life for himself at the age of eighteen 
years, as a farmer, which he has followed through life. He was a 
soldier in the Mexican War, and enlisted in Company C, Third 
Regiment, under Capt. David Allen, and on the 15th day of June, 
1S46, his company was taken to New Albany by railroad, went 
into camp, remained three weeks, thence to New Orleans, remained 
a short time, thence to Brazes Island, remained in camp several 
weeks, thence to Rhinoso for a short time, thence to Buena Vista, 
where he engaged in active service. He was in the battle of 
Buena Vista and several smaller battles. He remained in this war one 
year, and returned home. In 1859, he went as a teamster with a 
government train to Utah, after which he went en a prospecting 
tour through several stales and territories, traveling about eight 
months. In 1861, he entered the service of the Union Army, in 
Company F, Seventh Indiana Regiment, under Capt. Samuel Lam- 
bert, and served nine months, and discharged his duties in a man- 
ner becoming a loyal soldier, when he was discharged for disabili- 
ties. In 1862, he re-enlisted, and remained in active service for 
about two years, when he was sent to the hospital at Indianapolis. 
He was a member of the invalid corps, and afterward was nurse in 
the hospital at Indianapolis about six months. He then returned 






4<?0 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

to the invalid corps, Company F, under Capt. Craig. He was dis- 
charged at Indianapolis, in 1S64. August 19. 1847, he was united 
in marriage with Lavina Townsan, daughter of Major and Phebe 
(Biggs) Townsan, the former born in 1796, the latter in 1S05. 
This union was blessed with the following children : James H., born 
May 27, 1848; Phebe J., born January 19. 1S50; Loyd, deceased, 
September iS, 1S52: Mary A., born "March 28, 1S55*: Martha H., 
born September 2, 1857: Eliott P., born October 15, 1859. The 
mother of these children was born April 26, 1829, and died 
April 19, 1865. In 1S65, he was united in marriage to Mrs. 
Sarah Mclntire, a daughter of John Kerlin. To this union the 
following children were born: Cornnda, deceased, December 13, 
1866; Edward and Elmore, twins, born March 31, 186S; David A., 
deceased, March 30, 1870. The mother of these children departed 
this life June 15, 1870. In 1S71, he was united in marriage with 
Mrs. Sarah Towson. To this union one child was born, Norah O. 
Since 1885 they have lived apart. In 1885. he was united in mar- 
riage with Elvira Smith, a daughter of William and Elizabeth 
(Heck) Smith, the former of English descent, and was born in 
1797. The latter was of German descent, and was born in 1800. 
She is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a 
Presbyterian. In politics, he is a republican. He now owns 200 
acres of fine farming land. 

John D. Marlin, a farmer, was born in Johnson County, Clark 
Township, December 30, 1S36, and is a son of Nathaniel and Mary 
(Doty) Marlin. The former was born in Mount Holly, X. J., 
November 29, 1S10. He immigrated from New Jersey, about 
1833, and entered the land on which J. D. Marlin now lives. He 
died in Bartholomew County, May 2. 1878: the latter was born 
December 12, 1810, in Virginia, and is a daughter of John and 
Elizabeth (Wilson) Dotv, who removed to this state from Virginia, 
May S, 1S21, and settled in White River Township, and is still liv- 
ing. Mr. Marlin spent his early life in Bartholomew County, on 
the farm. He received a common school education in the district 
school, and through books and newspapers has become conversant 
on subjects of general interest. At twenty years of age he began 
to work at the carpenter's trade. He followed this trade for about 
two years, and then commenced farming, which he continued four 
years, and removed to Johnson County, and purchased land in 
Clark Township, where he has since remained. February 20, 
1862, he was united in marriage to Jeretta Spaugh, a daughter of 
Timothy E. and Elizabeth J. (Robbins) Spaugh. Mrs. Marlin 
was born June 20, 1841. To this union the following children 
were born: Alta, August 26, 1863; Sherman N., November 21, 



CLARK TOWNSHIP. 49I 

1S64; Adda M., June 6, 1866, all of whom are deceased. Mrs. 
Marlin is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. 
Marlin owns 143 acres of well improved land. 

James McClain, one of the old and honored pioneers of Clark 
Township, was born in Shelby County, Ky., March 9, 1808, and is 
a son of Jacob and Catharine (Lacelield) McClain, the former of 
whom was born in Mercer County, Ky., in 1780, and was in the 
War of 1S12: the latter was born about 1782, and died about 1832. 
Thev came to this state in 1829, and settled in Marion County, 
where thev remained one vear, removing to Johnson County, where 
he remained a short time, and then returned to Kentucky, and was 
united in marriage with Susan Wood. He remained in Kentucky 
about rive vears, and returned to Indiana and settled in Johnson 
Countv, where thev resided the remainder of their lives. Our sub- 
ject began life for himself at the age of eighteen years as a farmer, 
which vocation he has followed through life. At one time he was 
a very large land owner, but has given all to his children except 
143 '_. acres of fine land on which he lives, which speaks well for a 
man who only had 25 cents when he came to Indiana with a wife 
and one child. He was united in marriage with Rose White, in 
1826, and this union was blessed with the following children: 
Martha, Catherine, Jacob F., Rebecca, Verlinda, Reuhana, Fletcher, 
John S. F., Joseph E. S. and Ametia F. The mother of these chil- 
dren died November iS, 1849. March 6, 1853, he was united in 
marriage with Susannah Huffer. This union was blessed with the 
following children : Armilda A., Elender, Marian R., Mary I., 
Alice M., and one that died unnamed. The mother of these chil- 
dren died March 20, 1863. In June, 1863. he was united in mar- 
riage with Mrs. Ann E. Donavan, to which union the following 
children were born: Fermen V., George Ann V., Marion S., Leo- 
tis and Enoch D. The mother of these children is still living. In 
politics, he is a democrat, casting his first presidential vote for An- 
drew Jackson. He and wife are members of the Christian Church. 

James R. McConnell, a native of this state, was born March 
4, 1836, the son of William and Sarah (White) McConnell. The 
father was a native of Pennsylvania, was born about 1795, died in 
1873: the mother was a native of Virginia, and was born about 
1800, and died in 1845. Our subject's early life was spent on the 
farm. He received a good common school education, and attended 
one term of twelve weeks at Waveland Academy. At the age of 
twentv-one vears he began life for himself. He was united in mar- 
riage, January 13, 1859, to Clarinda Rhorer, daughter of S. II. and 
Jane Rhorer, and this union was blessed by the following children : 
Ella F., born October 7, 1S59; Hiram A., December 19, 1861; 



49 2 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Alice J., November 30, 1863, and Clarinda, October 16, 1865. 
The mother of these children was born about 1840, and departed 
this life April 16, 1886. Mr. McConnell was again married June 
10, 1869, to Miss Hannah Newman, daughter of John and Mary 
(Blair) Newman. Both were Quakers. This union was blessed 
with the following children: Agnes, born April 23, 1879; J ames 
T., August 25, 1882; Addie, November 9, 1885, and Baby Boy, 
November 3, 1887. In politics, Mr. McConnell is a democrat, cast- 
ing his first vote for James Buchanan. He now owns 270 acres of 
good land. 

Jonx McNutt, an old pioneer of Clark Township, was born 
in Hamilton County, Ohio, June 5, 181 1, and is a son of 
Charles and Elizabeth (Burch) McNutt: the former was born 
in Ireland in 1784, and emigrated to this counts" from Ire- 
land in 1796. The latter was born in Ireland, about 1794. 
Our subject's early life was spent on a farm in Ohio. He 
came to this state at the age of twelve years. He received a com- 
mon school education, served as an apprentice at the carpenter's 
trade, and at the age of twenty-two years, he began life for him- 
self by working at his trade. He came to Franklin County, Ind., 
in 1S25, and remained there until 1852, thence to Clark Township, 
Johnson Co., and settled on the farm on which he now lives. 
March 31, 1S37, he was united in marriage to Elizabeth Jones, a 
daughter of Abraham and Sarah (Flack) Jones, and to this union 
one child was born, viz. : Sarah E., deceased, born January 26, 183S. 
He was married in 1840, to Margaret Armstrong, a daughter of 
William, Sr., and Margaret (Suf ridge) Armstrong; to this union 
the following children were born: Elizabeth, born May 26, 1841; 
Charles M.. January 26, 1843; Alvira, May 13, 1845; Emma J., April 
24, 1847: William, May 10, 1852; George, September 27, 1S56. 
He and wife are members of the old Primitive Baptist Church, 
lie is now the oldest Mason living in Johnson County. In politics 
he is a democrat, casting his first presidential vote for Jackson. 
He has served as trustee two years, and now owns 256 acres of 
fine land. 

Richard A. Morris, a farmer, was born in Rush Countv, Ind., 
October 25, 1844. and is a son of James C. and Nancy B. (Ward) 
Morris. His father was born in Pennsylvania about 1822, the 
mother was born in Indiana about 1824. Her parents were orig- 
inally from England. Our subject's early life was spent on the 
farm. He received a common school education, and in January, 
1S64. at the age of nineteen, he enlisted in the Civil War under 
Capt. Albert Moorhouse, Company L, One Hundred and Twenty- 
first Regiment, Ninth Indiana Cavalry Volunteers, and was dis- 



CLARK TOWNSHIP. 493 

charged at Vicksburg, August 28, 1865. On January 17, 1S78, 
he was united in marriage to Mary J. Baas, daughter of Henry 

and Mary (Glass) Baas, and to this union the following children 
have been born: Charles A., February I, 1879; James E., Septem- 
ber 20, 1880, and Henry A., December 2, 1882. The mother of 
the above children was born in Marion County, September 20, 1S59. 
Her father was a native of Holland. Her mother was a native of 
Kentucky. Mrs. Morris is a member of the Presbyterian Church. 
In politics, Mr. Morris is a democrat, casting his first vote for Sey- 
mour. He owns eighty acres of well improved land. 

George S. Myers, a highly respected citizen of Clark Town- 
ship, was born October 22, 1818. He is the son of Henry and 
Hannah (Salisbury) Myers; the former was born in Pennsylvania, 
September 8, 1 788, and departed this life in September, 1871; the 
latter was born in Lewis County, Ky., July 15, 1794, and departed 
this life in September, 1S70. George S. was the fifth of a family 
of thirteen children, whose parents emigrated from Kentucky in 
1S21, settling in Rush County, Ind. He received a limited edu- 
cation in the country schools. His youth was spent on the farm, 
and his life occupation has been farming. December 30, 1843, he 
was united in marriage with Miss Medeline Somers. Unto this 
union was born a daughter, named Apellne, deceased. The mother 
died July 13, 1845, and on July 24, 1847, Mr. Myers married for a 
second wife, Jane Packie. This marriage was blessed by the birth 
of the following children: Robert H., born July 24, 1S48; John P., 
February 5, 185 1; Martha, October 24, 1853: William M., Au- 
gust 29, 1855; Frank W., March 13, 1858, and Felix B., August 
31, 1861. Their mother was born May 26, 1816, and died Feb- 
ruary 7, iSSS. Mr. Myers located in 1843, in Rush County, 
where he lived for a period of three years. In 1846, he removed 
to Johnson County, and settled on the farm on which he now lives. 
He is a member of the Christian Church, in which he has been an 
elder for twenty-six 3'ears. In politics, he is a republican, and cast 
his first presidential vote for Harrison. 

John T. Overstreet, a native of Indiana, was born August 28, 
i860, son of John H. and Ellen V. (Covert) Overstreet; the 
former was born in 1809, and died in 1882; both were of Irish des- 
cent. Our subject's early life was spent on the old homestead 
where he now lives. He received a good common school educa- 
tion, and took a classical course of two years in Asbury College. 
At the age of eighteen years he began life for himself as a farmer. 
January 14, 1SS0, he was united in marriage to Dessie Reese, a 
daughter of Thomas II. and Eliza J. (Garrison) Reese. This union 
was blessed with one child: Cecil, horn September 7, 1883. The 



494 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

mother of this child was born December 25, i860. Me is a member 
of the Christian Church. The wife is a member of the Missionary 
Baptist Church. In politics, he is a republican, casting his first presi- 
dential vote for Garfield. He now owns sixtv-eight acres of well 
improved land in Clark Township. 

James Parmer is a practical and progressive farmer of Clark 
Township, a native of Kentucky, and is the son of Isaac and Sarah 
(Wishard) Parmer. His father was born in Somerset Count}', 
Maryland, October 22, 1S01. The mother was born August 14, 
1S05. They emigrated from Kentucky, and settled in Johnson 
County about the year 1835. To the parents of our subject were 
born the following children : Matilda, October 8, 1829; one unnamed, 
November 3, 1831 : James, December 23, 1832, Charles, September 
23, 1834. The mother of these children was a daughter of William 
and Elizabeth Wishard. She was called away bv death, and the 
father married for a second wife, Jane Robison, the widow of 
Thomas Robison, in 183S. This union was blessed with the fol- 
lowing children: Samuel, born March 8. 1S39: Xoah, October 31, 
1840: Nancy, July 26, 1842: George, March 30, 1844: Margaret E., 
March 1, 1846; Susan M., December 10, 1848: Isabell J., April 11, 
1850, and Martha A., August 11. 1853. Our subject was reared 
on a farm in Johnson County. He received a fair education for 
that day, but being fond of reading books and papers, he has be- 
come conversant on subjects of general interest. At the age of 
eighteen years he began the battle of life for himself. He served 
an apprenticeship at the blacksmith's trade, which he followed three 
years. At the age of twentv-one years he drifted with the 
tide of emigration to the gold helds of California, remaining there 
nearly three years. He then returned to Indiana, and settled 
in Johnson County, on a farm where he now lives. It con- 
tains about no acres of well improved land. He was married 
to Lucy C. Oldham, daughter of Thomas and Elizabeth Old- 
ham, September 23, 185S. To this union the following child- 
ren were born: Charles O., born August 8, 1859; Appie, Septem- 
ber 27, i860; Addie, April 10, 1862; Lula, December 9, 1S63; 
Albert, August 17, 1865: James. March 1, 1869: George W., Janu- 
ary 12, 1871 ; Alonzo, June 20, 1873; Frederick, December 3, 1875, 
and William, February 21, 1879. I" politics, he has always been a 
staunch republican, casting his first vote for John C. Fremont. He 
and wife are members of the Christian Church. He has been a 
deacon in his church a number of years. 

John R. Patterson was born in Clark County, Ind., Febru- 
ary 18, 1825, and is the son of Thomas and Frances (Harris) Pat- 
terson; the former born April 24, 1S01, of Scotch-Irish descent, 



CLARK TOWNSHIP. 495 

and the latter born in 1804. He came with his parents to this 
County and settled in Franklin Township, and in 1S4S, removed to 
Clark Township and settled on the farm on which he now lives. 
He received a common school education. At the age of twenty- 
two years he began life for himself as a farmer, which occupation 
he has followed all his life. On February 25. 1847, he was united 
in marriage to Sarah Stewart, a daughter of James (and Miss Og- 
don J Stew art. This union was blessed with the following children : 
Mildred F.. born March 11, 184S: Eliza A., December 18, 1849; 
Nancy C, January 30, 1851 ; Mary E., December 17, 1852; Alice E., 
July 30, 1855; Thomas G., February 11, 1S57, and James II., 
April S, 1858. The mother of these children was born in August, 
1823, in Indiana, and died January 16, 1859. He was united in a 
second marriage with Sarah Martin, daughter of Henry (and Miss 
Payne) Martin. This union resulted in the birth of the following 
children: Willis G., born February 28, 1863, and Etta J., January 
22, 1S65. The mother of these children was born February 16, 
1S25, and died October 24, 1877. She was a member of the Pres- 
byterian Church. He is a member of the Grange order, and is a 
Presbyterian. In politics, he was formerly a whig, but became a 
republican on the birth of that party, and has been an advocate of 
its principles ever since. He now 7 owns sixty acres of well im- 
proved land in Clark Township, Johnson Co., Ind. 

Thomas Patterson, one of the respected pioneers of Needham 
Township, was born April 24, 1S01, and is a son of Robert and 
Jane (Henderson) Patterson. They were both born in Pennsyl- 
vania, the father being of Irish descent. Our subject's early life 
was spent on a farm in Clark County, Ind. He received a com- 
mon school education. At the age of twenty-three vears he began 
life for himself as a farmer, which occupation he has continued 
through life. January 22, 1S24, he was united in marriage to Fran- 
ces Harris, and this union was blessed with the following children: 
John R., born February iS, 1825; James and William, twins, 
August 13, 1827: Eliza jane, January 18. 1830: Samuel C, De- 
cember 25, 1831; Thomas H., June 1, 1833; David B., September 
3, 1835. The mother of these children was born in 1804. He 
married for a second wife, Nancy Hardesty, and to this union the 
following children were born, viz.: Francis II., born November 23, 
1S40: Benjamin F., June 3, 1843; Zerilda C. March 11, 1846; 
Sarah E., November 21, 1851: Susan I.. November 3. [853; Vir- 
ginia E., October 4, 1S57. The mother of these children was born 
August 14, J 81 7. They are both members of the Presbyterian 
Church, as are all their children. In politics, he is a republican. 
He now owns ninety acres of well improved land. 



496 JOHNSON" COUNTY. 

William II. Patterson, an old farmer of Clark Township, 
was born August 14, 1827, in Clark County, and is a son of 
Thomas and Frances (Harris) Patterson. The former was born 
in Kentucky April 24. 1S01. The mother died when our subject 
was (juite small. At the age of six years he came with his parents 
and settled in Franklin Township, Ind. He remained there about 
six years, and removed from there and settled in Clark Township, 
settling on the farm on which he now lives. He received a com- 
mon school education. He began life for himself at the age of 
twenty-five years, and his occupation has always been that of a 
farmer. January 31, 1856. he was united in marriage to Sarah A. 
Guyton, a daughter of Henry D. and Sarah (Coons) Guyton. 
The former was born in Maryland, and was of English descent; 
the latter was of Scotch-German descent, and was born in Oldham 
County, Kv. To this union the following children were born, viz. : 
Cordelia E., April 30, 1S57; Alonzo M., April 7, 1859: Susan F., 
November 16, 1S61; Addie F.. August 16, 1863; Amanda J., Sep- 
tember 29, 1867; Carrie D., December 7, 1869. The mother of 
these children was born June, 15, 1830, in Oldham County, Ky. 
He and wife are both members of the Presbyterian Church. In 
politics, he is a republican. His first presidential vote was cast for 
Clay. He now owns sixty acres of well-improved land. 

Thomas M. Robison, a farmer of Clark Township, is a native 
of Johnson County, Ind., and is the son of Thomas and Jane M. 
(Clark) Robison. The father was born in Fleming County, Ky., 
August 18, 1797: and died in Johnson Count}', Ind., February 8, 
1830. The mother was born in Muhlenberg County, Ky., Septem- 
ber 8, 1807. Unto the marriage of these parents were born five 
children, namely: Sarah, born October 3, 1827: Andrew C, January 
18, 1829: Alexander, December 1, 1830: Annie, October 26, 1832; 
Thomas M., June 21, 1834. Their parents came to Indiana, and 
settled in Monroe County, in 1825. In 1829, they removed to 
Johnson County, and settled in Clark Township, where he was 
elected justice of peace, which office he held until his death. The 
father's death occurred February 8, 1836. He was among the 
pioneer settlers of the county, but lived but a short period after his 
settling in this county. Of the above live children only two are liv- 
ing, namely our subject and a sister. Thomas was reared on a 
farm, and received a limited education in the pioneer log school- 
house. This education was received under disadvantages, for when 
our subject was a youth, school terms were short and poorly 
taught, and he attended a part of only six winter terms. By close 
observation and Study throughout life he has become conversant on 
general subjects. At the age of sixteen years he began the battle 



CLARK TOWNSHIP. 497 

of life for himself. He served an apprenticeship at the wagen- 
maker's trade; which he followed lour years, and in 1854, emi- 
grated to California, where lie remained for two years, and then 
returned to his native county, where lie was married, in 1856, 
to Miss Ann E. Holmes, daughter of Giles and Martha Holmes. 
Mrs. Robison was born in Warren County, Ohio, February 23, 
1835. The issues of the above marriage, are two children, namely: 
Eugene A., born May 30, 1857, and a deceased child, unnamed, April 
70. Eugene A. is a teacher, having taught ten successful terms 
in the public schools. Since Mr. Robison*s marriage, he has re- 
sided in Clark Township, and has been actively engaged in agri- 
cultural pursuits. He is now a prosperous citizen, owning and 
cultivating a well improved farm of 120 acres. He and wife are 
members of the Christian Church, of which he has been a mem- 
ber since 1851, and she, since 1859. In politics he is an ardent 
republican, casting his first presidential vote for A. Lincoln. He 
has been a progressive citizen, and has held several positions of 
honor and trust. During the war he was an enrolling officer in 
Clark Township. He has served his township as its assessor for 
two years, was once elected justice of peace, but resigned. At one 
time lie became the republican candidate for count}' commissioner, 
and cut a majority of over 500 against him, clown to 2S3, thus demon- 
strating the high esteem in which his fellow citizens hold him. In 
regard to churches, schools, and all laudable improvements, he has 
been friendly, and has been characterized as an industrious, and 
enterprising, as well as progressive citizen. 

William Rouse was born in Shelby County, June 29, 1S38, 
and is a son of Nathaniel and Lucinda (Francis) Rouse: the for- 
mer was born in Kentucky, in 1799, and died in Shelby County, in 
1844: the latter was born in Kentucky in 1809, and died Octo- 
ber ; 1. 1884. Our subject's early life was spent on the farm. He 
received a common school education, and began the battle of life 
for himself at the age of eighteen years, and worked on a farm 
nearly two years. He was united in marriage to Elizabeth Hoop, 
February 7, 1858. She was the daughter of Ferguson and Nellie 
(Doble) Hoop. Mrs. Rouse was born in Shelby County, Febru- 
ary 4, 1S42. To this union the following children were born: Ed- 
ward, born October 29, 1859; Oscar, November 8, i860; Frank, 
April 4, 1863; unnamed (deceased), March 6, 1865; Abner, No- 
vember 24, 1S69; Frederick, February 22, 1876. Of these, all are 
living except Edward and the unnamed. Mr. and Mrs. Rouse are 
members of the Missionary Baptist Church. For a number of 
years he was treasurer in the church. Mr. Rouse is a Mason. In 






49S JOHNSON COUNTY. 

politics, he is a republican. He now owns 205 acres of well im- 
proved land, and for a number of rears has been dealing in stock. 

John W. Smith, pne of the old pioneers of Johnson County, 
was born in Floyd County, Ind., October 7, 1828, and is the son of 
Adam and Mar}' ( Dale ) Smith. The father was a native of Ger- 
many. Our subject was the second of a family of three children. 
He left Floyd County about 1S36, and removed to Rush Count}-, 
Ind.. where he remained six years, removing to Shelby County, 
where he remained two rears, and then returned to Rush 
Countr, where he remained one rear, going thence to Johnson 
County, this state, and settling on the farm on which he now lives. 
During his early life he had no opportunity whatever to attend 
school, and it was not until after his marriage that he spent his first 
day as a pupil in a school-room, and then only attended one month, 
lie has always been fond of reading, and he has somewhat miti- 
gated the lack of an early education, and is now a well informed 
man. He now owns 200 acres of land, of which 100 acres are 
well improred. He was married to Miss Harriet McKee, August 
10, 1S47, and this union was blessed with the following children: 
Rose A.. April 24. 1848; George W., Xorember 24. 1S49: Eliz- 
abeth \V., January 10. 1S51: John A.. January 21. 1854; Elijah 
W., January 2, 1858; Maria P., February 13, 1S60; Jacob H., 
August 1, 1S62, and James A., October 10, 1864. In politics, Mr. 
Smith has al\va\ s been a democrat, casting his first presidential 
vote for James Buchanan. He served his township as constable 
for six years. He was elected justice of the peace, but declined to 
serve. His chief occupation has been farming. In connection 
with this pursuit, he has given considerable attention to the culture 
of bees. 

Omar Spencer, a prosperous and industrious farmer and stock- 
raiser of Clark Township, Johnson County, was born February 21, 
1835, he is a son of Lyman and Sarah (Turner) Spencer: the 
former was a native of New York, and was born December 7, 
179S, of English descent, and died July 7, 1872: the latter was a na- 
tive of Pennsylvania, and was born April 13, 1797, of Irish descent, 
and died July 19, 1S51. To their union the following children were 
born: Sarah A. (deceased;, April 10, 1828; John T. (deceased), 
August 19, 1S30; Robert P. (deceased), September 25,1832. 
Omar, February 2t, 1S35: Samuel J. (deceased). October 12, 
i837,and Maggie M., February 2. 1S39. At tne a S e °^ fouryears, our 
subject was placed in the family of his uncle, Parker Spencer, who 
reared him to manhood. During his boyhood and youth he worked 
upon the farm in summer, and attended the district school in winter. 



CLARK TOWNSHIP. 



499 



He received a good common school education : and is conversant upon 
all subjects of general interest. At the age of twenty-one years he 
began life for himself as a farmer, which pursuit he has continued 
through life, and in connection with farming he has also made a 
specialtvof raising short-horn cattle. March n, 1858, he was united 
in marriage to Mary E. Halfaker, daughter of Jacob and Ruth 
(Campbell) Halfaker. She was born February 5, 1S37. Their 
union was blessed with the following children: Maggie E. (de- 
ceased). April 5, 1S59; Lyman, December 29, i860; Kate, Febru- 
ary iS. 1863; Grafton, February 11, 1870, and Omar, November 
22, 1871. On January 12, 1887. Mr. Spencer was united in a sec- 
ond marriage, with Mrs. Anna Phemister, a daughter of S. T. and 
Mary (Wiemer) Pierson. She is a member of the Missionary 
Baptist Church. His first wife was a member of the Christian 
Church. Mr. Spencer now owns 480 acres of choice land in John- 
son County, about 400 of which are under a high state of cultiva- 
tion. In politics, he is an ardent republican. 

John C. Springer, a farmer and stock-raiser of Clark Town- 
ship, Johnson County was burn December 15, 1838. He is a 
son of Cordnan and Orpha (Webb) Springer, both of whom were of 
Swedish descent. The father was born 111 Kentucky about 1800, 
and died in Johnson County about 1872. The mother was born in 
Kentucky about 1800, and is still living. Our subject's early life 
was spent on the farm. He served an apprenticeship at the miller's 
trade, which he followed about thirty years. He received a liberal 
education, attending the Franklin College. September 24, 1S63, 
he was united in marriage to Louisa J. Davidson, a daughter of 
Calip and Lockey (Jones) Davidson, and to this union the follow- 
ing children were born: Eva A., August, 1865; Rose L., July, 
1870; John A. (deceased) April, 1S73. The mother of these 
children was born in 1835. Mr. Springer is a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church and the Masonic order. In politics, 
he is a republican. He now owns 157 acres of well-improved land. 

James W. Terman, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of 
Clark Township, was born in Muskegeon County, Ohio, February 
10, 1834, a son of John and Ann (Jones) Terman; the former was 
born in Maryland in 1793, and was of Scotch-Irish descent. He 
was in the War of 181 2. A peculiar incident happened by which 
he entered this war. He had a neighbor of whom he thought a 
great deal, who was drafted, and the man was crying to think he 
had to leave his family, when Mr. Terman volunteered to go in his 
place, il they would take him, he being onlv eighteen years of age 
at the time, and arrangements being made, he took the place of 
his friend and served with credit to the close of the war. He died 
32 



500 JOHNSON" COUNTY. 

in 1869. The mother was born in Virginia, in 1799, and died in 
1871. Our subject came with his parents from Ohio in 1847, and 
settled in Bartholomew County, this state, where he remained seven 
3-ears, thence to Shelby County, where he remained one year, then 
to Johnson County, and settled in Clark Township on the farm 
where he now lives. He received a good common school educa- 
tion. At the age of nineteen years he began life for himself as a 
farmer. On October 12, 1854, he was united in marriage to Martha 
Cutsinger, a daughter of William and Parthena (Deupree) Cut- 
singer; the former was born in 1S13, and came to this state when only 
nine years of age, is of German descent; the latter was born in 1S14. 
To this union the following children were born: James A., deceased; 
Elizabeth, June 26, 1857; Martha P., April 10, 1859; Emma A., 
January 13, 1861; Flora E., April 4, 1863; James W., February 
22, 1865; Joseph E., June 9, 1867; James A., deceased; Omar, de- 
ceased; Ida, November 9, 1S72; Sarah, deceased; Lewis M., Feb- 
ruary 15, 1877; Bertha, February 5, 1879, an ^ Jessie Blanche, 
June 15, 1S81. The mother of these children was born September 
29, 1S37, in Shelby County. He and wife are members of the 
Christian Church. In politics, he is an ardent republican, casting 
his first vote for John C. Fremont. He was chosen by his party 
in convention, as their candidate for trustee in the spring election of 
18S8; he ran against an opposing majority of twenty-five, and re- 
duced it to eleven votes. He now owns 210 acres of well improved 
land. 

Stephen W. Tilson, farmer, was born in Franklin Township, 
Johnson County, October 22, 1S34, the son of Lemuel and Sidney 
(Crow) Tilson; the former was a son of Thomas Tilson, and was 
born about 1S04. and died about 1872. The latter was born about 
1802, and died about 1866. Our subject's early life was spent on 
a farm in Johnson County. He received a good common school 
education, and attended Franklin College two terms. Was a music 
teacher for about three years, giving it his whole attention. At 
the age of twenty-one years he began life for himself as a farmer, 
and occasionally worked at the carpenter's trade. During Morgan's 
raid in Indiana, he was with the company that guarded the city of 
Madison. November 25, 1856, he was united in marriage to Susan 
Ballard, a daughter of Taylor and Nancy ( Fitzpatrick ') Ballard; 
the father was assassinated on January 15, 1885; the mother was 
born in 1806, and died March 6. 1883. This union was blessed 
with the following children: Alferetta, born September 1, 1857; 
Romeo S., December 29, 185S: Indiana. September 6, i860; Lu- 
ella, March 13, 1862; Jessie, deceased, February 10. 1864: twin 
boys, unnamed, one of whom is deceased, September 22, 1865; 



CLARK TOWNSHIP. 



501 



Eldon, June 4, 1867; Flora, February 19, 1869; Mack, August 29, 
1871; Julia Dot, May 27, 1873, and Lemuel B., April 3, 1875. 
The mother of these children was born October 3, 1834. She is 
a member of the Methodist Church ; the husband and eight children 
are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. In politics, he 
belongs to the union labor party. He has served his township as 
justice of the peace about one year. 

James F. Webb, a farmer of Johnson County, was born April 
29, 1 84 2, and is a son of Zachariah and Nancy A. (Huff) Webb. 
The former was born in Kentucky, April 9, 180S; the latter was 
born in Ohio, April 22, 1813, and died January 15, 1886. Our 
subject's early life was spent on the farm. He received a common 
school education, and at the age of twenty-one years, began life 
for himself. On January 14, 186S, he was united in marriage to 
Mary A. Beard, daughter of William and Mary J. (Tucker) 
Beard. The father was born January 23, 1820, and died July 15, 
1867; the mother was born December 5, 1823. To this union the 
following children were born: Cora E., born November 17, 1868; 
Guilford, September 9, 1871; Wallace, September 12, 1873. The 
mother of these children was born September 22, 1849, and is a 
member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Our subject now 
owns 300 acres of good land in Johnson County, Ind., and forty 
acres in Shelby County. Of the 300 acres, 150 are now under 
cultivation. 

Sarah A. White, widow of James A. White, was born Febru- 
ary 16, 1835. She is a daughter of James and Lucretia (Vaught) 
Patterson. Her husband was a son of James and Mary (Grubbs) 
White. Mrs. White was reared in Johnson Count)-. She received 
a common school education. Early in the fifties she was married 
to James A. White. To this union the following children were 
born: Martin C, January 22, 1852; Alonzo, August 22, 1854; 
Thomas, February 12, 1857; Mary, October 22, i860; Sylvester, 
January 12, 1S63; Samuel, February 10, 1865; Rachel, September 
12, 1867: Charles, November 3, 1S69; Stella, deceased, July 17, 
1872: Vida, November 5, 1873. The father of these children de- 
parted this life, May 30, 1873. She is a member of the Presby- 
terian Church. .She now owns 120 acres of well improved land. 

Andrew J. Williams, a native of Johnson County, Ind., was 
born October 4, 1850, and is a son of James and Juda (Wheeler) 
Williams. The father was a native of Overton Countv, Tenn.; 
was born December 23, 181 1; the mother is a native of Adair 
Countv, Kv., and was born in 1816. Our subject's early life was 
spent on the farm. He received a common school education. He 
was educated for the law, being a student with Judge Williamson, 



502 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

of Des Moines, Iowa, and was admitted to the bar about 1875. 
He removed to St. Joseph, Mo., and remained there in the practice 
of his profession two years, when he returned to Des Moines, and 
remained there three years. He then returned to Indiana, and set- 
tled in Johnson County. September 21, 1880, he was united in 
marriage to Miss Serena E. Beard, a daughter of John W. and 
Nancy (Farmbrough) Beard. This union was blessed with the 
following children : John F., born September 19, 1SS1: Thurlow 
W., December 4, 1882; James C. (deceased), February 5. 1884; 
Fleetwood P., April 15, 1885; Nellie L., August 3, 1886, and 
Lulu M., January 23, 18S8. The mother of these children was 
born April 2, 1855. At the age of seventeen years, he began the 
battle of life for himself, by teaching school in Indiana three winter 
terms, and then went to Iowa where he taught two winter terms. 
He then went to Kansas, taught one winter term, and returned to 
Indiana, and commenced dealing in poultry, shipping to New York 
city. He remained in this business one year, and then returned to 
Iowa. His wife is a member of the Methodist Protestant Church. 
In politics. Mr. Williams is a republican, casting his first presidential 
vote for Hayes and Wheeler. He now owns 360 acres of good land. 

FI enry Williams, one of the prosperous farmers of Clark Town- 
ship, was born November 22, 1841. in Favette County. Ind., and is a 
son of Joel D. and Frances (Walker) Williams: the former was 
born in Ohio, December 27, 1S12, and was of English descent: the 
mother was born in Ohio, in 1S10, and died in 1S79. Our subject 
emigrated with his parents, at the age of two years, to Madison 
County, and remained there about six years, going thence to 
Johnson County, where he lias resided ever since. He received a 
good common school education, and at the age of twenty, he be- 
gan life for himself. November 6, 1861, he was united in mar- 
riage to Serena Johnson, a daughter of James and Martha ( Caw- 
thorn), Johnson, both natives of Kentuekv: the father was born about 
1802, and died about 1844; the mother was born in 1804, and died in 
1888. To this marriage the following children were born: Emma 
A. (deceased), February 10, 1863; Charles G., March 4, 1865; 
Dora B., August 10, 1867; Elmer, March 10, 1870: Olive M., 
July 27, 1S72: Walter, September 26, 1874: unnamed son, de- 
ceased. The mother of these children was born June 26, 1S42. 
He and wife are both members of the Missionary Baptist Church. 
In politics, lie is a republican, casting his first presidential vote for 
Lincoln. He now owns 427 acres of tine land, of which there are 
350 acres under a high state of cultivation. He makes short-horn 
cattle a specialty. He served Ids township as trustee four years. 

James S. Yoke, a farmer of Clark Township, is a native of 



CLARK TOWNSHIP. 503 

this county, and is the son of John S. and Catharine (Huffer) 
Yoke. His father was horn in Harrison County, Ky., about the 
vear 1S01, and by occupation was a farmer. His mother was born 
about the year 1S14. The marriage of his parents resulted in the 
birth of eight children, of whom the following three are liying: 
James S., born March 22, 1843; Jonathan W., born in 1S45, and 
Ellen, in 1847. John S. Yoke removed with his family from 
Kentucky to Shelby County, this state, in 1833. In the same year 
he entered land in Johnson County, to which he remoyed in 1S40. 
The subject of this sketch remained with his parents until he 
reached the age of twenty-one. In summer he worked upon a 
farm, and in winter attended the district school, receiving a fair 
knowledge of the ordinary branches of learning. January 9, 1864, 
he entered the seryice of the Union Army, in Company II, Ninth 
Indiana Cavalry, One Hundred and Twenty-first Regiment, and 
was mustered in at Indianapolis, under Capt. J. H. Farquhar. He 
served until the close of the war, and discharged his duties in a 
manner becoming a loyal soldier. He then returned to this county, 
and has eyer since deyoted his attention to agricultural pursuits in 
Clark Township. He owns a farm of 108 acres, which is in a 
good state of improyement, and sixty acres of which are in cultiva- 
tion. On the 16th day of October, 1872, he was married to Miss 
Missouri Virginia Halfaker. She was born in Johnson County, 
May 23, 1852, and was the daughter of Jacob and Ruth (Camp- 
hell ) Halfaker, the former of whom was born in Washington 
County, Va., in 1802, and the latter in Ohio, in 1812. Her mother 
came with her parents to this state in 1829. The family first set- 
tled in Bartholomew County, but in 1837, they remoyed to Johnson 
County. Our subject and wife are the parents of three children : 
Ellen E, born July 16, 1874; J oan Jacob, January 27, 1876, and 
James M., October 4, 1884, all of whom are now liying. Mr. and 
Mrs. Yoke are members of the Christian Church, the former, who 
is now a deacon in the church, became a member in 1870, and the 
latter in 1863. In politics, Mr. Yoke supports the principles of the 
republican party, having cast his first vote for Lincoln. Mr. Yoke 
is one of the industrious farmers of his township. 

Jonathan W. Yoke, a young and energetic farmer of Clark 
Township, was born in Johnson County, October 14, 1845, son of 
John S. and Catherine (Huffer) Yoke. The father was born in 
Harrison County, Ky., about 1801, and was by occupation a 
farmer. The mother was born about 1814. The marriage of his 
parents resulted in the birth of eight children, of whom the follow- 
ing three are liying: James S., born March 22, 1843; Jonathan V ., 
and Ellen, 1847. Our subject was reared on a farm. He received 



5°4 



JOHNSON COUNTY. 



a good common school education, and in 1S65 entered Purdy's Com- 
mercial College at Indianapolis, graduating the same year. He re- 
mained with, and took care of his parents until their death. 
November 3, 1875, h e was united in marriage with Isabell Moore, 
a daughter of John and Sarah (Bowser) Moore, born March 3, 
1845. This union was blessed with the following children: Sarah 
B., born November 20, 1876; John J., Julv 11, 1878; Catherine 
M., May 30, 1880; Thomas E., July 8, 1882; Charles A., April 8, 
18S4; Walter C, September 7, 1886. He and wife are members 
of the Presbyterian Church. In politics he is a republican. He 
owns 303 acres of good land in Clark Township, 150 of which are 
under cultivation. He makes a specialty of short-horn cattle. 



CHAPTER VII. 



Towns — Franklin — Early Business Men and Residents — 
Incorporation — Officers — Industries — Banks — The 
Press — Secret Societies — Loan Associations — Edinburg 

— Greenwood — Williamsburg — Trafalgar — Whiteland 

— Union Village — Other Small Villages. 




> ONCERNING the founding of Franklin, and the location 
of the county seat at that place, so much has already 
been said by Judge Banta in his chapter on the early 
settlement, that it would be useless to repeat it here. In 
Chapter VIII, there is also much of interest pertain- 
ing to the town in its early days. From the best infor- 
mation at hand, Daniel J. Taylor, Joseph Young and 
Samuel Ilerriott, were the first to engage in the mer- 
cantile trade in the town of Franklin. The first named came 
from Cincinnati, Ohio, as early as 1S25, and opened a small 
general store, next to the Smiley Hotel, on Jefferson Street, 
where he carried on a fairly successful business for a short 
time. Of the personal history of Mr. Taylor, and his pioneer 
experience in Franklin, but little is now known, bevond the declar- 
ations of a few old settlers, all of whom unite in the expression 
that lie was a man of ordinary intelligence and business ability, but 
that he made but little impression as a merchant and tradesman. 



TOWNS. 505 

Messrs. Harriott and Young became identified with the mercantile 
interests of the town as early as 1825, and sold goods veiy success- 
fully for several years thereafter. George King, the proprietor of 
the town, was an early merchant, and a little later came Hicks 
and Gilchrist, Simon Moore and Cornelius McDertned, all of whom 
are remembered as fairly successful tradesmen. 

At the time the town was laid out, and for several years suc- 
ceeding, its importance was chiefly recognized in the light of a cen- 
tral trading point, for a large area of territory surrounding, because 
of the fact of its having been selected as a seat of justice for the 
count}-, it acquired a well earned reputation. Capital sought invest- 
ment in the new town. Tradesmen, representing various lines of 
business were attracted by the advantages the place offered, and 
until the year 1S36-7, a general spirit of prosperity seemed to 
have characterized the growth and development of the village and 
country surrounding. A season of depression was experienced in 
1S37, but the increase in population and facilities for business dur- 
ing the several years succeeding was gradual, uniform and certain. 
Prior to 1841, the spirit of substantial improvement and enterprise 
was developed in a limited degree. At a later period, however, 
new life and vigor began to be infused into the elements of pro- 
gress, and more rapid advances in the prospects of trade began to 
be foreshadowed. After the completion of the railroad, activity 
in every department of industry was the rule, rather than the excep- 
tion, and capital before withheld from profitable investments, be- 
gan to seek investment in public and private enterprises which 
have since yielded profitable returns. 

From that time the character of the general, improvements was 
no longer uncertain, but continued to assume a more healthy and 
permanent aspect, than was ever before known, and the population, 
therefore, increased in a greater ratio, during the succeeding decade. 
At this time the place is supplied with two railroads, and other 
facilities necessary for a successful mercantile town, make Franklin 
equaled by few and surpassed by a far less number of places of 
its size and population. 

In addition to the merchants already named, the following may 
be enumerated among the many who sold goods in the city from 
time to time, at a later period: Henry Fox, Herriott & Overstreet, 
W. II. & R. T. Overstreet, Williams & McClellan, Manwarring & 
Adams, all of whom began business prior to 1S50. Prominent 
among the more successful merchants since that year, were John 
L. Jones (still in business), R. T. Ditmars, White & Branham, 
Needham & Brown, Gullett, Webb & Keightly, M. M. Tressler, 
E. R. Moore, Fessler & Day, David Vawter, David Alexander, 



$06 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Thomas Wood, William McCaslin, John Ransdell, Abbott & John- 
son, and others. 

Early Residents. — Between the years 1S24 and 1S34. the fol- 
lowing persons purchased lots and became residents of Franklin: 
William G. Springer, Edward Springer, Caleb Vannoy, George 
King. A. Vannoy, D. Covert. W. Brice. X. C. Shaffer, George W. 
Blankenshh?, J. Young, C. Griffin, J. Herriott, S. Moore, A. Lewis, 
A. Hutto, 'David Monfort, John Carter. G. E. Murphy. Cornelius 
Hutton, Thomas "M. Adams. Samuel Olmsted. Samuel Mall. Will- 
iam G. Eaton, James Shaffer, J. D. Jones, Charles Johnson, Robert 
Smith, Thomas Alexander, Edward McDermed, Charles Griffin, 
P. Murphy, Davidson Patton, R. Gilcrees, Samuel Herriott. James 
Ritchev, Gilderov Hicks, Jacob Sibert, Jabez G. Bright, Fabius M. 
Finch, J^R. Kerr, J. Alexander. J. M. McCaslin, David Alex- 
ander, John S. Thompson, F. Utterback, B. Webb, James 
K. Bennett, W. Yarbrough, W. E. Clark. S. Headly, E. 
Parkhurst, J. Williams, S. Taylor, I. Israel, John Foster, John R. 

Carver, A. Thompson, Mussulman. R. C. Forsvth, John A. 

McGill, Alexander Wilson, S. Allison, William G. Shelledv, J. S. 
Tilford, John Reese, A. Jacobs, R. Thompson, J. Chenoueth. 
J. Jones, J. Bright, E. Springer, S. Hall, N. G. Eaton, John High, 
James Terry and William Henderson. 

The following list prepared by Dr. Donnell, includes the names 
and occupations of a majority of the citizens of Franklin in the 
year 1841: William H. Overstreet, merchant: Henry Nance, mil- 
ler; James Nance. Lerov Burns, miller: Abram Lay, jailor; W. E. 
Clark, tailor; Isaac Jones, sheriff: Thomas Williams, farmer: 

Cardman Springer, shoemaker; Hamilton, saw-mill; Robert 

Gilchrist, merchant: Jesse Williams, merchant: Robert Jeffrey, 
tanner; Richard Grubb, tailor; M. P. Adams, clerk: Amos Comp- 
ton, Henry D. West, carpenters: James Chenoweth and Thomas 
Chenoweth, blacksmiths: Samuel Headley, tailor: John Foster, 
hotel: John Slater, lawyer: jabez Bright, saddler; John Shaffei, 
Simon Shaffer, Harvey Shaffer and William Shaffer, carpenters; 
Pearson Murphey, physician; Nathaniel Peppard. shoemaker; 
William Leach, hotel: Randolph Griffith, clerk: Simon Moore, Sr., 

merchant; Plowden, clock dealer; Jacob Sibert, shoemaker; 

Charles Johnson, teamster: Eli Gilchrist, merchant; David Allen, 
clerk of circuit court; James Gwinn, mechanic: Alfred Scull, 
plasterer; Gilderoy Hicks, lawyer: William Sickles, minister and 
teacher in seminary; Rev. David Monfort, pastor Presbyterian 
Church; Thomas Alexander, merchant; Johm R. Kerr, clerk; 
John Logan, laborer; James Wilson, mechanic; Sherva Law- 
horn laborer; John Alexander, William Cummins, and Henry Cum- 



TOWNS. 507 

mins, blacksmiths; George King, merchant and farmer: Harvey 
Sloan, mechanic; John Jackson, cabinet-maker; Samuel Allison, 
shoemaker: Samuel Herriott, farmer, trader and merchant; Gar- 
rett C. Bergen, farmer and tanner; George Bergen, tanner: John 
High, mechanic; Stephen Porter, wagon-maker; D. Smith, liquor 
dealer; John Terhune, laborer; Daniel Webb, physician; A. D. 
Sweet, physician; William Springer, teamster: Samuel McKinney, 
lawyer; James Fletcher, saddler; Rev. A. W. Hinckley, pastor 
Baptist Church; David Alexander, blacksmith; Horatio G. Finch, 
law student; David White, stage-driver; Frank Ferguson, me- 
chanic; Henry Banta, wagon-maker; Rev. William Tilton, Bap- 
tist minister; Tunis Vannuys, farmer; James Smock, laborer; Nat 
Wilson, railroader; Abram Starks, carpenter: Robert Todd, wagon- 
maker; Ellis Armstrong, carpenter; Wm. Davidson, painter; John 
Alexander, stage driver: Wm. Pierson, carpenter; Dick Robbins, 
laborer; McKinley L. Johnson, painter; James Harvey, carpenter; 

Caffertv, tailor; Rev. Mr. McCard, minister C. P. Church; 

William Lovelace, cabinet maker; Baker, laborer; James 

Davidson, painter; William H. Mitchell, carpenter; John Thomp- 
son, blacksmith: Thomas Douglass, cabinet maker; Newman, 

lawyer; John Bowen, brick mason; Samuel Lambertson, tailor; 
W. II. Henderson, tinner; Joseph McClellan, merchant: Alexander 
Wilson, wheel-wright; Ed. McDermed, saddler; William Car- 
son, hatter; John Ritchie, saddler; Joseph Young, farmer; S. B. 
Moore, merchant: James Ritchev, physician; Lvsander Adams, 
shoemaker; George Comingove, tanner; William Moreland, tanner; 
William Gwinn, mechanic; J. C. King, minister; Abdallah Thomp- 
son, carpenter: I. P. Montfort, clerk; James Frary, mechanic: 
J. H. Donnell, physician; John S. Tilford, cabinet-maker; F. M. 
Finch, lawyer: James Bennett, John H. Vannuys, farmer: Tunis 
Yannuvs, farmer; Nicholas Shaffer, hotel; Jacob McClellan, clerk. 
Incorporation. — It is impossible to lix definitely the date of the 
incorporation of Franklin as a village, but from the most reliable 
information, it could not have been far from the year 1838 or 1839. 
Pursuant to the provision of the General Assembly, for the incor- 
poration of towns and villages, then in force, the citizens assembled 
and submitted the question to the determination of the legally qual- 
ified voters present. At that election, upon counting the ballots so 
cast, it was found that a small majority of the citizens were in favor 
of the measure, accordingly the incorporation was effected, and the 
necessary municipal officers chosen. It did not prove popular, 
however, and after a short trial was abandoned. Subsequently a 
town incorporation was adopted, which continued successfully until 
1861. A city charter was obtained in 1861, and at a session of the 



508 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

common council, held November 4th of that }ear, an ordinance was 
passed defining the limits of the corporation as follows : 

Section I. Be it ordained by the common council, of the city of Franklin, that the ward, 
citv or corporation, wherever the same may occur in this or any following ordinance, 
or in any ordinance hereafter ordained or established by said council, shall be construed to 
extend and apply to all that part of the Township of Franklin, in the County of Johnson and 
State of Indiana, included in and embraced by Section fourteen (14), the north half ('2) of 
Section twenty-three (23), the west half ( ' 2 ) of Section thirteen (13), and northwest quarter 
I ' + 1 of Section twenty-four (24), Township 12 (12) north, Range four (4) east. 

Section 2. That said city shall be divided into three wards, to be bounded as described 
in the following sections: 

Section 3. All that part of said city lying south of a line running east and west through 
the center of Jefferson Street, in said city, shall constitute the First Ward. 

Section 4. All tnat part of said city lying north of the line drawn east and west through 
the center of Jefferson Street, and east of a line running from the center of Jefferson Street 
north, along the center of Market Street to the center of Adams Street; thence east to 
the Madison & Indianapolis Railroad; thence with said railroad to the north boundary of 
said city, shall constitute the Second Ward. 

Section 5. All that part of said city lying north of the north line of Ward No. I, and 
west of the west line of Ward No. 2, shall constitute the Third Ward. 

Under the above ordinance the following officers were elected: 
mayor, Benjamin Davis; clerk, John O. Martin: treasurer, Will- 
iam H. Henderson; city attorney, D. W. Howe: marshal, Will- 
iam H. Myers, resigned, and Solomon Gerow appointed January 
26, 1862; assessor, Chambers C. Hamilton. 

Councilmen. — The following have served as members of the 
citv council from time to time, since 1867: Thomas W. Woollen, 
W. J. Mathes, J. T. Jones, Leland Payne, \V. C. Crowell, James 
Wilson, A. B. Hunter, John Beal, Armstrong Alexander, A. B. 
Colton, George F. Herriott. John R. Fessler, W. II. McLaughlin, 
R. T. Taylor, R. S. Sturgeon, L. P. Ritchey, William B. Ellis, 
William I. Peters, I. I. Covert, I. H. McLaughlin, M. Walker, 
William A. Davis, William I. Peters, Charles Riker, B. M. Stansi- 
fer, James Jacobs, R. M. Miller, W. T. Pritchard, Charles Day. 

Industries. — To go back to the founding of Franklin, and give 
in detail an account of its various business and manufacturing en- 
terprises, is a task beyond the power of the writer to accomplish. 
There are but few persons now living, who were here when the 
citv was laid out, and those few were too voung then, or too old, 
now, to remember very much concerning the earlv industries of the 
place, consequentlv the chronicler is forced to depend mainly upon 
" hear say " evidence for many of the facts in the following pages. 
Among the first industries attempted in Franklin, was a tannery, 
established as early as the year 1825 or 1S26, by a Mr. Yannoy, 
who began business upon a limited scale, near the creek, on South 
Main Street. After operating the yard a short time, Mr. Yannoy 
sold out to Robert Gilchrist, who did a fairly successful business 
for a few years, and then disposed of the enterprise to Robert 



TOWNS. 509 

Jeffrey. Later, H enry Krumpenske became proprietor, and in 
1863, the business was purchased by Messrs. Wheat & Bergen, 
who ran it until 1867, when Bergen became sole proprietor. Mr. 
Bergen operated the tannery quite successfully until 1876. 

About the year 1844, a tobacco and cigar factory was started 
in East Franklin, between Jefferson and Madison streets, by W. H. 
Mamvarring, which was operated until early in the fifties. Mr. 
Manwarring manufactured cigars and plug tobacco, which were 
sold throughout the country from wagons, two or three of which 
were kept running for some years. 

Woolen-mills. — In the manufacture of woolen goods the farm- 
ing community of Johnson County were greatly benefited, in an 
early day, by the presence in Franklin of carding machines and 
woolen-mills, which afforded a good market for the wool product. 
The first attempt of this kind was made about the year 1837, by 
Abdallah Thompson, who erected a small frame building on King 
Street, which was supplied with machinery for carding and spin- 
ning. George W. Branham, about 1855, erected a large three-story 
brick woolen-mill, near the railroad, where the Waggener and 
McLaughlin planing-mill now stands, and supplied it with machinery 
for the manufacture of such woolen goods as blankets, cashmeres, 
jeans, yarns, etc., all of which products soon obtained an extensive 
sale in Indianapolis, and other cities. About the year 1868, Messrs. 
Bradley & Kerlin erected a woolen factory opposite the Union 
Roller Mill, and began the manufacture of such goods as are made 
in mills of the kind, but the enterprise did not prove financially 
remunerative, consequently was soon abandoned. 

Pork Houses. — The pork business was one of the early indus- 
tries of Franklin, and some time in the forties, a slaughter and pack- 
ing house was erected in the southeast part of town, by Dr. John 
Peggs and John High. 

The largest pork packing firm that ever did business in Frank- 
lin, was that of Herriott, Vawter, Wheat & Alexander, which was 
formed about the year 1867 or 1S68. A brick building was erected 
in the south part of town, where the starch works now stand; a 
large force of men was emploved and for about four years the firm 
did a prosperous business. 

Flouring Mills. — "Pearl Roller Mill" operated at this time by 
Payne, Johnson & Co., is entitled to more than a passing notice, 
now one of the oldest landmarks left of the earlv history of the 
city. This mill is probably the first one ever erected in the vicinity, 
and was built by Messrs. Branham & Yandes. After being 
operated a few years bv the above firm, it passed into the posses- 
sion of Mr. Branham, who, later, in partnership with J. V. Branham, 



5IO JOHNSON COUNTY. 

did a good business until 1854. In that year it was purchased by 
Ebenezer Baldwin and Leland Payne, who operated it as a firm 
until 1SS1, the capacity being about sixty barrels of flour per day. 
July 1, 1881, Mr. Baldwin retired from the firm, and was succeeded 
by John W. Ragsdale, in 1882. In 1882 the mill was remodeled, 
and supplied with machinery for the manufacture of flour by the 
roller process, seven double sets of rollers being put in. with a ca- 
pacity of 200 barrels per day. In April, 1884, Dr. P. W. Payne, 
brother of L. Payne, and J. B. Payne, a son of the latter, became 
members of the firm. During this co-partnership, the mill was 
materially improved in the way of bolting and cleaning machinery, 
and became one of the best mills in the county. July. 1887, Dr. 
Payne and Mr. Ragsdale retired from the firm, and were succeeded 
by M. L. Johnson and W. H. Small, since which time the partner- 
ship has been known as Payne! Johnson & Co. In March, 1S8S, 
the mill was well nigh destroyed bv the explosion of one of the 
large boilers, which completelv demolished the south end of the 
building, resulting in the death of the engineer and fireman. The 
proprietors have since repaired the loss consequent upon the disas- 
ter, by enlarging the building and furnishing a new and more pow- 
erful engine. What is known as the Needham mill, east of the 
J., M. & I. Railroad, was erected some time in the forties, by William 
Needham, and was originally intended for an elevator. It was sub- 
sequently supplied with mill machinery, and has been in operation 
ever since. It is still owned by Mr. Needham, and is now operated 
by Mr. Jordan. 

Union Roller Mill. — One of the most successful enterprises of 
Franklin is the mill property of McDaniel & Co., known as the 
Union Roller Mill, the history of which, dates from about the year 
1852. The building was erected by a stock company, composed 
of well-known business men of the city, and when completed, be- 
gan to be operated bv W. H. Overstreet, who ran it until about 
1857. The next proprietor was John Tressler, who operated it 
until sometime in the sixties, when John Clark became owner. 
Major George Herriott purchased the property in 1S70, and after- 
ward remodeled the building and otherwise improved the mill. It 
was operated some time bv Messrs. Smilev & Hutchins, and in De- 
cember, 1S79. passed into the hands of C. W. and Ira McDaniel, at 
which time, the daily capacity was estimated at seventy-five barrels. 
The building was thoroughly remodeled, and a roller plant with a 
capacity of 200 barrels was put in, in 1880. Four years later an eleva- 
tor with a capacitv of 35,000 bushels was erected south of the main 
building. Ira McDaniel disposed of his interest, in 1S80, to W. B. 
Wright, but purchased from the latter in 1886. January, 1888, Will- 



TOWNS. 511 

iam Sucko bought Ira McDaniel's interest, and is now a member of the 
firm. The mill building is a three-story frame structure, 41x52 
feet in size, with basement and attic. The engine room, thirty-six 
feet square, and the machinery, which is of the latest improved pat- 
era, is operated by an eighty-seven horse power engine, one of the 
finest in the state. 

Saw-mills. — Johnson County, being a heavily timbered country, 
early led men of enterprise to engage in the manufacture of lumber. 
Accordingly, saw-mills were among the first industries of Franklin. 
It is not. now known who brought the first steam saw-mill to the 
town, but as early aS 1840, one William Nance, was operating one 
on South Jackson. Street, west of the Bergen tannery. In addition 
to sawing lumber, Mr. Nance manufactured corn-meal, and 
operated his mill with fair success for several years. There have 
been saw-mills in operation continually since 1840, and to give an 
appropriate sketch of each, is now impossible. There are two 
mills in active operation at this time, by N. M. Pittman and J. L. 
Landis, respectively. 

Planing Mills. — Probably the first planing mill in Franklin was 
erected and operated by John High and Dr. Thomas, some time 
prior to 1854- In addition to planing lumber the firm ran a saw- 
mill, and also machinery for the manufacture of lath shingles. The 
mill did a good business for about four years, when the building 
was destroyed by fire. John Voris & Bro., about the year 1865, 
erected a planing mill near the Martinsville Railroad on Jefferson 
Street, and operated it with reasonable success, until the death of 
Mr. Yoris, a few years later. It afterward passed into other hands 
and did not prove financially successful, until the present proprietors, 
Messrs. Jones & Bergen, obtained possession. These gentlemen 
have been established here for several years, and by proper 
attention to the desires of their customers have attained quite a 
handsome trade. Adjoining the mill is a large lot used in storing 
lumber, and just north of the main building is a brick foundry and 
machine shop, which has been in operation for some time under the 
management of the proprietor, Anton Sawer. 

Waggener & McLaughlin. — The firm of Waggener & Mc- 
Laughlin is composed of two individuals, both of whom can be 
classed among the well-known and reliable business men of Franklin. 
The large planing mill, of which they are proprietors, was built by 
Payne & Payne, who operated it with encouraging success until 
1882, at which time it was leased by Robert Waggener. One year 
later the building was burned, after which Mr. Waggener leased 
the brick building formerly used as a woolen factory by Baldwin & 
Payne, and tilted it up with good machinery. He purchased the 



512 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

building in 1887, and the following year took in W. II. McLaugh- 
lin as a partner, since which time the well-known firm of Wag- 
cener & McLaughlin have became widely and favorably known 
throughout Johnson and neighboring counties. 

Ransdell Brothers. — These gentlemen also do a large business 
in dressed lumber, scroll-work, mouldings, etc., besides dealing ex- 
tensively in lath and shingles, and filling large contracts for builders. 
The firm was organized in 1885, and now operate a planing mill 
on Jefferson Street, which has a daily capacity of 7,000 feet. The 
Messrs. Ransdell are practical business men, and by strict attention 
to the demands of their customers, have built up a large and lucra- 
tive trade. 

Coopcragx. — There are at this time two establishments of this 
kind in the city, wherein the manufacture of barrels is carried on, 
both of which are carried on by the well-known firm of Walker & 
Sons. The business was originally started in i860, at the present 
location, on the J., M. & I. Railroad, and from the beginning proved 
financially remunerative, as is attested by the fact that the firm 
were compelled to enlarge their facilities for manufacture in 1885. 
They employ eleven men in the old shop and twelve in the new, 
the latter of which stands near the college building, and manufac- 
ture upon an average of 40,000 barrels per year, nearly all of 
which are used by the starch works and flouring mills of Franklin. 
The firm operate a stave and heading machine at Martinsville, 
which with the business of the shops in this city, represent an in- 
vested capital of $4,000. 

'The Franklin Starch Works. — The largest and by far the most 
important branch of industry, within the limits of Franklin, and the 
one by which the city has become so well-known throughout the 
country, is the Franklin Starch Works, Thompson. White & Co., 
proprietors. This extensive enterprise was established in 1SS0, 
by a company composed of Samuel Cutsinger, J. M. Thompson, 
J. L. Hartley and J. M. Detrick. In due time the large brick 
building, 150x200 feet in size, and two stories high, was completed 
and supplied with the latest improved machinery, and representing 
a capital of $90,000. The works have a capacity of 1,200 bushels 
of corn per day, or an average annual consumption of 250,000 
bushels, which converted into the finest quality of starch represents 
the enormous sum of 6,000,000 pounds. Several changes have 
been made in the company since its organization, the first of which 
was in the summer of 1881, when Messrs. Detrick and Hartley re- 
tired. The same year George and Edmonson Cutsinger became 
members of the firm, and are still identified with the enterprise. 
The company at this time is composed of J. M. Thompson, Samuel 



TOWNS. 513 

Cutsinger, George Cutsinger, Edmonson Cutsinger and Thomas 
White, all of whom rank among the most reliable and best-known 
business men of Johnson County. 

The Indiana Starch Company was organized and incorporated 
October, 1885, with a capital of $50,000. David Swift, William A. 
McXaughton, Oren C. Dunn and Henry J. Forsyth, stockholders. 
A suitable plat of ground in the south part of the city, adjoining 
the J., M. & I. Railroad, was secured, upon which, in due time, the 
present handsome buildings were erected, and supplied with neces- 
sary appliances and machinery. Owing to financial embarrassments, 
however, the company was not able to put the factory in operation, 
and the magnificent buildings, much to the regret of the citizens of 
Franklin, are now standing idle. 

Johnson County Creamery Company. — The manufacture of 
butter is another of the branches of industry to be found within the 
limits of Franklin. The company was organized and incorporated 
under the state law, Julv, 1886, with a capital of $6,000, and a 
stated term of existence of fifty years. The company is composed 
of Louis H. Hulsman, Harry E. Hamilton and William B. Jen- 
nings. The machinery used is of the latest and most approved 
pattern, and the capacity of the creamery is about 2,500 pounds of 
butter per week. The gentlemen who comprise the firm are 
practical business men. 

Franklin Steam Laundry. — This enterprise was established 
in April, 1883, by Messrs. Winchester & Lane, and was then known 
as the Crystal Laundry. Mr. Winchester retired from the busi- 
ness in 1884, after which the firm became known as Lane & 
Stewart, Lane purchasing his partner's interest at the end of three 
months. It afterward passed through the hands of several per- 
sons, and, in February, 1888, Whitesides & Lane, the present firm, 
became owners and proprietors. They remodeled the establish- 
ment and refitted it with new appliances, and now have a complete 
outfit, the whole representing a capital of $1,500. The business, 
from a very small beginning, has increased until the laundry is now 
kept running at its full capacity. 

Hotels. — Probably the first house opened for the accommoda- 
tion of the traveling public in Franklin, was a small two-story frame 
hotel on the corner of Jefferson and Main streets, erected some 
time in the thirties, bv Judge Smiley, and kept by one William Leach. 
The building was afterward purchased by a Mr. Taylor, and 
answered the purpose of a place of entertainment for several years. 
The Foster House, south of the lot now occupied by 1 la/.- 
ell's livery stable, was erected in an early day, by John Foster, who 
became a citizen of the town when it was a mere backwoods vil- 



m_j. JOHNSON COUNTY. 

lage. The Foster House was part log and part frame, and earned 
a fair reputation as a hotel, but was abandoned about the year 1843. 
Late in the thirties, Nicholas Shaffer erected a two-story frame build- 
ing where the llazell livery stable stands, and opened it for the 
benefit of those who saw fit to accept and pay for his hospitalities. 
This early became the leading hotel of the place, and for a number 
of years was a popular resort for the traveling public. Shaffer 
kept it for some time, and is remembered as a very courteous and 
accommodating landlord. The house was torn down about the 
veai" 1848. 

The Strahmier House was built in 1848, by John Ilerriott, and 
first used as a boarding-house for workmen employed on the Madi- 
sonville Railroad. Subsequently, it passed into the hands of Will- 
iam Strahmier, who remodeled and enlarged the building, and made 
it a popular hotel. It was kept by different parties, and stood until 
1S81, at which time it was destroyed by fire. James Chenoweth, 
about the year 1848, erected a two-story frame hotel southeast of 
the court house, where the Vance livery stable stands, and 
acted the part of "mine host" some four or five years. The build- 
ing was afterward used as a residence, and disappeared several 
years ago. The PeggS House, corner of Railroad and Madison 
streets, one of the few old land-marks left standing in the city, was 
erected as early as 1S47 or 1S48, by Jacob Peggs. It has been 
used as a hotel continuously since the above year, and is now kept 
by Richard Rhodes. The building, an old-fashioned frame struc- 
ture, is in a good state of preservation, and bids fair to withstand 
the ravages of time for many years to come. 

Merc/units' s Hotel. — This "hotel was built originally for a board- 
ing-house, by G. W. Branham, who opened it about the year 1850, 
for the accommodation of railroad workmen. Subsequently, it was 
remodeled, the frame part torn away, and a substantial brick struc- 
ture erected by George Bridges, Amos Alexander and Sanford 
Webb, after which a Mr. Hyde, of Indianapolis, took charge, and 
ran it a number of years. The large addition west of the old 
building was erected about the year 1867, at which time several 
thousand dollars were expended in interior improvements and fur- 
nishing. The house has been run by different parties, among 
whom ma}- be mentioned Runyon, Hyde, Weatherford, Browning, 
Strahmier and Thomas. The present proprietors are Messrs. 
Hellerick and Wilson. 

Banks. — The financial operations of a city, as shown by the 
transactions of its banks, mirror its importance as a commercial 
center, and reflect the prosperity of the country tributary to its 
business. The history of Franklin's banking operations dates from 



TOWNS. 515 

January, 1855, at which time the- first institution of the kind in the 
city. The Farmers" Bank, an outgrowth of the Franklin Insurance 
company, was organized under the free banking law of the state, 
then in force, with Samuel Herriott, president, and R. T. Over- 
street, cashier. This bank proved an active stimulus to the busi- 
ness of the town, and continued in successful operation until about 
the year 1862. 

The next bank was a private concern, organized about the year 
i860 or 1861, by Willis S. Webb, W. W. Woollen and Theodore 
Pinkney. The venture proved quite successful, and after an exist- 
ence of two years, resulted in the organization of the First National 
Bank, which was established in 1S63, with a capital of $132,000; 
W. S. Webb, president, and W. W. Woollen, cashier. This was 
Bank No. $0, one of the first organized in Indiana under the na- 
tional banking law, and being operated by well-known and sub- 
stantial business men, soon took rank among the most successful 
institutions of the kind in the state. It did a large general banking 
business, and for a number of years enjoyed a reputation much 
more than local. The second officers were Capt. John Banta, pres- 
ident; T. W. Woollen, cashier, and later Mr. Woollen and E. G. 
Brewer were elected to the offices of president and cashier, respect- 
ive!}". Subsequently, Judge Woollen was succeeded as president 
by James Forsyth, and the next cashier was R. T. Taylor, who 
afterward became defaulter to a large amount, crippling the bank 
and causing a suspension of its business in 1877. 

Second S\ r cih\>>Ht! Bank. — The Second National Bank of Frank- 
lin, was organized in the summer of 1863, with a capital of $100,000; 
G. W. Branham, president, and R. T. Overstreet, cashier. The 
capital was increased shortly afterward to $150,000, and the bank 
continued under the original management until 1S66, when Mr. 
Branham resigned the presidency, and was succeeded by John Clark. 
On severing his connection with the institution, Mr. Branham went 
to Kansas City, Mo., and organized the First National Bank at that 
place. Subsequently, Mr. Clark was succeeded by W. H. La- 
grange, aside from which there were no other changes in the man- 
agement of the bank until the expiration of the charter in 1S83. 
The Second National enjoyed a very successful and prosperous 
career, and paid regularly, ten per cent, upon amounts invested, 
besides other demands. The charter expiring, the business of the 
institution was closed, after which, a majority of the stockholders 
organized the Franklin Bank, with L. W. Fletcher, president, and 
R. T. Oyerstreet, cashier. One year later, Mr. Fletcher was suc- 
ceeded by R. T. Overstreet, whose place as cashier, was then filled 
by E. C. Miller. After one year's service as president, Mr. Over- 
33 



5l6 JOHNSON COUNT V. 

street, owing to failing health, was compelled to retire from the po- 
sition, whereupon John T. Vawter, Esq., was elected to fill the 
vacancy. The institution continued as a state bank until Mav, 1S85, 
when it was re-chartered under the national banking law, as the 
Franklin National Bank, Messrs. Vawter and Miller, retaining 
their respective positions. 

In the meantime, August, 1882, the National Bank of Frank- 
lin was organized, with a capital of $50,000, the following well- 
known business men constituting the official management: John 
Clarke, president; W. H. Lagrange, vice president, and J. C. 
Smith, cashier. This institution continued in successful operation 
until February, 1S88, when the charter was surrendered for the 
purpose of consolidating with the Franklin National Bank, which 
was duly effected on the first day of the above month. It is a not- 
able fact, that during the existence of the above institutions, Frank- 
lin was the only city in the state that supported two national banks. 
Since the consolidation the Franklin National Bank has been 
officered as follows: President, John Clarke; vice president, 
J. C. Smith; cashier, E. C. Miller; assistant cashier, Victor 
Smith. It has a capital of $100,000, a surplus of $20,000, and is 
considered one of the leading and reliable banking houses of central 
Indiana. 

Gas Works. — Franklin has a complete svstem of gas works, 
extending throughout the city, furnishing ample light, there being 
about five miles of pipe laid. The gas companv was organized 
and incorporated May, 1869, with a capital of $50,000. The first 
directors were: D. G. Vawter, P. W. Pavne, N. M. Scholfield, 
L. W. Fletcher, W. fj. Jennings, T. W. Woollen, John Clarke, 
R. T. Overstreet, Robert Hamilton and John T. Vawter. About 
three-fourths of the business houses, and one-fourth of the resi- 
dences of the city, use gas, also the starch works, hotel, flouring 
mills, school buildings and court house; the average daily consump- 
tion being from twelve to sixteen thousand cubic feet. The present 
officers of the company are: T. W. Woollen, president; W. S. 
Young, secretary; S. P. Oyler, treasurer, and A. L. Woollen, 
superintendent. 

The Press. — The honor of establishing the first newspaper in 
Franklin, belongs to John R. Kerr, a native of Tennessee, who, 
as early as the year 1846, issued the first number of The Exam- 
iner, a small local sheet, largely made up of clippings from other 
papers. Mr. Kerr was an educated gentleman, but through some 
mistorture became totally blind, and his newspaper venture at this 
place was a dernier ressort to obtain a livelihood. He had learned 
the typo's art in his younger davs, and being a fair writer, was in- 



TOWNS. 517 

duced to enter the field of journalism at the suggestion of his friends, 
quite a number of whom assisted him in procuring the necessary 
outfit. His wife, who was also blind, assisted in setting type, and 
a nephew, Frank Kerr, became business manager of the paper, 
which soon obtained a fairly remunerative circulation. After edit- 
ing the Examiner a short time Mr. Kerr sold the office to Jona- 
than Williams, and went to Gosport, Owen County, where he en- 
gaged in business, and in which place his death subsequently 
occurred. 

Mr. Williams took possession of the office in 1852, and started 
The Jeffersonian, which proved a decided improvement upon the 
original paper. The jfeffersonian was started as an independent 
local, devoted to the interest of Franklin and Johnson County, and 
under the editorial management of Mr. Williams, made its regular 
weekly visits until 1854, when George Allison, a vigorous writer 
and practical newspaper man, became proprietor. Mr. Allison 
greatly improved the paper, and made it a potent factor in mould- 
ing public opinion, and it is safe to say that none of his numerous 
successors in Franklin, ever gave the people a more satisfactory or 
lively local sheet, than The Jeffersonian, between the years 1854 and 
1862. In the latter 3-ear Mr. Allison entered the army, and during 
his absence the paper was regularly issued by his brother, Harvey 
Allison, who spared no pains to make it what it, purported to be, the 
republican organ of Johnson County. The "Jeffersonian continued 
to be published under the management of Mr. Alllison, until the 
spring of 1882, at which time John F. Moses became editor and 
proprietor. He sold it the same fall to Henry Holt, who ran the 
paper quite successfully, until 1886, when the office was purchased 
by D. W. Barnett, the present proprietor, by whom the name was 
changed to The Franklin Republican, by which it has since been 
known. 

The political complexion of the paper, as indicated by the name, 
is decidedly republican, and is a live local sheet, devoted to the in- 
terests of Franklin and Johnson County, and fearless in the discus- 
sion of the leading political and public questions of the day, it will 
compare favorably with any other county paper in the state. Mr. 
Barnett is a trenchant writer, an experienced newspaper man, and 
has already greatly increased the circulation of the Republican, and 
secured a liberal advertising patronage. The paper is a six-column 
quarto, neat in its mechanical make-up, and the only republican 
sheet at this time in Johnson Countv. 

The Star of Hope was established in 1853, by W. T. Hatch. 
After issuing it one year, he changed the name to The Star, and 
in 1855 sold out to E. W. Jeffreys, who published it as a political 



5l8 JOHXSOX COUNTY. 

sheet, under the name of The Republican, until 1S57. In that year 
it was purchased by George Allison, and by him merged into the 
Jeffersonian. 

The Franklin Herald was founded in 1859 by a snvdicate of 
democratic politicans. with Henry J. Sharp as editor, who was after- 
ward succeeded by M. R. Slater. The Herald was designed as a 
political sheet, in the interest of democracy, and under the editorial 
control of Mr. Slater, who was a writer of average ability, and a 
shrewd politician, it soon became the recognized party organ in 
Johnson County. Slater was a practical printer, and in its mechan- 
ical appearance, the Herald ranked among the best papers ever 
published in the city. The office was destroyed by fire in 1861, 
after which the county democracy purchased a new outfit and re- 
vived the paper, with Slater in charge as editor and publisher. 

Fearless in its advocacy of part}' measures, the Herald made 
many enemies during the early years of the war. In 1S63, the of- 
fice was mobbed by a detachment of Pennsylvania troops, who had 
been informed bv some one unfriendly to the editor, that the paper 
was being conducted in the interest of the Confederacy. The 
work of the mob was complete. All the office material was thrown 
into the streets, the presses were destroyed, and for some time 
thereafter no efforts were made toward reviving the paper. Sub- 
sequently, Charles Patterson, a local printer, refitted the office, and 
resurrected the paper under the name of The 'Johnson County 
Tress, which was published until about the year 1869, or 1870, 
John M. Farley becoming editor and proprietor in 1S67. Mr. 
Slater took editorial control in 1S70, and changing the name to 
The Democratic Herald, continued the publication until 187S, at 
which time the office was purchased by W. S. Bliss. 

In the meantime, December, 1S76, Mr. Bliss, at the solicitation 
of certain local politicians, who were not pleased with the course 
pursued by the regular democratic paper, started an opposition 
sheet, to wit : The Democrat, an eight-column folio, which was reg- 
ularly issued until 1878, when both papers were consolidated under 
the name of The Herald Democrat. Mr. Bliss was a superior 
printer, and came into control of the paper, well fortified with many 
years' experience in the field of journalism. He was also a fair 
Writer, and got out a very neat and readable paper, but failing to make 
the venture financially remunerative, he disposed of the office in 
June, 1S79, to G. E. Finnev and Luther Short, and retired from the 
business. Messrs. Finnev & Short adopted the simple name, The 
Democrat, bv which their paper should be known, and continued as 
partners until April, 1886, at which time Mr. Short purchased the en- 
tire interest and became sole editor and proprietor. Shortly after 



TOWNS. 519 

purchasing the paper, Mr. Short refitted the office with over $2,500 
worth of presses and material, and by studying the wants of the 
people and giving them an ably-edited and dignified paper, has suc- 
ceeded in securing a large list of subscribers, besides doing a lucra- 
tive advertising business. The Democrat is in size a six-column 
quarto, a model of neatness in mechanical appearance, and fearless 
in its advocacv of democratic principles. It is manly and dignified 
in the discussion of the leading questions of the clay, remarkably 
free from the personal abuse with which the columns of so many 
local partisan sheets abound. 

The yacksonian. — This paper was started about the year 1S80, 
by M. R. Slater, and, as indicated by the name, was designed as an 
orthodox democratic sheet of the old school. It was ably edited, 
and continued its regular visits until 1S86, when Mr. Slater dis- 
posed of the office in order to accept a government position in Ari- 
zona. The last number appeared in the above year. 

The Daily Press. — Several attempts have been made from time 
to time to run a daily paper in Franklin, but until quite recently all 
such ventures have proved disastrous financially. While editing 
the Herald Democrat, W. S. Bliss established the Daily Herald, a 
small folio, which, under the original management, was delivered to 
subscribers about three months, when James B. Wilson, an em- 
ploye in the office of Mr. Bliss, became editor. Mr. Wilson con- 
tinued the publication a few months, when finding his financial 
support insufficient to meet the expenses incident to running a 
dailv, was compelled to suspend the paper. It was afterward re- 
vived by Frederick C. Williams, who published it at intervals four 
or five years, but, like his predecessor, failed to make it financially 
remunerative. 

The Daily J\ ews, a four-column folio, established by Frank 
McClellan and James Moody, made its first appearance in March, 
1SS0. It was printed in the Democrat office, and began its career 
under favorable auspices, but after a few months, died a painless 
death, for want of proper financial support. 

The next attempt in the line of daily journalism was made No- 
vember, 1S80, at which tijne appeared the first number of the Daily 
Argus, with N. I>. Milleson and George L. Higgins, editors and 
proprietors. Like its predecessors, the Argus was a small four-col- 
umn folio, devoted to the local happenings of Franklin and Johnson 
County, and like them also, its career was soon cut short by adversity, 
but few numbers having been issued. 

The Daily Gazette was started several years ago, by Bert Fess- 
ler and George Bundy. The printing was done in the office of the 
Democrat, and the paper, under the joint editorship of Messrs. 



520 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Fessler and Bundy, made its appearance a few months, when the 
former purchased his partner's interest, and became sole proprietor. 
Fessler ran the Gazette a short time, when learning that a daily 
without patronage was not a paying investment, discontinued its 
publication. 

The Daily Star. — The latest attempt at daily journalisim in 
Franklin, and by far the most successful, is the Star, established 
July, 1S85, by Messrs. Aikens & Needham, the former an exper- 
ienced typo and successful newspaper man. The Star began its 
career in a very humble way, and was first issued from Franklin 
College, in the shape of a small three-column folio. It was issued 
under the joint proprietorship of Messrs. Aikens & Needham, about 
three mouths, when the latter sold out to his partner and retired 
from the concern. W. W. Aikens took possession of the paper under 
many adverse circumstances, not the least of which was the embar- 
rassed condition financially, but actuated by a laudable desire to 
succeed he issued the paper regularly, until it won recognition 
among the farmers and professional men, and obtained a paying 
circulation. He commenced with an old press, that had been used 
for a number of years, and type and material well worn, but as his 
means would permit he improved the office, and at the end of one 
year moved to his present commodious quarters on Jefferson Street, 
which he has since furnished with an entirely new outfit of job 
type, presses, etc., etc. The Star is now a five-column folio, and 
presents an attractive appearance, with every indication of being in 
a flourishing condition. Its mechanical execution is good, and its 
local department is equal to any daily in the southern part of the 
state. Its present circulation is 700, which, with the liberal adver- 
tising patronage, denotes its thrift as well as the energy and enter- 
prise of the proprietor, who certainly deserves well of the public 
for furnishing a bright, newsy, and in every way, a readable daily 
paper. 

In addition to the papers mentioned, was a small sheet estab- 
lished some time in the fifties, by Charles Patterson, who used its 
columns as a medium through which some very caustic personal 
matter was given publicity. But few numbers were issued, and 
the name of the paper, and nearly all the facts concerning it, have 
long since been forgotten. As early as the year 1S37, Dr. David 
Monfort, pastor of the Presbyterian Church of Franklin, published 
a doctrinal pamphlet which obtained a wide circulation throughout 
the country. A little later was published a religious controversy 
between Dr. Monfort and Rev. A. R. Hinckley, pastor of the 
Baptist Church, touching the subject of Christian Baptism, which 
was also largely read. Some time during the war, Dr. Pinckney 



TOWNS. 521 

published a political pamphlet on the causes of Rebellion, and a 
funeral discourse of a colored man preached about the same time 
by Rev. Mr. Collier, of the Presbyterian Church, was published, 
and caused no little sensation among the church people of the city. 

Secret Societies. — Freemasonry was introduced into Franklin 
in January, 1S50, at which time Franklin Lodge No. 107 was or- 
ganized under a writ of dispensation, with the following members: 
Fabius M. Finch, W. H. Hunter, J. Edwards, J. II. Williams, 
S. F. McGuffin, W. C. Hendryx and A. Shaffer. The dispensa- 
tion was granted by Elisha Deming, most worshipful master of In- 
diana, on the 1 6th day of the above month, and on the 20th day of 
May, 1850, the lodge was chartered with the following officers: 
Fabius Finch, W. M.; H. Hunter, S. W., and Joshua Edwards, 
J. W. The first officers elected were the following: J. Ed- 
wards, W. M.; S. McGuffin, S. W.; C. Hamilton, J. W.; Henry 
Fox, secretary; P. Birchard, treasurer; Thomas Morrison, S. D.; 
D. Coster, J. D., and S. Lambertson, tyler. The lodge held its 
sessions for several years in a hall on Jefferson Street, over the 
store room of Mr. McCollough, but in 1S68, the present hall on 
the corner of Jefferson and Water streets, was erected and furn- 
ished at a cost of several thousand dollars. This is one of the most 
commodious lodge rooms in the city, elegantly finished and furn- 
ished, and reflects great credit upon the organization. Franklin 
lodge has had quite a checkered experience, having passed 
through seasons of adversity, as well as prosperity, and is now in a 
prosperous condition. The following is a list of the past masters 
since its organization: Fabius M. Finch, Joshua Edwards, W. H. 
Hunter, Joseph P. Gill, James T. Jones, John T. 'Vawter, Henry 
Keneaster, William W. Woolen, Isaiah J. Armstrong, Francis J. 
Pusey, William B. McCollough, Columbus H. Hall, Isaac M. 
Thompson, Charles W. McDaniel. Officers for 1888; Elmer 
Walker, W. M.; J. C. Wood, S. W.; Luther Short, J. W.; J. M. 
Storey, treasurer; W. S. Young, secretary; L. E. Ott, S. D.; 
Robert Mitchell, J. D., and J. L. Davis, tyler. 

Higher Degrees. — Franklin Chapter No. 65, was chartered 
May 21, 1867. The first officers were James C. Bennett, high 
priest; William A. Marrs, king, and William H. Jennings, scribe. 
The chapter has enjoyed a reasonable degree of prosperity. Offi- 
cers for 188S: Michael Walker, high priest; R. C.Wood, king; 
William S. Young, scribe; J. T. Jones, capt. host.; D. D. Wal- 
dren, P. S.; Luther Short, R. A. C: Charles Byfield, first veil; 
A. Sauer, second veil; B. Peters, third veil; J. M.Storey, treasurer, 
and H. L. McClellan, secretary. 



522 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Franklin Commandery was organized April 3, 1S72. with the 
following charter members: Henry H. Boyce, James C. Bennett, 
Isaac Armstrong, John H. Lozier, W. W. Browning, James T. 
Jones, A. L. Bone, John B. Hopper, George M. Payne, Daniel 
Howe, Richard T. Taylor and Moses R. McGreggor. Present 
membership, 48. Officers: Luther Short, E. C. ; Robert C. Wood, 
generalissimo; Isaac M. Thompson, captain general; C. H. Hall, 
prelate; Samuel Harris, S. W.; Michael Walker, J. W. : J. M. 
Storey, treasurer; H. L. McClellan, recorder; D. D. Waldren, 
standard bearer; J. T. Jones, sword bearer: Charles Byfield, 
warden; J. L. Davis, guard. 

Odd Fellowship. — Johnson Lodge No. 76, was instituted Jan- 
uary 14, 1850. After the institution, the lodge went into the 
nomination of officers. E. May was nominated N. G.: W. S. 
Johnson, V. G. : C. C. Hamilton, secretary, and W. S. Cameron, 
treasurer, all of whom were elected and installed by the G. M., 
when the lodge was declared duly organized. At the meeting, 
January 15, Bros. Moore, Compton and Hamilton, were elected 
trustees. During the first few years of its history, Johnson Lodge 
grew and prospered, but at the breaking out of the war internal 
dissensions arose, which, for a time, seriously interfered with the 
success of the society. Quite a number of members left the city, 
others voluntarily withdrew from the order, and as there was no 
accessions to make up the losses, the lodge eventually became 
weak in numbers, and at one time the propriety of surrendering the 
charter, was seriously contemplated. A few faithful ones con- 
tinued to meet, and, by their earnest efforts, succeeded in keeping 
aliye the organization. The year 1867, marked a new era in its 
history. At that time an interest was revived, old members re- 
turned, and a number of new members were initiated. With but 
little interruption, the spirit of progress has since continued, and the 
lodge is now in a health} - condition numerically and financially, the 
present membership being seventy-two. The present hall was 
built by the lodge at a cost of $2,000. It is a well-arranged and 
commodious room, with the necessary ante-rooms, and occupies 
the third story of a large brick building, on Jefferson Street. The 
lodge has cash at interest to the amount of $1,500, The following 
are the names of the officers for 18S8: John C. McXutt, N. G. ; 
Samuel T. Fowler, V. G. ; S. C. Brown, secretary; Albert B. La- 
grange, treasurer; Henry N. Dunlap, conductor: George Turpin, 
warden; S. A. Bright, chaplain; W. H. McCoy, R. S. to N. G.; 
W. W. Long, L. S. to N. G.; Ed. Moorehouse, I. G.; S. Buck, 
O. G.; Mort Rollins, R. S. S.; Jacob Holstein, L. S. S.; William 
Riddle, R. S. to V. G.; C. N. Craig, L. S. to V. G. 



TOWNS. 523 

Hesperian Lodge JSTo. T2, K.ofP*. — This lodge was instituted 
November 10, 1S70, with ten charter members. The officers were: 
John Hogarth Lozier, V. P.; Samuel P. Oyler, W. C; W. L. 
Dunlap, V. C; J. F. Jelleff, R. and C. S.; R. B. Crane, F. S.; J. 
Beard, B.; J. Bice, G. 1 Levi Springer, I. S.; James C. Dunlap, 
O. G. The instituting officer was Charles P. Carty, G. R. and 
C. S., assisted bv acting grand officers John B. Ryan, G. G.; 
J. W. Smithers, G. V. C; W. H. Short, G. R. and C. S.; and 
W. H. Rail, G. I. S. The duties of the other positions were per- 
formed by the same officers. The name Hesperian was proposed 
by the V. P. J. H. Lozier, and unanimously adopted. The first 
person admitted as a member after the first meeting, was J. Frank 
Pusev, who is still a member of the lodge. Of the charter mem- 
bers, five brothers, Beard, Oyler, Jelleff, William L. and J. C. Dun- 
lap, remain. The others have located elsewhere, and some are not 
now members of an}- lodge. At the January session of the G. L., 
in 187 1, brothers Lozier, Oyler, Beard, W. L. Dunlap, Jelleff and 
Crane, received the rank of P. C, in accordance with the laws then 
in force. The first representative was J. H. Lozier, and John Beard 
was the first P. C, recognized by the G. L. for any official po- 
sition. At the same session of the G. L., at which he was ad- 
mitted, W. Hazzleton, G. C, appointed him as G. I. S. J. H. 
Lozier was afterward elected as a P. G. C. ; Samuel Oyler be- 
came such by virtue of his service, and William L. Dunlap became 
Junior P. G. C. at the end of his term as G. C. 

Number 1 2 had an uninterrupted growth until the financial panic 
of 1873-5 struck the countrv and the lodge at the same time. From 
that time a season of adversity continued for about five years. In the 
meantime, Indianapolis Division No. 2, of the uniform rank, which 
had been organized with C. J. Many as commander, hearing of the 
demoralized condition of No. 12, gave an entertainment in Franklin 
for the benefit of the lodge. From that time the real prosperity of 
the lodge began : petitions began to pour in three and five at a time, 
and scarcely a meeting passed for more than a year after at which 
applications were not received. The lodge has made commendable 
progress, and is now free from debt, with an active membership of 
174. The large and commodious hall on East Court Street, in 
which meetings are held, was purchased in 1881; it is in size, 50x70 
feet, elegantly furnished, and with other lodge property, represents 
a value of $1,500. 

But few deaths have occurred since the organization, and but 
little sickness has afflicted the brethren. They are a healthy and 
hardy set of men, and no one who has seen them in rank and file 

"From history of the order in Indiana. 



524 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

would have a contrary opinion after witnessing their parades. J. F. 
Jelleff, P. C, has always been considered the father of the lodge. 
Others especially prominent in lodge affairs during the early days 
of its history, were: J. C. Dunlap, John Beard, Samuel P. Oyler, 
and Rev. John Hogarth Lozier, the last two being men of wide 
reputation throughout the United States. 

The officers of Hesperian Lodge for the term ending Decem- 
ber, 1S8S, are: Robert A. Brown, P. C. ; Benjamin P. Brown, C.C.; 
William Featheringill, V. C; J. B. Payne, prelate; W. E. Lane, 
K. of R. S.; James R. Fleming, M. of E.; Harry Duncan, M. of F.; 
J. A. Swem, M. at A.; Joseph P. Smith, I. G. ; John Jackson, O. G. 
Present membership, 174. 

Sam Oyler Division JVo. 29, Uniform Rank K. of P., a higher 
degree of the order, was instituted August, 18S6, with twenty-eight 
members, a number which has since increased to thirty-four. This 
is one of the best disciplined divisions of the Fourth Regiment 
Indiana Brigade, and stands second to no other division in the state. 
It is composed of the leading young men of Franklin, and is an 
organization in which the city, as well as the lodge, feels just 
pride. The officers for 1888 are: John H. Tarlton, sir knight 
captain: Samuel B. Eccles, S. K. Lt. ; Benjamin P. Brown, S. K. 
herald; Jesse Overstreet, S. K. G.: Elmer Walker, S. K. S.; Will- 
iam Featheringill, S. K. recorder; I. L. Duncan, S. K. treas.; 
J. M. Store}', inspector general, and Dr. D. H. Miller, surgeon of 
the Fourth Regiment, are members of Division No. 29. 

Knights of Honor. — Franklin Lodge No. 1726, was insti- 
tuted August 12, 1880, and chartered on the 19th day of the same 
month, with the following members: H. C. Allison. Milton G. 
Alexander, S. C. Brown, John F. Bullock, Rufus D. Black, John 
Carson, Samuel H. Clem, George G. Creasv, William L. Dunlap, 
Homer J. Hall, Richard M. Johnson, John H. Martin, William H. 
McLaughlin, William O. Peters, Edward W. Pierce, John M. Rosen- 
burg, William H. Smith, A. Shaffer, John C. Wood and Samuel 
Yager. The organization is in a flourishing condition, numbering 
at this time twenty-three members. There has been but a single 
death in the lodge since its organization. 

Robinson Lodge, Knights and Ladies of Honor, was instituted 
April 13, 1881, by Grand Protector Robinson, with twenty-one 
members, a number which has since increased to thirty. The 

officers are: Green, protector: Joseph McKane, V.P.; Mrs. N.J. 

McGlade, chaplain: Mrs. N. Brown, P.P.; Edward King, guide; 
Nicholas Brown, sentinel: P. II. McGlade, guard. 

Knights of Labor, Assembly No. 10028, was instituted in 
Franklin, September, 1S87, with twenty-seven charter members. 



TOWNS. 525 

While not as strong numerically as formerly, the assembly is still 
in the enjoyment of a reasonable degree of prosperty, numbering 
among its members some of the leading laboring men of the city. 
Franklin Lodge JVb. 100, I. O. G. T., was organized October, 
18S6, with thirty-two charter members. The first officers were: 
Edward Baney, W. C. T.; P. H. McGlade, P. W. C. T.; Mrs. 
James Moody, W. V. T.; Elijah Sexton, treasurer; W. A. Car- 
penter, secretary; Mrs. W. A. Carpenter, financial secretary; 
Rev. Mr. Bright, chaplain; William Phillips, marshal, and Thomas 
Foley, lodge deputy. Present officers: Gabriel Moran, W. C. 
T.; Mrs. Emma Foley, P. W. C. T.; Lizzie Solenberg, W. V. T.; 
Frank Fowler, chaplain; Alonzo Bergen, secretary; Jane Misner, 
financial secretary; Edward King, marshal, and Stephen Gooden, 
L. D. 

(i. A. R. — A Grand Army Post No. 1, of the district of John- 
son, was instituted in Franklin, on the 28th day of August, 1866, 
with the following charter members, to-wit: John R. Fessler, Will- 
iam S. Young, Thomas B. Wood, James C. Dunlap, S. W. Mar- 
tin. Robert S. Parr, H. P. Mullikin and Freeman P. Williams. 
S. W. Martin was chosen commander, and for about two years the 
post grew and prospered, the roster at one time containing the 
names of about seventy members. Later, dissensions arose, which, 
with a general lack of interest on the part of the members, finally 
led to the disorganization of the post. 

WadsworthPostNo. 127, was organized December 9, 1882, with 
seventeen members, whose names are as follows: Charles Ryker, 
W. M. Connor, G. M. Overstreet, Jr., II. H. Luyster, Adrian 
Shaffer, W. S. Young, S. C. Brown, James M. Brown,~W. D. Voris, 
W. C. West, H. S. Bvers, Jr., George C. Whitlock, Thomas Flinn, 
James M. Bone, D. H. Miller, Henry King and S. C. Dunn, Jr. 
First officers: G. M. Overstreet, post commander; W. M. Connor, 
S. V. C; W. D. Voris, J. V. C; S. C. Brown, O. D.; W. C.,West, 
O. G. ; Charles Ryker, chaplain ; D. H. Miller, surgeon ; W. S. Young, 
Q. M., and H. S. Byers, adjutant. The post has steadily increased in 
membership, the names upon the roster at this time (18S8), being 
considerably in excess of 100. It is the leading post in John- 
son County, and one of the most prosperous and best disciplined in 
this congressional district. The following are the officers for the 
year 1888, to-wit: Dr. W. C. Hall, commander; M. D. Adams, 
S. V. C; Cyrus Drake, J. V. C; T. B. Wood, adjutant; J. M. 
Storey, Q. M.; J. C. Dunn, O. D.; R. Coons, O. G.; Robert Mitch- 
ell, I. G.; L. Rosburst, surgeon; John Fossett, chaplain; David 
Dahoney, O.: D. D. Walden, Q. M. S., and Wesley Drake, S. M. 
Wadsworth Women's Relief Corps No. 59, was organized July 



526 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

10, 1SS7. with twenty members. The officers are : Lydia Brown,, 
president: Margaret Green. S. V. P.: Julia Dunlap, J. V. P.; Mary 
Luyster, chaplain ; Mai. Hall, treasurer; Lucia Storey, secretary: 
Ida Overstreet, conductor: Macia Knohe, assistant conductor; La- 
vina Brown, guard; and Maggie McCaslin, assistant guard. The 
corps has now an active membership of twenty-six. 

Building, Loan and Saving . Association, of Franklin, was or- 
ganized under an act of the General Assembly, providing for such 
associations, and incorporated May 28, 1S83, with the following 
stockholders: J. C. Smith, Isaac McLaughlin, W. M. Neal, Charles 
Bvtield, John H. Tarleton, Henry Holt, W. H. McLaughlin, N. C. 
Allison, J. M. Dunlap, C. W. McDaniel, B. P. Brown and R. M. 
Johnson. The objects of the association as stated in the articles of 
incorporation, are as follows : the " accumulation of funds from the 
savings of its members, to be loaned among themselves and such 
other persons as the board of directors determine, for use in buying 
houses and lots and making such other investments as they may 
deem advisable." The capital stock was fixed at $200,000, divided 
into 1,000 shares of $200 each, the same to be managed by a board 
of directors elected by the association. The association has proved 
very successful, and quite a number of buildings, principally dwel- 
lings, have been erected during the last five years. 

Women's Christian Temperance Union. — A potent factor in 
developing the temperance sentiment in Franklin, is the Women's 
Christian Temperance Union, organized in the fall of 1885, 
with about ten or twelve members. Mrs. Mary Hamilton! was the 
first president. Since its organization, the membership of the 
societv has largely increased, numbering at this time, thirty-rive. 
It is composed of the best ladies of the city, who will, no doubt 
accomplish the good for which this organization was designed. 
Meetings are held semi-monthly, at the headquarters in the base- 
ment of the court house, and a course of literary entertainments 
relating to the subject of temperance is sustained. The officers 
for iSSS, are as follows: president, Mrs. Nellie Dungan: vice 
presidents, Mrs. Anna Reece, Mrs. Mollie Dupont, Miss Eva 
Jones, Mrs. R. ]. Thompson and Mrs. Henry fivers; secretary, 
Mrs. Lizzie Dunlap: treasurer, Mrs. Fannie Bergen. 

Present Business. — Dry Goods: Dittmars & Voris, J. L. Jones, 
MeXaugton Bros., E. R. Wyrick. Clothiers: Xort Whitesides and 
A. J. Finegold. Groceries: L. W. Knobe. Henry Strickler. J. C. 
Smith, J. C. Dunlap, George M. Israel, J. R. Fleming, W. W. 
Long. A. A. Blizzard, A. B. Lagrange, I- X. Lagrange, H. M. 
Lefferson. Drugs: W. B. McCollough, Samuel Eccles, D. H. 
Miller, Robert Wood, Donnell & 'Son. Hardware: J. M. Storey, 



TOWNS. 527 

Smith & Telson. Boots and Shoes: Younce & McLaughlin. E. R. 
Moore, James Gilson, Daniel Davis, Demaree & Draper, A. White- 
sides, Henry Wyle. Books and Stationery: Yager & McCoy. 
Agricultural Implements: Duncan & Byers, Jacob Mullendore, 
Branigin & Tucker. Furniture : E. P. Randall, Dudley Peak. 
Notions: Baumgart and Axt. Jewelers: P. H. McGlade, Charles 
Beck, H. Bishop, Charles Frame. Merchant Tailors: A. Carpen- 
ter, Young & Kelley, H. Hieronymous. Harness: Alonzo Bergen, 
A. Shaffer, Frank Snow. Meat Markets: Brown & Son, McColly, 
William Drake & Son, Randel & Fisher. Millinery : Mrs. Ram- 
dall. McCollough & Todd, Lizzie Hazlett, Mrs. Henikin, M. Reese, 
Mrs. Caslin. Livery: James Lee, M. Hazlett, A. G. Vance, Jud 
Stewart. Dealers in Coal: J. M. Dunlap, A. B. Colton. Restaur- 
ants: Jordan & Pettiford, Hellerick & Wilson, Skoski. Pho- 
tographer: A. G. Hicks. Feed and Wood: William Chambers. 

Undertaking: William Brown. Saloons: Crockett Pierce, 

Smile)', John Craig, Hellerick & Wilson, Jeff McClain, William 
Stewart, William Hays. Sewing Machines: W. Mendenhall, W. 
Lamasters. Cigars and Tobacco: James V. Sebern, Jefferv, the 
latter manufactures cigars. Horse Dealers: Jacobs Bros. Horse 
and Cattle Dealers: Powell & Powell. Marble Works: McCol- 
lough & Todd, William Green. ^Carriage Makers: Hite and Clark. 
Poultry Dealer: A. Green. 

Edinburg. — Situated in the southern part of Blue River Town- 
ship, on the J., M. & I. Railroad, near the boundan' lines of Shelby 
and Bartholomew counties, is the city of Edinburg, the second 
place in commercial importance in Johnson County. In the midst 
of an exte nsive district unsurpassed for fertility of its soil, and sur- 
rounded by large and well improved farms, the owners of which 
have become rich and prosperous, Edinburg has become the cen- 
ter of trade for a large community, and has attained prominent 
rank in commercial matters among the towns of central and south- 
ern Indiana. Occupying, as it does, a beautiful site on the bank of 
Blue River, and encompassed by a flourishing agricultural region, 
it seems to have obtained the kindest favors of fortune. The 
history of the town dates from the earliest settlement of the county, 
and upon its site were made some of the first improvements ever 
attempted in Johnson County. Among the earliest settlers in the 
village and vicinity, are remembered John Campbell, who located 
about half a mile to the southeast; Adam Mowe across the line in 
Bartholomew County; Isaac Collier, John Adams. Lewis Jiishop, 
and Alexander Thompson, on the site of the town, all of whom 
came to the county as early as the year 1S21. John Holland came 
in the latter part of 1S21, or early in 1^22, and located a home 



528 JOHNSON" COUNTY. 

within the present limits of the town, and about the same time 
Joshua Palmer settled a short distance west of the village, and be- 
came the owner of land. The town is situated in Section 34, 
Town 1 1 north, Range 5 east, and occupies parts of the tracts of 
land purchased from the government in 1820, by Alexander 
Thompson, John Campbell, and Abram Lee. 

" It is uncertain," says Judge Banta, " when the town of Edin- 
burg was laid out; but from all the evidence that has been adduced, 
it would seem it could not have been later than in the spring of 
1822. It is hard to reconcile this date with certain records* in ex- 
istence, but so many of the old men, during the past twenty years, 
have asserted their confidence in a date not later than the one 
given, that it would seem to be safe to follow it. Lewis Bishop 
and Alexander Thompson were the proprietors of the place. They 
early saw that a town would be a necessity to the country which 
was destined to grow up around them within a few years, and de- 
termined that the necessity should be supplied on the banks of Blue 
River. The lands surrounding it for many miles were of the finest 
quality, and the ' rapids ' in Blue River afforded a splendid mill 
site, and so the town was located." 

The original plat, consisting of twenty-seven blocks, sixty-three 
lots, was filed for record in the yt^ir 1825. The part laid out by 
Lewis Bishop lies in the southwest corner of the east half, north- 
west quarter of Section 34, Township 11 north, Range 5 east, and 
the part laid out by Alexander Thompson, lies in the northeast cor- 
ner of the west half, southwest quarter of the same section. Sub- 
sequently the plat was enlarged by addition, by William Hunt and 
Isaac Collier, and the whole, consisting of 1 1 1 lots, was recorded on 
the 26th day of April, 1S34. The P^ at > as recorded, shows the 
following streets running east and west: Plumb, fiftv feet wide: 
Main Cross, sixty feet; Center Cross, thirty feet, and Campbell, 
fiftv feet. The streets running north and south are: Main, sixtv- 
nine feet wide; Pleasant, fifty feet; Walnut, forty-seven feet, and 
Holland, thirty-six feet. 

Says Judge Banta: " The new town seems to have had recog- 
nition from the start. Booth and Newby, merchants, in Salem, Ind., 
determined on opening a stock of goods, suitable to the wants of 
the back-woods, at some point on Blue River, and selected Edin- 
burg as the place. Alexander Thompson was accordinglv em- 
ployed to build them a suitable store-room for the purpose, which 
he did in 1822."' The house was a diminutive log structure, and 
stood about eight}' feet south of Main Cross, on Main Street, and 
in the fall of the year, William R. Henslev. agent for Booth & 
Newby, brought a boat load of goods up the Blue River, to the 



TOWNS. 529 

mouth of Sugar Creek, and on Sunday the hoys went down and 
carried the goods up to the store on their shoulders. This was the 
first stock of goods exposed for sale in both township and county. 
Mr. Hensley appears to have carried on a fairly successful busi- 
ness for some vears, exchanging his merchandise for such articles 
of traffic as the county afforded, such as ginseng, deer skins, deer 
hams, etc., large quantities of which he hauled to Salem, thence 
they were marketed at Louisville and other points on the Ohio. 
In the meantime, other improvements were being pushed forward, 
and "by the fall of 1822, the village contained four families, whose 
log cabins were scattered over a considerable tract of ground in 
the midst of the native forest." 

Among the earliest residences erected in the new town, were 
those of Isaac Collier, and John Adams, on Main Cross Street. 
Patrick Cowen on Main Street, Gavin Mitchell, where the Central 
Hotel now stands, and James Thompson on Walnut Street. These 
were all log buildings of the most primitive pattern, and were fin- 
ished with lumber, manufactured by the old whip saw process. 
Between the years 1823 and 1830, the following persons secured 
lots and became residents of the town : John Bishop, Hiram Smith, 
Thomas Hewson, John Givens, T. Pittman, Israel Watts, J. Hunt, 
John McGinnis, W. C. Cline, W. Martin, H. Jerrell, G. Earlywine, 
John Englebright, P. Runkle, N. Ritchey, Otto Lyman and others, 
the majority of whom improved their respective purchases, by 
erecting dwellings and other buildings. The second in the place 
was opened about the year 1825, by Israel Watts, who offered for 
sale a miscellaneous assortment of merchandise in a small frame 
building on the west side of Main Street, which had been erected 
the year previous. A little later Otto Lyman and John Givens 
engaged in merchandising in a small building, which stood on the 
lot now occupied by Thompson's Bank, corner of Main and Main 
Cross streets. The building had been previously used for a cabi- 
net shop by William Cline, an early settler in the town, and one of 
the first mechanics. Messrs. Lyman and Givens put up an addition 
to the house and for a period of five or six years carried on a very 
successful business. Booth & Newbv continued their store about 
ten years, and in July, 1826, Messrs. Gwinn & Washburn, began 
merchandising. George B. Holland went into business in July, 
1828, and a little later Austin Shipp and Timothy Threlkeld were 
licensed to vend merchandise, and about the same time Simon Abbott 
" in addition to the right to retail " foreign and domestic goods 
" added spirituous liquors also." These mercantile establishments 
were highly prized by the early settlers, as the nearest market 



53° JOHNSON COUNTY. 

place, prior to the founding of Edinburg, was Madison, a distance 
of fifty-six miles. 

The first mechanic in Edinburg, was Benjamin Collier who 
erected a blacksmith shop, where the Moffet Bros, drug store now 
stands, Main Cross street, as early as the year 1824. He was a 
Pennsvlvanian, but came here from Ohio, and did the principal 
part of the work in his line, for several years, earning the reputa- 
tion of a skillful mechanic. lie subsequently abandoned black- 
smithing and engaged in the milling business, being the pioneer 
mill builder of Johnson County. As already stated, William Cline 
was an early mechanic. lie settled in the village about the year 
1823, and at once erected a small cabinet shop, and engaged in the 
manufacture of furniture. He was an expert workman and soon 
found ample opportunities for the exercise of his skill, in making 
chairs, bedsteads, bureaus, etc., for the early settlers, the majority 
of whom, previous to his arrival, were content to put up with furni- 
ture of their own rough manufacture. Mr. Cline's business increas- 
ing, he was soon compelled to hire additional help, and for a year or 
two gave employment to one or two hands. George Earlywine 
was perhaps the second blacksmith, he came as early as 1827, pur- 
chased lot No. 1, in Hunt's addition, and worked at his trade for 
several years. 

The growth of Edinburg during the first eight or ten years of 
its history, was quite slow, to account for which several reasons 
have been cited. Prominent among these reasons was the wild 
and unsettled condition of the county, and the prevalence of sick- 
ness which periodically visited the few settlers along the various 
water courses. Many of the pioneers suffered severely from vari- 
ous forms of malarial diseases. Considering the condition of the 
county this could hardly have been otherwise. "The soil largely 
composed of decaying vegetable matter was shut out from the 
healthful sunshine by the dense shade of an almost unbroken forest, 
and being saturated with moisture, it was a fruitful source of aerial 
poison." Blue River, obstructed by fallen trees and an accumula- 
tion of driftwood, becoming little better than a stagnant pond in the 
heat of the summer months, added largely to the other sources of 
disease. The new comers thus exposed were poorly housed, and 
were too often careless of even the protection they might have had. 
The water they drank was often but little better than the drainage 
of the surface, and their diet was limited in variety, and frequently 
confined to articles not at all promotive of health. Under these cir- 
cumstances it is not at all surprising that Edinburg and vicinity, 
early acquired the reputation of a sickly climate. But a few years 



TOWNS. 53I 

of well directed industry served to remove these fruitful sources of 
disease. The channel of the river was cleared, drifts were burned, 
and the dense growth of weeds and wild pea-vines destroyed by 
cultivation of the soil. The removal of these various causes of 
disease had a gratifying effect upon the village, and it early became 
the nucleus of a very flourishing settlement, as well as the chief 
source of supplies and distributing point for a large area of Johnson, 
Shelbv, Bartholomew and Brown counties. 

The growth of the town during the first twenty years of its 
history, however, was quite slow, but as the population of the coun- 
try increased, business grew and developed with the demands of 
the times. According to the statement of a well-known fbcal au- 
thority, the town, in 1845, numbered about 250 inhabitants, but the 
construction of the Madison Railroad that year, gave new life to 
the place, and within a comparatively short time, the population 
was increased more than two fold. The road marked an important 
era in the history of the village, and it soon became the distributing 
point for a large number of towns in central and southern Indiana, 
among which were Danville, Mooresville, Gosport, Spencer, Bloom- 
ington, Shelbyville, Knightstown, and other villages between In- 
dianapolis and Louisville. It early became the leading grain and 
pork market of the central part of the state, and as a mercantile 
point was for some years the principal place of traffic between In- 
dianapolis and the Ohio River. During its period of prosperity, 
the merchants found it exceedingly difficult to keep up their 
stock, and from thirty to forty wagons could be seen in a single 
clay unloading goods, grain, etc., at the stores and warehouses. 
This spirit of prosperity continued several years, but eventually 
subsided, owing to the completion of the railroad to Indianapolis, 
and the consequent gravitation of trade to that city. 

To go back to the beginning of the town and give a true detail 
of its various business enterprises, where they commenced, and by 
whom conducted, is a task beyond the power of the writer to ac- 
complish. Several mercantile establishments were opened in an 
early day, and, in addition to the business men already mentioned, 
the following may be classed among the leading merchants from 
1836 to a later date, to-wit: A. C. Thompson, Harvey Lewis, 
Thompson, Fogarty & Givens, Austin Shipp, John Walsh, Frost 
& Valentine, J. C. Valentine, Walsh & Deming, and Walsh & Ser- 
geant. 

Incorporation. — Of the original incorporation of Edinburg, but lit- 
tle is now known, as the earl)' records of the town are not accessible. 
It is supposed to have been effected as long ago as 1835, under 
the law governing the incorporation of towns and villages, but the 
34 




532 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

local chronicler is authority for the statement that it failed to meet 
the approbation of the people, and consequently was abandoned, 
after a few years' trial. It was afterward revived, and under wise 
municipal regulations, the town has since grown and prospered. 
The interests of the little citv are looked after and iroverned bv a 
board of trustees, a marshal, clerk, treasurer and attorney. The 
officers at this time (1888), are as follows: trustees, A. W. Win- 
terberg, J. D. Fee, and Nathaniel Mowney; marshal, George 
Roth: clerk, Matthew Duckworth: treasurer, Thomas L. Richard- 
son; attorney, James H. Dorsey. 

The Postqffice. — It was a strange and pathetic sentence of Dr. 
Johnson, when he said: " We shall receive no letters in the grave." 
There is no power in that silent domain to appoint postmasters: no 
communication open, and no mail contracts can be made with the 
proprietor of the grim passenger boat. 

The Edinburg office was established as early as the year 1823 
or 1824, with Gavin Mitchell as postmaster. It is said that for safe 
keeping, he carried the few letters that came to the village in his 
hat, and would frequently deliver them at church, the only occasion 
when the settlers of the community would congregate. This fact 
led a local poet of a later day, to apostrophize somewhat after the 
following fashion: 

The post office too, is wonderful now, 

With its lock boxes and that; 
Why I can easily remenber just how 

Mitchell carried the thing in his hat. 

Hotels. — Among the earliest improvements of Edinburg, was 
the pioneer inn which only differed from the ordinary cabin of the 
settler, in that its hospitalities were dispensed to the traveling pub- 
lic at a stipulated price. The presence of numerous land buyers 
and home-seekers rendered places of entertainment necessary, and 
to accommodate all such, Thomas Carter, as early as 1826, received 
license from the board of county justices, to keep a tavern in the 
village of Edinburg. At the March term of 1827, Patrick Cowen 
received the like privilege, and in May following, Louis Bishop 
took out a license. About this time, or perhaps a little earlier, one 
David Stipp, appears as a tavern keeper in a small building which 
stood on West Main Street. Another early hotel stood on the lot 
now occupied by the residence of Mrs. Robbins. W. P. Sims, 
about the year 1S46, built a large frame hotel on the corner of 
Walnut and Thompson streets, which, for a number of years, was 
the principal place of public entertainment in the town. The Gait 
House, a two-story frame building, east of the depot, was built 
some time in the forties, by Joseph Hagerman, who ran it success- 



towns. 533 

fully several years. It has been used for hotel purposes ever since, 
and is now kept by Mrs. Armstrong. The Central Hotel, the 
leading house in the city at this time, was built a number of years 
ago by J. L. Toner, who originally designed it for a business house. 
It is a large three-story brick structure, conveniently located near 
the depot, on Main Cross Street, and has the reputation of being 
one of the best stopping places in Johnson County. The building 
was converted into a hotel several years ago by John Snepp, who 
purchased the property for the purpose, leased it to Joseph Cox, 
who was the first landlord. Mr. Strahmier succeeded Cox and 
ministered to the traveling public a short time. The building was 
afterward purchased by Thompson & Mutz, who remodeled it at 
considerable expense — adding all the necessary modern improve- 
ments. The present landlord is M. R. Coleman. 

Industries. — In the year 1826 or 1S27, James Thompson availed 
himself of the splendid water-power on Blue River opposite Edin- 
burg, and took steps to secure the right to erect a mill at that place. 
A jury, summoned under the law, made the condemnation required, 
and immediately thereafter Mr. Thompson, in partnership with 
Isaac Collier, commenced building a saw- and flouring-mill, which 
was soon completed and in operation. This mill was highly prized 
by the citizens of the village, and for a number of years furnished 
nearly all of the flour and lumber used by early settlers of a large 
area of Johnson, Shelby and Bartholomew counties. Mr. Thomp- 
son's business proved remunerative from the beginning, and, in 
order to supply the great demand created by the constantly in- 
creasing population of the country, he was afterward obliged to 
enlarge his facilities for grinding and sawing. This he did about 
the year 1835 by rebuilding and thorough!}' remodeling the mill, 
and supplying it with new and improved machinery. He continued 
the business with success and financial profit until 1S50, at which 
time it became apparent that a mill of larger capacity was required 
to meet the demands of the trade. Accordingly, in that year, he 
erected a large four-story, brick structure about fifty feet from the 
old building, and began the manufacture of flour upon a more ex- 
tensive scale. This was the largest and best mill in Johnson 
County, and one of the best at that time in the state. After oper- 
ating it for a few years, Mr. Thompson rented the mill to his sons, 
and, later, John A. Thompson purchased the property and became 
sole proprietor. Under the management of the latter the business 
rapidly increased, and during the war the annual sales amounted to 
over $30,000, a part of which was realized from flour furnished 
the Government. The business of the mill continued to increase in 
the years that followed, and during the interim between 1866 and 



534 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

1S72, a larger amount of flour was shipped from Edinburg than 
from any other town in southern Indiana. In the latter year the 
mill was entirely destroyed by fire, entailing a loss upon Mr. 
Thompson of over $60,000. Mr. Thompson immediately rebuilt a 
much larger mill which, furnished with the latest improved ma- 
chinery for the manufacture of flour by the roller process, repre- 
sents a capital of over $100,000. The building is a large six-story 
brick and stone structure, the main part 50x80 feet in size, and is 
by far the largest and best mill in Johnson County, and one of the 
finest in the state. The capacity is 200 barrels per day, and the 
flour, which has a wide reputation for its superior quality, is shipped 
to all parts of the United States. Mr. Thompson operated the 
mill until his death, since which time the business has been man- 
aged by members of his family. 

Distil/cries. — Among the earliest industries of Edinburg, was a 
distillery, a short distance north of the town, erected as long ago 
as the year 1835, by Otto .Layman. He invested considerable capi- 
tal in the business, and manufactured a good brand of whisky, 
which was marketed by wagon at Louisville to Cincinnati and 
other points on the Ohio. Owing to the small price of whiskey, 
and the cost required to put it upon the market, Mr. Lyman's ven- 
ture did not prove financially remunerative, and he was compelled 
to abandon the business about the year 1842. A second distillery 
was started about the year 1849 or 1850, by a stock company, 
which carried on a small business for some time, where the starch 
factory now stands. The enterprise afterward passed into the 
hands of Dellard, Ricketts & Co., who enlarged the buildings and 
increased the capacity, by supplying additional appliances for the 
manufacture. It was in operation until 1861, at which time the 
large stock of whisky was sold and the business abandoned. 

Tannery. — The early settlers of Johnson County were obliged 
to rely very largely upon their own resources for man}" articles of 
daily use, among which was leather. This was first manufactured 
in limited quantities, by the settlers themselves, but later, tanneries 
were started in various parts of the county, one of the first of which 
appears to have been located in Edinburg as early as 1837 or 1838, 
by Pulaski Runkle. Mr. Runkle made a good quality of leather, 
and followed the business with fair success for several years. He 
found ready sale for all he could manufacture, but soon abandoned 
the business on account of the low prices, occasioned by compet- 
ing tradesmen. 

Hominy Mill. — About the year 1857, Theodore Hudnut erected 
a mill in the southeastern part of the town, and began the manufact- 
ure of hominy. A Mr. Bradley afterward purchased an interest 



towns. 535 

which he subsequently sold to M. C. Tilford, who, in partnership 
with Hudnut, under the firm name of Hudnut & Tilford, operated 
the null until its destruction by lire, some time in the sixties. After 
the fire a building on Main Street, opposite the Central Hotel, was 
secured, and supplied with the necessary machinery, and the manu- 
facture resumed by Mr. Tilford was continued some time longer. 
Mr. Tilford afterward abandoned the manufacture of hominy, and 
fitted up the mill for grinding flour, but was prevented from engag- 
ing in the latter enterprise by a large tire, which completely de- 
stroyed his building. In the meantime, Mr. Hudnut began the 
manufacture of hominy in Terre Haute, where he now has the 
largest mill of the kind in the west. 

A second hominy mill was erected in Edinburg in the year 
1S71, by J. L. Toner, who invested $15,000 in the enterprise. The 
building is a substantial brick structure, stands on the east side of 
the railroad, and was used for the manufacture of hominy exclu- 
sively but a few years. Mr. Toner spared no money or pains to 
make the enterprise successful, but his business not coming up to 
his expectations, he finely abandoned it, and, in 18S3, sold the 
building to Thompson, Schooler & Co., who converted it into a 
flouring mill. This mill is now one of the best on the line of the 
J., M. & I. R. R. It is supplied with full roller machinery, manu- 
factures both flour and meal, and has a daily capacity of 150 
barrels. 

The second flouring mill in Edinburg was erected early in the 
fifties, by Hall & Legate, who carried on a successful business 
until 1S65. It was then purchased by J. L. Toner, who enlarged 
the capacity to 150 barrels per day, and did a prosperous business 
until the building burned in 1871. The mill stood in the north- 
west part of the town, and was erected and completed at a cost of 
$2 3,000. Mr. Toner suffered a loss of $20,000 by the fire, half 
of which was covered by insurance. 

Woohn-mill. — A woolen-mill was built in Edinburg about the 
year 1863, by a stock company composed of citizens of the town. 
The buildings stood near the starch works, and the factory, when 
in operation, required the work of about seventy men. The articles 
manufactured consisted principally of jeans, yarns, flannels, blank- 
ets, satinets, for all of which there was a good demand, by the 
wholesale houses of Indianapolis, and other cities. The factory 
was in operation at Edinburg until about the year 1877, when the 
better to increase the business, the companv moved the machinery 
to Columbus, and used it as a factory at that city. A part of the 
old building is still standing, used by the starch factory. 



536 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Furniture Factory. — Not the least in the list of Edinburg's 
manufacturing enterprises in the past, was a furniture factory, es- 
tablished about the year 1868, by a stock company, under the name 
of the Edinburg Furniture Company. A capital, variouslv esti- 
mated at from $17,000 to $20,000, was invested, and a large two- 
story brick building, 50x70 feet in size, was erected on Main Cross 
Street, east of the railroad, and furnished with all the modern ma- 
chinery and appliances required by first-class establishments of the 
kind. The factory was established under the most, favorable aus- 
pices, and was soon running to its full capacity, giving employ- 
ment to about fortv skillful workmen, many of whom came from a 
distance. The original company sold out in 1870, to another com- 
pany composed of Lewis Nichle, David Mullendore and G. A. 
Mutz, who enlarged the facilities of the factory, and operated it 
very successfully until its destruction by fire in 1873. The loss to 
the company was about $16,000, only $6,000 of which was covered 
by insurance. 

Foundry. — A foundrv was started in Edinburg as early per- 
haps, as 1868, by a gentleman from Dayton, Ohio, name unknown, 
who erected for the purpose, a good building, a short distance west 
of the depot. It included a machine shop, and gave employment to 
several mechanics, whose principal work consisted in building 
threshing machines, and doing general repairing. It proved a re- 
markable addition to the manufacturing enterprises of the town, 
but like several factories and mills alluded to, was destroyed bv the 
fire fiend, after a few years' successful operation. 

Planing-mills. — The first movement in this direction was made 
some time in the sixties, by Charles Nicholson, who put up a two- 
story frame building east of the depot, which he operated as a 
planing-mill several years, and later, added machinery for the 
manufacture of sash, doors, mouldings and all kinds of building ma- 
terial. It was operated successfully for several years. Mr. Hors- 
ford, the present postmaster of the town, operated a planing-mill 
for some time, and in connection therewith, did a fairly successful 
business for about six months, manufacturing pearl and cracked 
wheat. 

■Maley cf- Co.'t Sir.:- and Planing-mill. — Prominent among 
the manufacturers and lumber dealers of Indiana, is Henry Maley, 
who beiran the saw-milling business in Edinburtr about the year 

O l> o 

1N7S. After operating his mill until 18S3, he effected a partner- 
ship with Jacob Mahley, under the firm name of Henry Maley & 
Co., which soon became widely and favorablv known as one of the 
most successful lumber firms doing business on the J., M. & I. 
Railroad. The first mill was burned in 1886, and as soon there- 



towns. 537 

after as circumstances would permit, a second mill was erected, 
which at this time, is bv far the largest and most successful enter- 
prise of the kind in Johnson Count}'. A brick planing-miU was 
afterward built which, with the saw-mill, gives employment to about 
thirty hands. In addition to the production of their own mill, the 
company operate a large lumber yard, to supply which requires 
nearly all the lumber manufactured by twelve other mills in differ- 
ent parts of the count}-. Large shipments are made to the New 
England states, principallv to Boston, in which city the company 
have an agent who does an extensive business. The enterprise at 
Edinburg represents a capital of nearly $100,000, and is justly 
ranked as one of the largest and most prosperous manufacturing 
enterprises of Johnson County. 

Machine Shop, Payne Bros. — This enterprise was established 
about the year 18S4, by D. J. Elliott, who operated for two years 
as a repair shop, selling out at the end of that time to E. Payne & 
Bro. In addition to repairing all kinds of machinery, the firm is 
now preparing to make machinerv, and will soon enlarge the build- 
ing for the purpose. Thev are first class machanics, and the shop 
promises to remain a pernament fixture to the town. 

The Edinburg' Pump Factory was established in 1888, and 
although in its infancy, bids fare to become one of the leading manu- 
factory establishments of the place. Preparations are being made 
to erect a suitable building, and the indications point to a large and 
successful business. Several men are employed, and the pumps 
which, for simplicity and durability, cannot be excelled, have 
already won a good reputation among dealers. 

Edinburg Pulley Factory, one of the latest manufacturing 
enterprises of the town, was established in 1888, by a stock company, 
for the manufacture of a late improved wooden pulley, invented by 
William R. Fee. The company is composed of well-known busi- 
ness men, and a large amount of capital has already been invested. 
The brick building east of the depot, formerly used for a planing- 
mill, has been secured, and filled with the necessary machinery, and 
a number of skillful mechanics, under the personal superintendence of 
Mr. Fee, have already more than they can do to fill orders from 
all parts of the country. 

Blue River Starch Works. — This mammoth enterprise, one of 
the largest and most successful of the kind in the United States, 
dates its history from the year 1S68. It was established bv a stock 
company, composed of Samuel Cutsinger, M. C. Tilford, E. K. 
Horsford and Joseph Fisher, who jointly invested in the undertak- 
ing about $40,000. The business proved successful beyond the 
company's most hopeful expectations, and but few years elapsed 



538 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

until it became necessary to enlarge the facilities of the works in 
order to supply the great demand which the starch created in the 
markets. The buildings were enlarged and otherwise improved 
from time to time, new machinery was added, and the factory soon 
became the largest of the kind in the state. In April. 1885. the 
buildings caught fire and were burned to the ground, entailing a loss 
upon the companj' of about $75,000. They were at once replaced 
by larger and better buildings, in which a capital of $90,000 was 
invested. The main structure is brick, two stories, 300x150 feet in 
size. The warehouse is 40x100 feet, besides which there are sev- 
eral large corn cribs, sheds, and an office separate and apart from 
the factory. Various changes have been made in the company 
from time to time, Samuel Cutsinger being the only one of the 
original stockholders now connected with the enterprise. The orig- 
inal capacity of the mill was 400 bushels of corn per day, and at 
the time of its destruction in 1885, 1,000 bushels were required 
each day. The capacity at this time is 1,500 bushels per day, or 
nearly 500,000 bushels per year, which represents 7,500,000 pounds 
of starch as the yearly product of the factor}'. To manufacture 
this enormous amount, the work of seventy men is required. 
Shipments are made to all parts of the United States, the best 
markets being in the eastern states where the company is repre- 
sented by agents. 

Edinburg Benevolent Society. — Impressed with a laudable desire 
to promote the moral welfare of the community, by providing a 
place of public worship in Edinburg, and feeling unable to accom- 
plish the work without a concert of action, the citizens of the vil- 
lage, pursuant to notice, assembled on the 22d day of September, 
1833, for the purpose of adopting suitable plans and obtaining sub- 
scriptions for building a meeting house. At this meeting a propo- 
sition made by Jacob Beck, Esq., that a " Benevolent Society " 
be formed, was acted upon, after which an organization was effected 
and a constitution was adopted. The object of the society, as set 
forth in the constitution, " is to promote the cause of Christianity, 
and the happiness and comfort of ourselves and the rising genera- 
tion around, bv building a meeting house in or near Edinburg, for 
the use and benefit of all denominations, giving preference to none, 
and doing justice to all; and such other things as we may deem 
practicable and proper for the good of mankind in general, and es- 
pecially for the good of society around us." 

To carry out the object of the society, a building committee 
composed of the following persons, was appointed, to-wit: Judge 
Joseph Dawson, R. B. Treadway, Gavin Mitchell, D. D. Lawler, 
James Thompson, Israel Watts, Timothy R. Threlkeld, Jacob 



\ 






towns. 539 

Barton, Isaac Marshall and John Lewis, and at an ensuing meeting, 
II. B. Hunt, Roland Williams. Jacob Barton, Jacob Beck and 
Nathan Kyle, were elected a board of trustees. Jacob Beck, 
James Thompson and John Lewis, were appointed a committee to 
draft plans for the proposed building. These were reported in due 
time, after which the contract was awarded to W. R. Farns- 
worth, who agreed to erect the house as per plans and specifica- 
tions, for the sum of $475. A lot on Main Street was purchased, 
and in due time a neat frame building was completed and ready for 
occupancy. It stood in the rear of Dr. Rush's office, and, until 
1846, was the only house of worship in the town, having been used 
during that time by all denominations. It answered well the pur- 
poses for which it was intended, but ceased to be used as a meet- 
ing place after the erection of other houses of worship. The 
building is still standing, and is now used as a carpenter's shop. 

Secret Societies. — Freemasonry is represented in Edinburg by 
Edinburg Lodge No. 100, which was chartered on the 29th day of 
May, 1850. The original membership was quite small, but of the 
early history of the organization little was learned. It has enjoyed 
a fair measure of prosperity, and at this time numbers fifty mem- 
bers, whose names are as follows: Ephraim Adams, J. R. Bay, 
Israel Bay, J. A. Bland, I. D. Collier, J. S. Cox, Harry Coons, 
William Carney, G. W. Downs, J. C. Eagle, M. Fickle, J. A. Freese, 
P. M. Graves, James Hays, Samuel Hays, J. L. Hartley, M. W. 
Hubbard, W. M. Howell, J. B. Jackson, Joseph Johnson, W. F. 
Joyce, Thomas Kerr, W. W. Kerr, J. M. Kelly, J. T. Kelly, W. N. 
Kyle, George W. King, John Landis, Jacob Mutz, G. A. Mutz, 
J. D. McLain, Henry Maley, I. B. Nickey, Anton Otto, Luther 
Payne, J. A. Perry, A. R. Russell, Thomas L. Richardson, G. B. 
Ru'nkle. Martin Snepp, H. M. Scholler, William Threlkeld, J. A. 
Thompson, J. W. Turner, J. C. Valentine, J. H. Vaughan, A. W. 
Winterberg, V. Wetzell and II. C. White. Officers for 1S8S: 
W. F. Joyce, W. M.; J. T. Kelly, S. W.; J. A. Freese, J. W.; 
A. W. Winterberg, treas.; Thomas Kerr, sec: G. W. Downs, 
S. D.; I. B. Nickey, J. D.: J. A. Perry, tyler; J. D. McLain and 
W. W. Hubbard, stewards. 

Odd Fellowship, the younger sister of Masonry, and scarcely 
second in its beneficent influences upon mankind, was first known 
in Edinburg, in March, 1S50, at which time Herndon Lodge No. 
95, was instituted under a dispensation from the Grand Master of 
Indiana. A charter was granted in July of that year, and the 
members whose names appear first upon the records, are the fol- 
lowing: I. S. Jelf, Stewart Wilson, Edward M. Hubert, A Clark, 
I. I. Hunt, I. P. Shipp, Ephraim Adams, I. R. Hancock, A. J. 



540 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Alexander, Peter Delony, John Wallace, Samuel R. Collier, and 
George W. Grayson. Among those who became members a little 
later may be named: Adam Mutz, James E. McGuire, William P. 
Pudney, William McCartney, Henry Pudney, Robert Chase, and 
S. H. Steinbarger, all of whom were initiated within one year after 
the lodge was instituted. Until 1885, meetings were held in a 
rented hall, on Holland Street, but in that year the third story of 
Thompson's large brick business house, on the corner of Walnut and 
Main Cross streets was purchased, and fitted up for lodge purposes. 
This is now the finest lodge room in the county, being handsomely 
furnished and elegantly frescoed, the latter work costing several 
hundred dollars. Herndon Lodge has had a career of great pros- 
perity, and it is still in a very flourishing condition, numbering 
among its members many of the leading citizens of the city and 
adjacent country. 

Knights of Pythias. — This order is represented in Edinburg 
by Fidelity Lodge No. 42, which was instituted on the 12th day 
of January, 1874. Thirty-eight names appear on the original 
application for a dispensation, but onlv eighteen became charter 
members of Fidelity lodge. The first officers were: George W. 
Downs, P. C; Charles O. Lehman, C. C. ; Thomas White, V. C; 
George A. Mutz, P.; William R. Strawn, K. of R. and S.; Thomas 
E. Valentine, M. of F.: John C. Kelley, M. of E.; Harris H. Pin- 
ney, M. at A.: David Mullindore, I. G., and John H. Breeding, O. G. 
Other members: Mark G. Deming, William A. McNaughton, 
John T. Bennett, Charles C. Winterberg, John Gebhart, Edward 
Fields, Edward Strahmier and Charles W. Snow. 

The lodge has moved along uninterruptedly, nothing having oc- 
curred in its history that would be unusually interesting in general. 
The local history of the lodge is, of course, pleasant in its recollec- 
tions. The present membership exceeds the average, and is com- 
posed of the representative men of the town. Prominent among 
these are, past chancellors W. C. Wilson and George W. Downs, 
the latter, the first representative of No. 42. All members of the 
grand lodge who have attended its sessions for the last few years, 
know brother Wilson. His connection with the standing-committees 
of finance and accounts, state of the order, and others, and also his 
ability as a debater and public speaker, have given him much 
prominence in the grand lodge. C. O. Lehman, a former P. C. 
of the lodge, but now a non-resident, also attained considerable 
reputation in the grand lodge. He was an active member, and held 
office as one of three grand lodge trustees, consecutively from 1878 
to 1881. 

R. M. Kelly Post No. 21J, G. A. P., was organized August 



TOWNS. 54I 

3, 1S83, by Isom Griffin and others, of the Columbus Post, with 
the following- charter members: Isaac Iloleman, Francis Myers, 
W. C. Prather, Jacob D. Fee, James R. Sharp, Charles R. P. 
Wolf, Charles W. Lee, E. II. Thompson, J. B. Nickey, J. D. 
Breeding, J. C. Freese, O. R. Johnson, Leander Stater, John 
McCoy, Jeremiah Applegate, George W. Barker, James T. 
Wicker, R. S. Rawlins, Samuel McCrea, William Nicholson and 
William McCallister. The first officers were J. C. Freese, P. C. ; 
Leander Stater, S. V. C; E. H. Thompson, J. V. C; J. D. Breed- 
ing, Q. M. ; W. C. Prather, surgeon; C. W. Lee, chaplain; A. W. 
Winterberg, O. D.; J. B. Nickey, O. G.; J. R. Sharp, adjutant; 
J. D. Fee, S. M., and Charles A.'P. Wolf, Q. M. S. At one time 
the post numbered ninety-three members, and was one of the 
strongest and best disciplined organizations of the kind in Johnson 
County. The membership has been greatly decreased by re- 
movals, the roster at this time showing the names of only forty 
belonging. It is in a prosperous condition, however, and has be- 
fore it a promising future. 

United Order of Honor. — A lodge of the U. O. EL, was in- 
stituted at Edinburg on the 15th da)' of May, 1885, with the fol- 
lowing charter members: S. L. Burton, J. T. Burton, John M. 
Tindel, E. M. Hardv, M. R. Coleman, Rose B. Hardy, Leonard 
Compton, Elijah Dehart, M. H. Mitchell, C. E. Whitesides, O. R. 
Stivers, William C. Caruthers, Frank G. Dodge, May J. Kinsey, 
J. W. Turner, D. McDonald, William Ashby, James H. Sweet, 
Lewis Woods, J. D. Fee, Austin H. Wright, Minerva F. Mitchell, 
Harriet F. Bay, Margaret Dehart, John Treon, John Sichler and 
L. C. Phillips. The object of this order is mutual protection and 
insurance, and the cultivation of a social spirit among its members. 
It is gaining rapidly in popular favor, and has lodges in nearly every 
town of any considerable importance in the county. The Edin- 
burg lodge at this time numbers fortv-two members. 

Building and Loan Association. — The first association of this 
kind was organized a number of years ago, and continued in exist- 
ence until within a comparatively recent date. The present Build- 
ing, Loan and Savings Association was incorporated with a subscribed 
capital of $22,000, in shares of $200 each. The capital stock of the 
association was fixed at $100,000, in 500 shares, each representing 
$200. The object of this association, as stated in the articles of 
incorporation, is as follows: "The accumulation of funds from the 
savings of its members, to be loaned among themselves and any 
such other persons as the board of directors may determine, for 
use in buying houses and lots, building and repairing houses, and 
make such other investments as they may deem advisable." The 



542 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

duration of the society was limited to a period of eighteen A'ears, 
and the names of the original members are as follows: A. Mutz, 
Henry Maley, Michael Moffett, Adolph Dalnibert, H. M. Holmes, 
T. E. Valentine, R. C. Williams W. M. Park. D. L. Deming, 

William M. Howell, Owen Moffat, G. E. Mavfield, E. M. Hardy, 
George Wilbur, W. II. Dowell, George J. Roth, Jr., A. C. Deu- 
pree, Nathaniel Moonev. S. S. Broughton, William P. Rush. W. 
F. Joyce. C. S. Fisher, Stephen Schon and C. W. Davis. 

T/ie Press. — The press is another illustration of the growth and 
development of a town and country. Though it is hardlv probable 
that the ardent expectations of the first proprietors of the town have 
been realized, vet, thev have come so much nearer fulfillment than 
most of the dreams of those who founded the towns on the western 
frontier, that the founders are revered for their wisdom and enter- 
prise. Perhaps there is nothing that more faithfullv portrays the 
material wealth and commercial prosperity, than a well conducted 
newspaper. In this particular Edinburg has reason to be contented. 
The Edinburg Courier had its origin in 1875, immediately after 
the wide-spread financial depression of 1873. For a few years the 
paper struggled along under adverse circumstances. In 1877, 
E. M. Hardy, the present editor, became associated with H. C. Al- 
lison, in conducting the paper, and in 1878 became owner of the 
entire concern. Under his management the paper has assumed a 
front rank among the weeklv journals of southern and central In- 
diana. The Courier is not the advocate of any particular political 
creed, but is, on the contrary, wholly independent of party ties. It 
is devoted to the interests of Edinburg, and each week finds it filled 
with local news of interest to the citizens of the town and vicinity. 
Mr. Hardy wields a ready pen, and his paragraphs on public events 
are both interesting and able. The citizens of Edinburg and sur- 
rounding country show their appreciation of the paper by extend- 
ing to it a liberal patronage. It is issued on Thursday of each 
week, and is a seven-column folio. The present success of the 
Courier is entirely due to the energv and business capacitv of Mr. 
Hard\', and it is recognized as an influential journal for both public 
and private morals. 

Banks. — The first bank in Edinburg was a private institution, 
established in 1S68, by Harvey Lewis, and was known as the 
Lewis Bank. . Mr. Lewis began the business with a small capital, 
and being obliged to do the greater part of the banking on de- 
posits, for which he paid a high rate of interest, met with financial 
reverses, and was soon compelled to relinquish the undertaking. 
He closed the doors of his bank in 1872, after nearly three years 
of unsuccessful business. The private bank of A. C. Thompson 



TOWNS. 



543 



& Sons, one of the strongest and most successful banking firms in 
Johnson Count}', was established in 1871, by A. C. & E. C. 
Thompson, who continued the business as a firm until 1878. In 
that year, John A. Thompson, Jr., became a member, and since 
then the firm has been known as A. C. Thompson & Sons. The 
bank building on the corner of Walnut and Main Cross streets, was 
erected in 1872, and is one of the best arranged and most commo- 
dious structures of its kind in this part of the state. The Messrs. 
Thompson are energetic men, and have much more than a local 
reputation in business circles. They do a general banking busi- 
ness, and the institution of which they are the head, will continue 
to be in the future as it has been in the past, one of the leading en- 
terprises of Johnson County. In 1874, John A.Thompson engaged 
in the banking business at Edinburg, which he carried on ver} r suc- 
cessfully until his death in 1886. The bank is still in operation, 
under the management of G. E. Mavfield, cashier, and H. C. 
Bailey, assistant cashier, and is on a solid financial basis, the pro- 
prietors being among the wealthiest people of Edinburg. 

Edinburg i'nioii Agricultural Association. — The people of 
Edinburg have maintained an agricultural society for a number of 
years. The association first leased grounds a short distance east 
of the city, and ^about twelve years later rented ten acres, and 
erected thereon suitable buildings, etc., at a cost of several thousand 
dollars. Still later, the society purchased eighty acres of land one 
mile east of the town, forty acres of which were afterward sold 
and the rest fitted up with the necessary buildings, race track, etc. 
The grounds are beautifully situated and well improved with halls, 
stables, storage rooms, office, and a half mile race track — the best in 
the county. Fairs have been regularly held for a number of years, 
and the exhibits of agricultural and horticultural products, ma- 
chinery, live stork, etc., have alwa3 r s compared favorably with like 
exhibitions elsewhere. 

Fires. — Edinburg, like many larger places, has been visited 
from time to time by the fire fiend. As was said of Chicago, after 
her great conflagration, " she has been born in fire and raised in 
power." The new Edinburg, that phcenix-like, rose from the ashes 
of the old town, is far more substantial, and its new growth has 
been a picture of beauty. 

From its birth it has had its fires as other towns and cities have, 
but the first considerable conflagration occurred late in the forties, when 
their buildings on Main Crocs Street, were reduced to ashes. In 1850, 
a large fire broke out on the corner of Main Cross and Walnut 
streets, resulting in the complete destruction of two large business 
houses, and later several fires occurred in different parts of the 



544 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

town, destroying private residences, mills, foundry, depot and many 
other buildings. All these, though, of considerable loss to the 
people, have been beneficial to the town, and the means of the 
erection of much handsomer and more imposing buildings than 
otherwise would now adorn the place. They were really blessings in 
disguise, as much as they appeared the contrarj' of blessings at the 
time. But for them, the town would not wear its present comeli- 
ness and beaut}-. 

General Growth. — The growth and prosperity of Edinburg, 
since about the year 1869, have been all that its inhabitants and 
friends could reasonably expect or desire. Substantial improve- 
ments have been pushed forward steadily, and at this time no city 
in Indiana, corresponding in size and number of inhabitants, can 
boast of as fine and handsome public and private buildings, as the 
prosperous little city on Blue River. Its stores and business 
houses are large, and of a much better class than may usually be 
found in towns of its size. Among these may be mentioned the 
buildings on the corner of Walnut and Main Cross streets, owned 
by H. M. Holmes, George Townsend's brick business house, the 
John A. Thompson buildings, bank and business houses of A. C. 
Thompson, and the business houses of John Walsh heirs, 
Adam Mutz, Mrs. E. Sergeant, Mutz & Lynch, Frank 
Winterberg, A. W. Winterberg, Alexander Pruitt, Alexander 
Mooney, James M. Carvin, Noah Sims, James Wade, George 
Wilbur, J. C. Valentine, and a number of others that are 
a credit to the town, all of which will show the energy 
and enterprise of the inhabitants. Others are now in course 
of erection which will compare favorably with those already con- 
structed, and still others are contemplated, showing that while 
business may be depressing in other localities, here, at least, the 
march of improvement goes steadily on. Taking more than ordi- 
narv pride in their surroundings, many of the citizens have erected 
private residences, equal, some of them, to any in this part of the 
state, which should not be overlooked in the general summary of 
the city's elegant buildings. Quite a number of palatial dwellings, 
situated in beautiful grounds, and surrounded by majestic trees, 
ornamental shrubbery and fragrant flowers, are seen along the 
principal streets, and would be creditable to much larger and more 
pretentious cities. But of the many none will be particularized for 
fear of omissions that might appear unjust to the owners. Other 
ornaments to the architectural beautv of the town are the hand- 
some churches and school buildings which find appropriate mention 
in other chapters of this volume. 

Business Register. — John A. Carvin, Mark Deming, W. H. 



TOWNS. 



545 



Thompson and E. Sergeant Co., dry goods; G. A. Mutz, J. C. 
Valentine & Son, Malev, Davis & Co., James M. Carvin and J. C. 
Freese, groceries; Maffett Bros, and Mutz & Lynch, drugs; 
Webb & Richardson, hardware and agricultural implements; 
Compton & Fee, hardware and tinware: A. W. Winterberg, 
boots and shoes; George E. Wilber, manufacturer and dealer in 
harness: George Morman & Co., furniture and undertaking; 
D. McDonal, furniture; Mrs. R. C. Williams, jewelry; G. W. 
Tucker, agricultural implements; Thompson & Dodge, tailoring 
and gents' furnishing goods; John Sichler & Co., merchant tailors; 
J. B. Nickey, boots and shoes; Stephen Schon, bakery and confec- 
tioner}-; Frank Winterberg, confectionery; Julia Farley, restaurant; 
J. C. Warren, restaurant; Anton Bossmeier, bakerv and confection- 
ery, William Bogie, manufacturer and dealer in saddlery and harness; 
Joseph Hughes, George Townsend, George Wills, John Wade & 
Bro., Mooney & Roth, and James Wade, saloons; Henry Bell, 
boots and shoes; Sims & Law, meat market; John Wells, meat 
market; Mrs. Harvey Mitchell, Mrs. Dr. Davis, Mrs. McColgan, 
and Misses Farrer & Saddler, millinery; N. N. Sims, buyer and 
shipper of poultry: Charles Sims, cigar and news stand; C. C. 
Winterberg, confectionery and bakery; Harry Sims, proprietor of 
Acme laundry; Samuel Haslan, and Haslan Brothers, barbers; Joseph 
Johnson, marble dealer; John Beall, photograph gallery; C. L. 
Clancev, dealer in fine trotting horses, and proprietor of sale stable; 
T .D. VanDorn, manufacturer and repairer of wagons, carriages, 
etc.; Thomas Stein, gun-smith; Edward White, livery stable; 
H. Mitchell, blacksmith; William Parrish, livery barn; John Schoe- 
ler, blacksmith; Michael Roth, coal dealer, and agent U. S. Ex- 
press Co.; Clarence Valentine and D. G. Mitchell, coopers; Austin 
Wright and Joseph Watson, painters and paper hangers; Charles 
Smith, blacksmith; William Dowell, railroad agent; Fred Runkle, 
telegraph operator; E. K. Horsford, postmaster; James H. Dorsey, 
Edward Deupree and J. L. Herbest, attorneys at law. 

This brings us to the end of the sketch of Edinburg. Sixty-six 
years laden with sorrows and joys, bright anticipations and van- 
ished hopes, have added both age and dignity to the little city. 
Many of the old citizens who were wont to indulge in pleasant 
dreams of what the town would some day become, are quietly 
sleeping their last long sleep in the city of the dead. The boys 
and girls of those early days are boys and girls no longer; they 
have taken the places of men and women in the ranks, and are 
earnestly endeavoring to perform their part in the great drama of 
life. The reflections, however, of what they were in their youthful 
days, can be seen in the many bright and happy faces of the chil- 



546 JOHXSOX COUNTY. 

dren who daily throng the public schools. During these years up- 
ward of two-thirds of a century, Edinburg has steadily gained in 
prosperity and financial strength, and is accorded a place among 
the solid cities of southern Indiana. Nature, with lavish hand, has 
laid a golden offering at her feet, but only those found on the sur- 
face have as yet been realized. Already investigations are being 
made to bring to light the mysteries beneath, and when once the 
subtle and powerful agent now sought for is liberated, the town will 
doubtless experience transformations as amazing as those accom- 
plished bv Alladin and his wonderful lamp. 

Greenwood. — Beautifully situated midway between the cities of 
Indianapolis and Franklin, on the J.. M. & I. Railroad, is the thriv- 
ing town of Greenwood, the third place in point of population and 
commercial prosperity in Johnson County. The location is admir- 
ably adapted for a town, being ten miles from Indianapolis, the 
same distance from Franklin, and surrounded bv a region of coun- 
try which in all that goes to make up a prosperous agricultural 
community, cannot be excelled bv any other part of Indiana. The 
country immediately surrounding the town was settled at a very 
earlv period, and among the pioneers who located homes in the vi- 
cinity are remembered: Isaac Smock, John B. Smock, Garrett 
Brewer, George Noble, Garrett Yandiver, David Voorhis and 
others, the majority of whom began making improvements upon 
their respective purchases early in the twenties. In 1S25, a Pres- 
bvterian Church was organized at the residence of John B. Smock, 
and named Greenfield, and a little later a postorrice of the same 
name was established near the cross-roads where the town was after- 
ward located. Dr. Benjamin S. Noble, a prominent physician, and 
brother of Gov. Noah Noble, located near the •' cross-roads " in the 
northern part of Pleasant Township earlv in the forties, and began 
practicing the medical profession, in which he was afterward asso- 
ciated with a former pupil, Dr. W. H. Wishard, who moved to 
the localitv from the village of Waverly, Morgan Countv. From 
the most reliable local authority, these two physicians, and Rev. 
P. S. Clelland, pastor of the Presbyterian Church, who came a lit- 
tle later, were the first permanent settlers upon the present site of 
Greenwood. The locality being several miles from a town, or 
store, the necessity of a trading point for the accommodation of a 
rapidly increasing community, soon became apparent, and to meet 
the general demand, one James W. Parker, about the year 1S46, 
opened a small general store, in a frame building which stood on 
the northeast corner of the public crossing. Mr. Parker came 
from Ripley Count}-, and is remembered as a fairly successful 
merchant, in a small way, his stock at the time it was first displayed 



towns. 547 

having represented a value of about $300. Contemporaneous with 
the store was a blacksmith shop, and a little later other mechanics 
were attracted to the place, so that by the latter part of 1846 it was 
pretty generally known that Greenfield would eventually become 
the commercial center of a goodly portion of Johnson and Marion 
counties. To accommodate such as desired to settle in the neigh- 
borhood, small lots were laid out from time to time, and sold, but 
of the original survey, nothing definite is now known, the county 
records fail to show when, or under what circumstances, the origi- 
nal plat of the town was laid out. A well-known citizen, who has 
been a resident of the village for many years, is authority for the 
statement, that the first lots were never regularly platted, but were 
simply sold and recorded as parts of the sections to which they 
formerly belonged. It might be well to state in this connection 
that the town site lies in the east half of the southwest quarter and 
the west half of northeast quarter, of Section 32, Township 14 
north, Range 4 east, of the congressional survey, the former part 
purchased from the government, September 7, 1824, by Henry 
Smith, and the latter, December 15, 1825, by Isaac Reed. 

By 1847 the population of the village had increased to such an 
extent as to render an addition necessary. Accordingly, in Sep- 
tember of that year, a plat of twenty-six lots was laid out by P. S. 
Clelland. They found ready purchasers, and in March of the fol- 
lowing year, the area of the village was further enlarged bv an ad- 
dition of twenty-four lots, east of the original plat, by J. J. Dungan. 
William H. Wishard's first addition west of the Madison state road, 
was surveyed December 27, 1849, and his second addition, consist- 
ing of six lots, bounded upon the east by the above road, was made 
and recorded May, 1S55. In the meantime (1851) John B. Dob- 
bins laid out an addition of thirty-one lots, west of the Madison and 
north of the Shelbyville roads, which, with the addition enumerated, 
constitutes the greater part of the whole town. Smock's addition 
of five lots, in the western part of the village, was laid out and re- 
corded in 185 1. John Rubush's addition north of the last named, 
was surveyed in 1858, and in December, i860, he platted a 
second addition of seventeen lots, which forms the extreme north- 
east corner of the town. The other additions to Greenwood are 
Grafton Johnson's eighteen lots south of the Shelbyville road, sur- 
veyed March, 1S69: John Smart's thirty-nine lots north of Dobbin's 
plat, made April, 1S74, and J. M. Wishard's addition of fourteen 
lots, surveyed and recorded in 1888. 

Early Purchasers oj Lots. — The following list includes the 
majority of those who purchased real estate in Greenwood, between 
the years 1848 and 1852: F. Steuart, S. A. King, H. B. Sherman, 
35 



54§ JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Orville Bass, William Carder, James Scantlin, C. G. Dungan, 
Grafton Johnson, P. Bradburn, P. K. Parr, P. A'. Luvster, George 
Crasv, G. D. Eccles, William Martin. |. S. Van Horn, John Brooks, 
W. Wheeler, O. P. Smith, Mary White, W. Owen, B. S. Noole, 
William Martin, Gideon Eddv, W. F. Falconer, John C. Burton, 
L. W. Jones, William McCool, J. B. Searl, W. Wvcoff, J. J. Kelly, 
J. Fitzpatrick, M. J. Noble, F. R. Clark, J. Utterback, S. Graham, 
C. H. Myers, M. A. Dashiel, F. V. Vanbrough, M. M. Crow, I. 
Foster and J. White, the majority of whom improved their pur- 
chases and became residents. In addition to the above were a 
number of others, who became owners of real estate from time to 
time in the unplatted part of the town, while several of the parties 
enumerated were among the earliest settlers in the immediate vicin- 
ity of the village. 

Business Men. — As already stated, James W. Parker was the 
first person to engage in the mercantile business in Greenwood. 
He carried on a reasonably successful business for about two years, 
and was then succeeded by Grafton Johnson, who brought a large 
stock, and enlarged the capacity of the building. Mr. Johnson 
subsequently erected a commodious brick business house, and in 
time became one of the leading merchants of Johnson County. He 
was a successful trader, an upright and honorable gentleman, and 
during a long and prosperous business career, accumulated a large 
fortune. He was identified with the mercantile interests of the 
town until the year 1882. 

Another early merchant was James M. Dixon, who erected a 
frame business house on the lot now occupied by the store building 
belonging to the Johnson heirs. He sold goods for a period of 
about five years, but of his success in trade little is now known. 
J. B. Whipple & Bro. carried on a fairly successful business at an 
early day, in a building south of the Johnson store room, and about 
the same time, or perhaps a little later, Eber and Hosea Sherman be- 
gan merchandising on the corner southeast of the crossing. The 
latter continued only a few years. William McLean, of Madison, 
brought a stock of goods to the town at an early day. which was 
offered for sale by a clerk by the name of Ruddick, who carried on 
the business for some time. Messrs. Wishard & Scott effected a 
co-partnership in the general mercantile trade in 1S51, and continued 
the business quite successfully until 1S61, when the firm dissolved, 
Wishard retiring. Scott ran the store three years longer, and then 
disposed of his stock and left the place. 

Conspicuous among the successful merchants of the town, is 
N. E. Noble, who began selling goods in 1862 in a building which 
stood on the northwest corner of the crossing. He subsequently 



towns. 549 

erected his present large brick store on Main Street, and is still in 
business, the oldest merchant now in the place. J. J. Dungan be- 
gan merchandising many years ago in a building near the railroad. 
He also platted an addition to the town, and is remembered as a 
reasonably successful business man. His building was afterward 
destroyed by fire. 

Of her Merchants. — Additional to the foregoing, the following 
men and firms were identified with the commercial interests of 
Greenwood at different times, namely: Malon Draper, Capt. 
D. W. C. Hopkins, Marcus Justice, Grafton Peek, who is still in 
the town, Bass & Cook, Rosengarten & Scott, Armstead Hollo- 
way, William F. Kinnick, Francis E. Clark, G. W. Storey, Will- 
iam Carlisle, Tague & Randall, F. M. Teague, Jacob Bishop, Henry 
Powers, S. Justus, Powers & Justus, James McGuire, A. G. Pruitt, 
Jacob Comingore, William Comingore, George Clark, Theron 
Hopkins, Joseph Tompkins, Dr. Wells, and others whose names 
cannot be recalled. 

Early Mechanics. — It is not known who was the first mechanic 
in Greenwood. Soon after the town was laid out, however, two 
brothers, Robert and William Todd, erected a shop where Dr. 
Noble's house now stands on Noble Street, and began working at 
the cabinet-maker's trade. They were good workmen, and found 
abundant opportunities for the exercise of their skill in manufactur- 
ing furniture for the earl}' settlers of the town and adjacent country. 
Thcw continued to supply the local demand for about twelve years, 
and were reasonably successful in their business. Samuel Graham 
was an early mechanic, and worked at his trade, blacksmithing, 
several years in a small shop which stood south of the Johnson 
store building. The following were also among the early mechan- 
ics of the town, namely: Nathaniel Beezley, blacksmith; Henry 
Sponberg, cabinet-maker: William Owen, shoemaker: Michael 
Sullivan, wagon-maker; Thomas Howard, William Clark, and 
Clark, blacksmiths, and William Wilson, shoemaker. 

Physicians. — -'Dr. B. S. Noble, an early settler of the town, was 
the first man to practice the medical profession in Greenwood. He 
moved to the locality from Lawrenceburg in an early day, and for 
a number of years ranked among the leading physicians in John- 
son and Marion counties. He practiced until 1853, a part of the 
time with Dr. W. H. Wishard, and then went west, locating in 
Iowa. I lis sons, N. E., Dr. T. B., Rev. Samuel and Noble, are 
among the leading citizens of Johnson County at this time. Dr. 
W. H. Wishard, to whom reference has already been made, moved 
to the village from Morgan County, and read medicine under the 
instruction of Dr. Noble, witli whom he also practiced for some- 



550 JOHNSON' COUNTY. 

time. He followed his profession in Greenwood until 1S61, and 
later moved to Indianapolis, in which citv he now resides. Among 
other medical men of the town from time to time, are remembered 
the following: Drs. Deashiel, McCann, McCorkle, Turner, Feree, 
Hibbs, Guthrie, Wells, Gabbard, Hendricks and Curry. The phy- 
sicians at this time are: Drs. T. B. Noble, J. M. Wishard and 
Z. Carnes, all of whom are experienced in the profession, and have 
large and lucrative practices. 

Incorporation. — In June, 1864, the citizens of Greenwood agi- 
tated the question of erecting and maintaining a municipal corpo- 
ration, and to decide the matter an election, was held on the 25th 
of that month, the result of which was a majority in favor of the 
project. The corporation consummated, the town was divided 
into five wards, and a council consisting of the following persons 
elected, namely: E. C. Smith, F. S. Wilson, T. B. Hungate, S. 
Mavrield and A. W. Gilchrist. The other officers were: F. M. 
Teague, clerk: James McGuire, marshal: W. H. Thornton, as- 
sessor, and A. Iloliway, treasurer. The corporation has been 
maintained ever since, with decided benefit to the town, as is at- 
tested bv numerous improvements which have been inaugurated and 
carried out. The municipal officers for 18SS, are as follows: E. C. 
Smith, X. S. Maitz and J. W. Prewett, councilmen from the First, 
Second and Third wards, respectively: W. H. Bishop, clerk; C. R. 
Milburn, treasurer, and Jacob McClain, marshal. 

Industries. — Among the early residents of Greenwood was Lv- 
sander Adams, to whom is due the credit of starting one of the first 
manufacturing enterprises of the town, a saw-mill, which stood near 
the railroad, a short distance south of the corporate limits. Mr. 
Adams manufactured a great deal of lumber for the local and gen- 
eral trade, much of which was shipped to various points through- 
out the state. The mill was operated by steam power, and was a 
fixture of the village for a number of years. A saw-mill was erected 
on the creek a short distance south of the town, a number of years 
ago, bv John Smart, who after operating for some time, sold out to 
other parties. Messrs. Bass & Rice owned it at one time, and it 
was afterward moved from the neighborhood. Darby Brunnamer 
engaged in the saw-milling business near the depot, several years 
ago, and is said to have manufactured a great deal of lumber. He 
subsequently abandoned the business, and his mill was moved to 
other parts. One of the earliest manufacturing enterprises of the 
town, was a carding machine, erected as long ago as 1S47 or 
1S48, by one Richard M. Steen. The building, a very primi- 
tive affair, stood a short distance east of the Presbyterian 
Church on Bluff Street, and was supplied with ordinary 



TOWNS. 551 

machinery, operated by a large tread-wheel, horses furnish- 
ing the motive power. The mill was well patronized by the 
neighboring farmers, but being constructed upon quite a limited 
scale, did not prove financially remunerative to the proprietor. It 
was in operation, about three or four years. A second carding ma- 
chine was erected about the year 1854, and though a small affair, 
was a decided improvement upon the one described. It stood on 
Bluff Street, was operated by steam, and did a fair business 
until 1S56. 

The first manufacturing enterprise of any considerable magni- 
tude attempted in Greenwood, was an iron foundry, established 
about the year 1S50 or 185 1, by A. G. Searle. A reasonably suc- 
cessful business was conducted until about the year 1862, when, 
owing to the small demand for work, and the necessary expenses 
required to operate it, the proprietors saw fit to discontinue the 
foundrv and remove the machinery from the town. Later, the 
building was secured by Allen Donelly, who fitted it up with ma- 
chinery for the manufacture of gloves, which business he com- 
menced upon quite an extensive scale, giving employment to about 
twenty hands, the majority of whom were required in the factory, 
while the others did sewing at their residences in the village. Mr. 
Donelly made the manufacture of buckskin gloves a specialty, and 
such was the superior quality of his goods, that they soon had a 
large sale among the dealers in Indianapolis and other cities. The 
factorv was in operation about two years. 

The Greenwood steam flouring-mill was erected about the year 
1S55, by Messrs. Henderson & Smith, who operated it successfully 
until 1862 or 1863. During that time it was extensively patronized 
by the people of Johnson, Morgan and Marion counties, and it is 
stated that farmers living within two miles of Indianapolis came to 
Greenwood for their flour. Mr. Henderson purchased his part- 
ner's interest in 1863, and operated the mill until about the year 
186S, when, meeting with financial reverses, he w r as compelled to 
abandon the business. Subsequently the property passed into the 
hands of other parties, and it was run by different ones until 1873, 
at which time it was purchased by Charles Dixon. N. S. Martz 
became owner in 1884. He operated it until 18S8, and then closed 
out to the present proprietor, who, the same year, completely re- 
modeled the mill, and supplied it with the latest improved machinery 
for the manufacture of flour by the roller process. The mill has 
a good custom trade, besides manufacturing for the general market. 

Fruit and I T egetable Packing House. — A detailed account of 
the mammoth canning house of J. T. Polk, the largest and most 
complete establishment of the kind west of Baltimore, would alone 




552 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

till many pages of this volume, hence but an outline of its history 
and development is here given. Mr. Polk began the fruit canning 
business in a small way in 1872, his first work being merely experi- 
mental, his wife doing nearly, if not quite all, the canning, at their 
residence near the village. Meeting with encouraging success 
in the venture, Mr. Polk, the following year, engaged in the busi- 
ness upon a more extensive scale, fitting up a barn for the purpose, 
in which, with the assistance of hired help, he packed about 26,000 
cans of fruit, which found ready sale. In 1878, a large building, 
45X2S8 feet in area, was erected a short distance east of the town 
limits, and supplied with all the necessary machinery and appliances. 
In the meantime Mr. Polk en<ra<jed in the business on the home 
place, near Greenwood, but in the fall of 1S79, established a busi- 
ness in St. Louis, and a little later refitted the building here, and for 
some time carried on the trade at both places. Owing to financial 
reverses caused by a partial failure in the fruit crop, Mr. Polk, at 
the end of about two years, was compelled to close the establish- 
ment. at St. Louis, and for a time discontinue the business, but in 
1881, he resumed operations at Greenwood, and has since carried 
on a large and successful trade. 

In 1886, an addition, 45x144 feet in area, and four stories 
high, was built on the north end of the establishment, and the fol- 
lowing year a large boarding-house, 24x90 feet in size, containing 
rooms for the accommodation of employes, was erected. The 
packing house is said to be the largest establishment of the kind in 
the west," and the capital invested is over $25,000. Mr. Polk 
makes a specialty of canned corn and tomatoes, but puts a great 
many other goods on the market also, such as canned beans, peas, 
pumpkin, etc., all of which have a wide-spread reputation, and an 
extensive sale. In 1887, the crop was estimated at only about one- 
third of what is generally raised, yet during that year the product 
of the establishment was over 2,000,000 cans, or three train loads 
of twenty cars each. Since then the facilities for packing have 
been greatly increased, so that the capacity for the present year 
( 1888 ) will be in excess of 5,000,000 cans. One hundred and fifty 
farmers, representing 1,500 acres of land, supply the enormous 
amount of fruit and vegetables required, and during the busy season, 
which lasts from June to November, about 550 hands are employed, 
the majority of whom reside in the town and vicinity while a large 
number come each day from Indianapolis, in a special chartered 
train for the purpose. The employes consist of men, women, boys 
and girls, who earn fair wages, the pay being in proportion to the 
amount of work accomplished. Heretofore Mr. Polk has pur- 
chased all of his cans in the east, but in December, 18S7, began to 



towns. 553 

manufacture cans, which are now turned out at the rate of 10,000 
per dav. In the management of his large business, Mr. Polk dis- 
plays superior ability, and his mammoth establishment is a credit, 
not only to himself, but to Johnson County as well. 

Odd Fellows. — The history of Odd Fellowship in Greenwood 
dates from the year 1S57, at which time Greenwood Lodge No. 198, 
was instituted by William Johnson, of Franklin, with the following 
members: L. P. Crasey, Joseph Brannaman, Simeon Frazier, 
August Vaught, E. C. "Smith and Dr. J. M. Wishard. Of the 
aboye members, Dr. Wishard is the only one now living in the 
town. The records of the lodge at one time contained the names 
of oyer forty members in good standing, but owing to deaths and 
removals, which have made serious inroads upon the order, the 
present membership is only about half that number. The organi- 
zation is in good financial condition, and although weak numerically, 
is one of the best working lodges in the county. The members 
are among the substantial citizens of the town and country, and the 
society bids fair to continue in the future, what it has been in the 
past, a potent factor for good in the community. 

At one time there was a flourishing Masonic lodsre in the town: 
Greenwood Lodge No. 12S, organized sometime in the sixties 
with a good membership. The lodge grew and prospered for 
several years, but eventually internal dissessions arose, which re- 
sulted in disorganization and a surrender of the charter. 

j'o/i/cs IV, Waggener Post Mo. iff, G. A. R., was organized in 
May, 1883, with the following charter members: D. S. Whitenack, 
George Whitenack, W. II. Fisher, W.H. Bass, J. F. Griffith, Presley 
Griffith, Z. Carnes, Sylvester Justus, J. N. Featherston, J. M. Clem, 
James Purdieu, Jacob McClain, William League, J. F. Neiman, W. 
H. Wydman, W. C. Hendricks, Frank Stone, Thomas Baugh, Irwin 
Robbins. The first officers were : D. S. Whitenack, post com- 
mander; N. S. Smartz, S. V. C; John F. Griffith, J. V. C; W. 
H. Fisher, adjutant; W. H. Bass, Q. M.; J. M. Clem, O. D.; J. 
M. Featherston, O. G.; Zachariah Carnes, surgeon. The growth 
of the post has been steady and substantial, and is now in the en- 
joyment of a reasonable degree of prosperity, with the names of 
thirty-five members upon the roster. 

Captain Fisher Camp Mo. p6, Sons of Veterans, was established 
January 12, 1888, with the following charter members. G. W. 
Robison, Mark Bass, William German, Charles Martz, Austin 
McLean, John McClain, Harry Whitenack, George Rodgers, 
Sylvester Polk, Harry Carnes, George W. Shycock, Bradley 
Clark, Charles League, Frank Polk, Arthur Wishard, Peter 
McClain, Edward II. Hurst, Charles A. Ferree, W. H. Whitenack 



554 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

and O. A. Robison. The camp is composed of the leading young 
men of the town and country, and, though still in its infancy, is 
growing satisfactorily. 

Centenary Lodge JVo. 2,ojp, K. of H., was incorporated under 
articles of association, March, 1S80, with a large list of charter mem- 
bers. The following is a brief statement of the objects aimed at, 
as set forth in the articles of association. " The object of this as- 
sociation shall be to unite fraternally all acceptable white men, who 
may become members, to gi\'e moral and material aid to the members 
of the association, to nurse and care for the sick and suffering mem- 
bers, and to keep them from want; to provide beneyolence and 
charity, by establishing a widows' and orphans' benefit fund, from 
which, in case of the satisfactory evidence of the death of a member of 
the association, who has complied with its lawful ruquirements, a sum 
not exceeding $2,000, shall be paid to his family * * * And to 
provide a fund for the relief of sick and distressed members." The 
lodge has accomplished a good work in the community, and though 
not as strong as formerly, is still in a fairly prosperous condition. 

Additional to the above orders, there is in Greenwood, at this 
time, an organization of the Society of Chosen Friends, which is re- 
ported in a prosperous condition, numbering among its members, 
some of the leading citizens of the community. The Knights of 
Labor are represented by an assembly which, though weak, nu- 
merically, is gradually gaining ground, and doing good work. 

Retrospective. — Perhaps the most prosperous era of Green- 
wood's existence, was the decade from 1855 to 1S65. During that 
period it assumed the character of an important commercial point, 
and drew a large amount of trade from the Counties of Johnson, 
Marion and Morgan. The completion of the railroad several years 
previous, gave an impetus to all kinds of business, but it was not 
until about the year 1855, that the importance of the town as a 
shipping point for grain, live-stock, lumber, etc., became apparent 
to the citizens of the adjacent country. The stringent times which 
followed a few sears after the war, had a depressing effect upon 
the business interest of the town, and a few of the merchants and 
others were obliged to succumb to financial disaster. The mer- 
chants, as a rule, have been unusually shrewd and progressive, and 
quite a number of them have realized comfortable fortunes from 
their business ventures. 

An era of prosperity seems to have been inaugurated in 1885, 
since which time many valuable improvements have been under- 
taken, including principally dwelling houses, more than twenty of 
which were erected during the year 1SS7. Some of these are ele- 
gant structures, and for neat homes, well-kept premises and other 



towns. 555 

evidences of an intelligent and progressive class of citizens, Green- 
wood will certainly compare favorably with any other town in 
Johnson County. The moral growth of the place has kept pace 
with its material prosperity, in fact exceeded it; and to-day there is 
no more quiet and law-abiding town in the state than Greenwood. 
Four churches, Presbyterian, Baptist, Methodist and Disciple, show 
the trend of religious sentiment, and a large and thoroughly disci- 
plined graded school attests the interest the people take in matters 
educational. The town has never been cursed by the presence of 
a saloon, although about the year 1857 a vain attempt was made to 
open and run such an establishment. 

The present business of the town may be summarized as follows: 
N. E. Noble, Grafton Peek, Bass & Crawford, and S. & M. 
Justus, general stores; Robert Milburn, groceries and confection- 
ery; Joseph Tomkins, stoves and hardware; Harvey Brewer, 
drugs; Dalton Wilson, drugs; David S. Whitenack, furniture and 

undertaking; McHose, furniture; D. Foster, bakery and 

restaurant; Mrs. McClain and Perdew, millinery; W. W. Watson, 
dealer in sewing machines; Scott & Wilson, agricaltural imple- 
ments, and livery stable; G. M. Whitenack, buyer and shipper of 
poultry; David S. Whitenack, hotel; Rogers, and George Over- 
street, meat markets ; R. H. McAlpin, manuf acturer and dealer in sad- 
dlery and harness; Stanton & Simpson, dealers in buggies and 
carriages: Joseph Prewett, contractor and builder: G. T. White and 
William Clark, blacksmiths; Watson & Wilson, and William H. 
Bishop, wagon-makers: William Simpson and Conklin, shoe- 
makers. Statistics of 1887: 

Value of lots $5^55 

Value of improvements 25,655 

Value of lots and improvements 30.710 

Value of personal propertv i-!!875 

Total assessed value of property 162,28a 

Williamsburg. — The village of Williamsburg is situated in the 
southern part of Nineveh Township, and is the site of one of the 
oldest setdements in Johnson Count}'. Among the first settlers in 
the neighborhood was Joab Woodruff, who, as early as 1822, 
erected a residence upon his land a short distance east of the vill- 
age, and the year following, opened a small store for the accom- 
modation of the few families then living in the vicinity. The 
circumstances under which this pioneer mercantile establishment 
was started, forms an interesting chapter in the early history of the 
village. Briefly stated, they are as follows: 

It appears that Mr. Woodruff was a very skillful hunter, and as 
the woods, at that time, abounded in an abundance of all kinds of 




55^ JOHNSON COUNTY. 

game, he had no difficulty in killing more than the necessities of his 
family required. During the winter of 182 2-3 and the succeeding 
spring, it is stated, that 370 deer and ten bears fell before his un- 
erring rifle, the skins and hams of which, he hauled to Madison, a 
distance of sixtv miles, and exchanged them for a few dry-goods and 
groceries. With the small stock thus obtained, he opened a store 
in his residence, near where the toll-house now stands, and was 
soon in the enjoyment of a very prosperous trade, his place of busi- 
ness being at the time the onlv source of supplies for a consider- 
able area of territory in Johnson and Brown counties. Money being 
very scarce, he was obliged to exchange his commodities for such 
articles of traffic as the country afforded, to wit: ginseng, deer 
skins, hams, maple sugar, feathers, wild honey, etc., large quanti- 
ties of which he secured and marketed at a good profit in Madison, 
and occasionally at Cincinnati. His store was highly prized by the 
people of the neighborhood, and by honorable dealing he suc- 
ceeded in laving the foundation for a comfortable fortune, which 
was subsequently divided among his eleven children, each of whom 
received as his allotment, a valuable farm. Mr. Woodruff sold 
goods for a period of twenty-five years, and is remembered as one 
of the substantial business men and prominent citizens of Nineveh 
Township. 

In the meantime, one Daniel Mussulman, whose arrival was 
contemporaneous with that of Woodruff, purchased the improve- 
ments of a settler by the name of Young, and located upon the 
present site of Williamsburg, where, as early as 1830, he opened a 
small store and began vending " foreign and domestic groceries, " 
which, of course, included a generous supply of whisky. The two 
stores formed the nucleus of quite a flourishing settlement, and 
the following year (1831) Henry Mussulman, thinking the in- 
creasing population of the neighborhood demanded an additional 
business house, procured a license for keeping a grocery. The 
records of the board of county justices show that A. H. Scrog^ins 
& Co. opened a mercantile establishment at Nineveh, in 1832, 
but of the success of their business venture, the local chronicler of 
the village is not informed. 

The better to induce settlers to locate in the neighborhood, and 
at the same time enhance the valtie of his real estate, and build up 
a flourishing dry goods business, Daniel Mussulman, about the year 
1834. procured the services of a surveyor, and laid out a plat of 
thirty-six lots, which was secured in May of that year, under the 
name of Williamsburg. The town site occupies a part of the west 
half of the southwest quarter of Section 27, Township 11 north, 
Range 4 east, which, with other lands in the township was pur- 



towns. 557 

chased from the government on the 20th day of August, 1823, by 
Joab Woodruff. The lots were at once offered for sale, and sev- 
eral of them found read}' purchasers, among whom are remem- 
bered Milburn Jacobs, an early trader, and William Gillaspy, whose 
" ginshop " became the rendezvous of all the worthless characters 
in the village and adjacent country. 

Daniel Mussulman continued the dry goods business with fair 
success for several years, but subsequently (183S) disposed of his 
stock to his son-in-law, Thomas Mullikin, whose store eventually 
became one of the best-known mercantile establishments in John- 
son County. Mr. Mullikin conducted a very successful business, 
and in time amassed a considerable fortune, the larger part of 
which consisted of valuable real estate in the neighborhood of the 
village. He subsequently disposed of his business and moved to 
Bloomington, where, it is said, he experienced severe financial re- 
verses. James Mills engaged in the dry goods business in Will- 
iamsburg in 1S39, with a stock of dry goods and whisky, and about 
the same time other stores were opened by merchants whose 
names are now difficult to recall. Among those who were iden- 
tified with the mercantile interests of the town from time to 
time, may be named: William Mathes, Benjamin Keeton, David 
Chase, Walter Black, Pudney & Miller, Miller & Graves, Miller & 
Keeton, Miller & Gale, John Walsh, Forsyth & Keeton, Aaron 
Gregg, Thomas Pruner, William Cotton, Felix Ditz, Harvey Mul- 
likin, Graves & Dressier, and Joab Dunham, the last-named being 
still in the business. It is not claimed that the above merchants 
are given in the order of succession, but the list contains the ma- 
jority of those who have carried on the mercantile business in Will- 
iamsburg since the founding of the village. 

The first physician in the neighborhood was Dr. William John- 
son, of Kentuckv, who began practicing the healing art within a 
short time after the arrival of the first settlers. He made his home 
for some time with the Woodruff family, and is said to have been 
a painstaking and successful practitioner. The following medical 
men practiced their profession in the village at different times : Drs. 
Ward, Howes, Farmer, Woodyard, McDermott, McCorkle, Marrs, 
Schotield, Mellett, St. John, Ream, Lanam and Davis, and the pres- 
ent physicians, A. J. Marshall, A. F. Wright and Irwin Hibbs. 

One of the earliest industries of Williamsburg, was a distillery, 
started about the time the town was laid out, by Daniel Mussulman, 
who operated it with fair success, for several years. \\ hile whisky 
was an article of almost daily use in the majority of the early fami- 
lies ot the country, this distillery appears to have been the fruitful 
source of a great deal of trouble in the village, and its presence was 




$$8 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

greatly deplored by the more peaceably disposed citizens of the 
neighborhood. It was the resort of the convivial spirits of the com- 
munity, who on certain days of the week imbibed so freely of the 
"spirits of the still "" as to make the little village hilarious with drunken 
shouts and maudlin revelry. Mr. Mussulman manufactured for the 
local demand only, and exchanged the production of his distillery 
for corn, with an occasional sale for cash. He finally abandoned 
the business, since which time no attempt has been made to manu- 
facture " calamitv water " in Williamsburg. 

The manufacture of leather was also an early industry in the 
village, and it is stated that a small tannery was operated as long 
ago as 1835 or 1836, by one Robert Whitney. He made a good 
article of leather, and was in the business, on a small scale, for 
several years. John Prime began tanning, in an early day, as did 
James C. Parmelee, the latter of whom appears to have met with 
good success in the venture. He carried on the business for some 
time in Williamsburg, but later, moved his tannery to Brown 
County, where bark could be more easilv obtained. Mr. Parmelee 
subsequently met with a violent death at Edinburg while attempt- 
ing to jump from a moving train. Among the earl}' mechanics of 
Williamsburg, was George Fleming, who, prior to the year 1834, 
began the manufacture of furniture on the Woodruff place, about a 
quarter of a mile east of the village. He subsequently moved his 
shop to the town, and for a number of years supplied the greater 
part of the furniture used by the early settlers. He was a good 
workman, and met with financial success for a few years, but after- 
ward failed in business and left the town. 

John Gosney and Matthias Derrington effected a partnership in 
cabinet making many years, and operated a shop with encouraging 
success for some time. Derrington is remembered as a skillful 
mechanic, and numerous specimens of his handiwork are still to be 
seen in the dwellings of the older citizens of the village and town- 
ship. About the year 184S, or 1849, Ellis Jones began the manu- 
facture of wagons in Williamsburg, constructing vehicles to order, 
and for the general trade. He employed several good machanics, 
and put up first class work, and continued the business with success 
and financial profit for a period *of eight or ten years. He then 
disposed of the shop and engaged in saw-milling, and was thus em- 
ployed until his death, some time in the fifties. Jacob Landis, 
about the year 1S55, opened a carriage shop in the village, which 
gave employment to from eight to twelve hands. Mr. Landis 
came from Pennsylvania, and was a very skillful mechanic, as is 
attested by the superior quality of the vehicles which he placed 
upon the market. He manufactured all kinds of carriages, bug- 



TOWNS. 



559 



gies, spring wagons, etc., beside doing an extensive repairing busi- 
ness, and operated his shop quite sucessfully, until about i860, or 
1862, when he abandoned the business and left for other parts. 

The manufacture of lumber has been one of the most impor- 
tant industries of Williamsburg ever since the founding of the 
village, at which time a steam saw-mill was started bv Daniel Mus- 
sulman. It was an ordinary mill, with an old-fashioned sash saw, 
but was highly prized by the people of the community, who, before 
its erection, were compelled to go long distances for their lumber, or 
znanufacture it by hand. The mill was in operation for several 
years. A large frame flouring mill, operated by steam power, was 
erected in the southeastern part of the village, about the year 1866, by 
Andrew Barnett and Henry Pudney. After operating it sometime 
they sold out to other parties. It did a good business until 1878, 
at which time it was destroyed by fire. The last owners were 
Samuel Dunham, Daniel Britton and George Solomon, who subse- 
quently erected a large saw-mill upon the same spot, which is still in 
operation. The latter is owned and operated at this time by Dun- 
ham, Britton & Co. Several years ago, Messrs. Land & Britton, 
began the manufacture of drain tiling, which they still carry on, 
their factory at this time, being one of the most successful enter- 
prises of the kind in the southern part of the count}-. 

The Masonic order is represented in Williamsburg, by Nineveh 
lodge No. 317, the history of which dates from about the year 
1862 or 1863. The lodge was organized with a small membership, 
but soon became a flourishing society. While not as strong numeri- 
cally as formerly, it is still in a prosperous condition with an active 
membership of thirty-five. A Grand Army Post was organized in 
1SS6, but did not have a very long life, disbanding after an exis- 
tence of about eighteen months. The membership being quite 
small, it was deemed prudent to surrender the charter and meet 
with neighboring posts. 

In churches and schools Williamsburg is not behind her sister 
towns of the count}', there being at this time two religious organiza- 
tions, with as many houses of worship, and one of the best graded 
school building, in the county. The Christian Church is a substan- 
tial brick edifice, representing a value of about $3,000, and the 
Methodist building a frame structure, while not so valuable or com- 
modious, is a comfortable building, capable of accommodating an 
audience of from 250 to 300 persons. The former building is 
situated in the Williamsburg cemetery, a beautiful plat of about two 
acres, which was consecrated to the burial of the dead, in i860. 
The first person laid to rest in this cemetery was Harriet, daughter 
of Jeremiah Woodruff, whose death occurred some time in the above 
year. 



560 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Among the local happenings of Williamsburg and vicinity, may 
be recorded the death of James Mathes, by suicide, which occurred 
in a very early day, upon his place, a short distance south of the 
village. He was found hanging from a beam in an old out-house, 
and when discovered, had probably been dead for some hours. 
The cause which led him to commit the rash deed was never 
known. About the year 1857 or 1S5S, Jacob Landis met with a violent 
death by being crushed beneath the large fly-wheel of his saw-mill. 
It appears that he was doing some work in the second story of the 
mill, immediately over the machinery, and while thus engaged, 
accidentally fell through the floor upon the wheel, which so 
mangled him that death ensued in a short time. John Ruble, a 
resident of the village, was accidentally killed about the year 1873, 
while hunting. He was shot through the body with his own gun, 
and was discovered dead a few minutes after the fatal discharge. 
The following is a summary of the business for 18SS : Joab Dun- 
ham, general store; Turner Hungate, groceries: Frank Boswell, 
groceries and hardware; Robert A. Wilkes, drug store; Joseph 
Hughes, drugs; Jefferson Yates, confectionery. James Wilkes, 
Thomas Cravens and Daniel Britton, blacksmiths; Joshua Aly, 
harness-maker; William Holtz, wagon-maker and repairer; Will- 
iam Chapman, shoemaker; Marshall Ralston, livery stable and un- 
dertaker: Mr. Maris, sale stable. Present population about 350. 

Trafalgar. — The thriving town of Tralfalgar is pleasantly situ- 
ated on the Fairland & Martinsville Railroad, in the northeastern 
part of Hensley Township, about eight miles southwest of Frank- 
lin. Surrounding the village is a fine tract of country, the settle- 
ment of which dates back to a very earlv day. Among those who 
first located homes in the vicinity, were Henry Bartlett, Peter Titus, 
George Bridges, D. Mussulman, Henry Mussulman. A. M. Beckner, 
Stith Daniel, Elijah Moore, John James, Simpson Sturgeon, John 
Thompson, Henry Carroll, John and James Wylie, the Bailey family, 
and Thomas Lyman, all of whom settled within a radius of three- 
quarters of a mile from the village. These pioneer families were soon 
joined by others, and as the population of the neighborhood in- 
creased, the advisability of locating a trading point began to be dis- 
cussed. No definite action was taken in regard to the matter, 
however, until about the time the Fairland & Martinsville Railroad 
was projected through jhe county, when A. M. Buckner and Elijah 
Moore employed a surveyor, and had a plat of twenty-seven lots 
laid out on Sections 1 and 12, Township 11 north. Range 3 east, 
which was recorded in 185 1. under the name of Liberty. From 
the above date the history of Trafalgar properly begins. 

A short time after the town was laid out, a man bv the name 



TOWNS. 56l 

of Culver opened a small general store on the south side of the 
railroad, and about the same time Mr. Buckner erected a frame 
business house, and began merchandising. He soon succeeded in 
building up a lucrative trade, but sold out in a short time to his 
son, Avery M. Buckner, who failed to make the business success- 
ful. The building was afterward occupied by Alfred Sturgeon & 
Son, who carried on a fairly successful trade for a few years, and 
later came a Mr. McCreary, whose business venture did not prove 
so fortunate. Among the earliest residents of the village was a 
mechanic, by the name of Middleton, who started a cabinet shop, 
which he operated until his death a few years later. Solomon P. 
Zook, James Buckner, Avery Buckner, A Cole, William Ragsdale 
and Wilford Wilev, were among the first citizens of the place to 
erect residences, all of whom moved to the village within a short 
time after it was founded. 

As early as 1852, Mr. Buckner made application for a post- 
office, in which movement he found a competitor, in the person of 
George Bridges, a well-to-do farmer of the neighborhood, who, in 
order to press his own claims for the office, laid out in 1853 a small 
plat, one-half mile west of Liberty, which he named Hensleytown. 
The rivalry between the two places became quite spirited, and it 
was for some time a matter of considerable doubt as to which of 
the towns would secure the much coveted postoffice. Mr. Bridges' 
application followed close after the one sent by Mr. Buckner, but 
the latter's reaching Washington first, was favorably acted upon, and 
the office established at Liberty. The department, however, objected 
to the name Liberty, on account of an older office of that name in the 
state, and, as a result of the communications which followed, Tra- 
falgar was selected as the name by which the new postoffice should 
be known. Mr. Buckner was appointed postmaster, and the first 
mails were delivered to the neighbors from his store. 

The failure of Hensleytown to secure the office did not retard 
its growth, and no great time elapsed before the majority of the 
lots were purchased and improved. One of the first buildings in 
the new town was a large store-room, erected by Mr. Bridges, 
who, in partnership with E. W. Morgan, engaged in merchandising 
and dealing in grain. They continued the business about three or 
four years, at the end of which time C. R. Ragsdale purchased 
Bridges' interest, and the firm became knov^i as. Morgan & Rags- 
dale. The latter subsequently retired from the firm, after which 
Morgan continued the business several years, eventually selling out 
to his son, W. C. Morgan. Mr. Morgan built the first residence 
in Hensleytown, which is still standing, occupied at this time by 



562 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

William H. Collier. The store building is also standing, and is 
owned by W. R. Willan, and occupied by G. W. Buckner. 

Among the first permanent settlers in the new town, were: 
Robert Waggin, a carpenter, and John Marsh, blacksmith, both of 
whom came early in the fifties, and erected residences. Marsh ran 
a shop for a number of years, and was a very successful and skill- 
ful mechanic. The first manufacturing enterprise of the place was 
a saw-mill, erected in the eastern part of the village, near the rail- 
road, by J. M. Cottell and George Bridges. This mill was operated 
quite extensively for some time, and proved a source of considerable 
revenue to the proprietors. From 1S53 until 1867, Liberty and 
Hensleytown, although situated within less than a half mile of each 
other, and generally considered as one village, maintained a separ- 
ate existence, but in the latter year, J. J. Moore, a prominent busi- 
ness man, purchased a tract of land south of Hensleytown, upon 
which he laid out a plat of twenty lots, under the name of Trafal- 
gar. At the same time the names Hensleytown and Liberty were 
legally changed by the commissioners' court, and the name Trafal- 
gar adopted for the entire town. This was in April, 1867, since 
which time Liberty and Hensleytown have existed in name only. 

The laying out of Trafalgar, and the union of the three places, 
marked an important era in the history of the town, and since that 
time its growth has been steady and substantial. An addition of 
ten lots was made in April, 1868, by E. W. Morgan; James Gill- 
aspy's addition of six lots was surveyed December, 1870, and in 
April, 1872, an addition of eleven lots was made by John T. Rags- 
dale. Gillaspy's second addition, consisting of nine lots, was laid 
out December, 1873, and in December, 1883, J. J. Moore's addi- 
tion of forty lots was surveyed and recorded. 

Growth Since iS6~. — It may be well to state in this connection, 
that the first residences in the Trafalgar plat were erected by J. B. 
Riley, William Kelch, and N. Coppock, respectively. Other im- 
provements were pushed forward as rapidly as circumstances would 
admit, and it was not long until nearly all the lots found ready 
purchasers, among whom were merchants, mechanics and laborers, 
attracted by the favorable location of the town as a business point. 

For the greater part of its prosperity Trafalgar is indebted to 
J. J. Moore, who, since 1867, has been the moving spirit of the 
place, and its leading business man. Mr. Moore began the mer- 
cantile business in February, 1867, in the old Buckner building in 
Liberty, and in the summer and fall of that year moved his stock to 
a large store-room which he erected near the railroad in the new 
plat. His business, which includes several departments, increased 
as the years went by, until he is now ranked among the most sue- 



TOWNS. 563 

cessful merchants of Johnson County. John T. Ragsdale erected a 
store-room opposite the Morgan building, and was for a short time 
engaged in the mercantile, undertaking and harness business. The 
following business men and firms were identified with the mercan- 
tile interests of the town from time to time, to-wit : Wesley Vandi- 
ver, D. M. Foster, John White, Mr. Cronon, Hill & Co., of Mor- 
gantown, C. M. Eaton, Willan Bros., Daniel Davis, William 
Thompson. Aaron Jolliffe, William R. Shoemaker, McCoy & Co., 
W. R. Willan and William Dawson. 

Manufactures. — Trafalager is essentially a commercial town, 
consequently but little attention has been given to manufacturing 
enterprises. As already stated, one of the earliest mills in the vill- 
age was for the manufacture of lumber, erected as early as 1848 
or 1849, by Messrs. Bridges, Hicks & Cottell. The mill did a 
flourishing business for many years, as the manufacture of lumber 
became an important industry soon after the completion of the rail- 
road. The business has been carried on at different times in the 
village bv the following persons, namely: I. Clark, Bridges & 
Alexander, A. B. Clark, Adams & Cottell, John Scott, Thompson 
& Campbell, White & Co., David Campbell, J. J. Moore, John T. 
Ragsdale, Landers & Co., John Ellis & Co. The only saw-mill 
in the place at this time is operated by John T. Ragsdale. The 
first mill was destroyed bv fire several yeai s ago. 

About the year 1S56 or 1857, Jackson High and H. Goodman, 
built a large three-store frame flouring mill in the southern part 
of the town, which has been in operation ever since. It has been 
owned and operated at different times by Morgan & Voris, Peters 
eS: Buckner, Cottell, Wilson & Co., William Vickerman, and oth- 
ers, the majority of whom were reasonably successful in the busi- 
ness. The present proprietor is J. J. Moore, who operates it for 
the custom trade only. The building has been remodeled and en- 
larged from time to time, and is now a very substantial structure. 
The planing mill was started a few years ago by J. Forsyth, who 
did a fair business. It is still in operation. 

Physicians. — The following list comprises nearly, if not quite, all 
the men who have practiced the healing art in the town of Trafal- 
gar: Drs. Ilibbs, Ream, Netherton, Conn, Brenton, Oardan, Ful- 
ler, Ross, Admire and Bergan. The physicians at this time are: 
Drs. J. B. Ream, E. B. Willan and R. D.' Willan. 

Incorporation. — About the year 1870 or 1871, the citizens of 
Trafalgar desiring to ascertain whether public sentiment was in 
favor of erecting and maintaining a town corporation, called an elec- 
tion to decide the same. A vote was cast with a small majority in 
favor ol the measure; accordingly the village was duly incorporated 
36 



564 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

and municipal officers elected. For some time the workings of the 
corporation progressed favorably, but after the lapse of three or 
four years, a difficulty arose concerning- the erection of a school 
building in the town, the result of which was a division of the pop- 
ulace upon the question of taxation. The plan of the building 
contemplated was upon a scale entirely too expensive to suit a num- 
ber of property owners, who, rather than submit to being taxed for 
its erection, determined, if possible, to bring about the destruction 
of the corporation. The controversy between the two factions 
aroused no little feeling among the citizens of the town, and it was 
finally agreed by those most interested, to decide the question of 
continuing the corporation by a vote of the people. Accordingly 
an election was held, the result of which was a small majority in 
favor of abandoning the municipality. The wisdom of this step 
has never been made apparent, but upon the contrary, the village 
has evidently suffered in many ways for the want of proper muni- 
cipal management. 

Fire. — Like many other towns of its size, Trafalgar has been 
visited at different times by fire. The last and by far the most de- 
structive conflagration from which the village ever suffered, took 
place on the morning of May 10, 1881, when property to the 
amount of over $20,000, was converted into a mass of smouldering 
ruins. The Are originated in Willan's drug store, two doors north 
of the railroad, and when first discovered, at about 4 o'clock in the 
morning, had gained such headway as to render futile all attempts 
to check it. The fire spread rapidly, and within a comparatively 
short time, the buildings, east, north and south of the burning struct- 
ure were enveloped in flames and doomed to destruction. The 
citizens were soon aroused and did all they could to check the de- 
vouring element, which, despite their every effort, continued to 
spread, until within the short space of an hour, the business portion 
of the town, and several residences and other buildings were laid 
in ashes. Among those who suffered seriously by the fire were 
Messrs. Davis, Shoemaker, Foster, Willan Bros., and J. J. Moore. 
The loss of Mr. Moore was especially severe, exceeding that suff- 
ered by any other man in the burnt district. His dry goods, gro- 
cery and clothing stores, warehouse, tin-shop, butcher shop, scale 
house, and other buildings, were completely destroyed, as was also 
the greater part of his stock, his loss alone aggregating over $6,000. 

A more discouraging and unsightly outlook than the little vill- 
age presented after the tire, would be difficult to imagine, but the 
people, with the energy which has always characterized them, soon 
rallied from the effects of the conflagration, and began rebuilding 
their property-. A better class of buildings took the places of the 



TOWNS. 565 

old ones, and within a year or two over $25,000 was expended in 
improving the burnt district of the town. Among these improve- 
ments are the large two-Story brick store building and other struc- 
tures erected by Mr. Moore, several buildings put up by W. R. 
Willan, and the business houses of C. M. Eaton, John Stevens, 
Pitcher & Foster, and others. This spirit of improvement still 
continues, and it is now a question whether the conflagration which 
gave it form, was not really a blessing in disguise. 

Churches and Schools.. — The citizens of Trafalgar have always 
displayed commendable zeal in the cause of education, as is at- 
tested by the presence of the large and commodious two-story 
brick school-house, representing a capital of nearly $3,000. This 
building was erected in 18S0-1, and is one of the best houses of 
the kind in the southern part of the county. There are three 
churches in the town : Methodist, Baptist, and Christian, all of 
which have comfortable and commodious temples of worship. 
These buildings are frame structures, well finished and furnished, 
and the societies which meet in them are among the most aggres- 
sive religious organizations in the county. 

Odd Fellows. — The Odd Fellows fraternity is represented by 
Trafalgar Lodge No. 1S1, which was re-organized from an old so- 
ciety of the same number, known as Hensley Lodge. Hensley 
Lodge was instituted a number of years ago, and for some time en- 
joyed a reasonable degree of prosperity. Owing to deaths, re- 
movals and other causes, it finally became very weak, and several 
years ago the charter was surrendered to the Grand Lodge. A few 
of the members and others subsequently petitioned for a new charter, 
which was granted under the name of Trafalgar Lodge, which 
now has a membership of about forty in good standing. Among 
the charter members were Singleton Hunter, C. R. Ragsdale, J. T. 
Ragsdale, D. M. Foster, G. R. Sims, William H. Lawson and James 
M. Stout. Meetings were held for one year in the hall over J. J. 
Moore's store, and later Forsyth's hall, on Main Street was secured, 
and here the lodge held its sessions about three years. A few years 
ago, the lodge purchased a good hall which had been erected for 
the purpose, and have since met in their own property. The hall 
is neatly furnished and the lodge is in good condition. 

Masonic. — Trafalgar Lodge, No. 314, A. F. & A. M., was 
chartered May 24, 1S70, but worked about one year previous to 
that time under dispensation from the Grand Lodge. The first offi- 
cers were Cornelius McFadden, W. M.; Reason \V. Slack. S. \\'„ 
and Elijah Bradley, J. W. The hall in which the first sessions 
were held, and which the lodge owned, was destroyed in the lire 
of 18S0. Since that year, meetings have been held in a hall be- 



566 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

belonging to \V. R. WUlan. The membership at this time is 
thirty-two. 

Present Business Interests of Trafalgar. — As a mercantile 
and shipping point, the town of Trafalgar is second to no place of 
its size on the Martinsville & Fairland Railroad. It is a good 
grain and live-stock market, and outside of Franklin, ships more 
lumber, timber, ties, etc., than any other town in the county. The 
population at this time is about 600, and the business is represented 
by the following register: Joseph J. Moore, large general store, 
also railroad and express agent; G. W. Buckner, general store; 
C.J. Slack, groceries: C. L. Van Cleve, groceries; William H. 
Collier, groceries: C. M. Eaton, hardware, furniture, undertaking 
and agricultural implements, Alonzo Ragsdale, drugs: James M. 
Stout, harness and shoe store, also proprietor of hotel: Julia 
Philips, millinery. The mechanics are: W. II. Kelch, John Simp- 
son and C. Durmen, blacksmiths: Elisha Slack, wagon-maker, re- 
pairer, and general wood workman. Additional to the above, there 
are a livery stable, cooper shop, photograph gallery and barber 
shop. 

White/and. — The thriving little town of Whiteland is situated 
nearly midway between Franklin and Greenwood, on the J., M. & I. 
Railroad, and is the center of one of the oldest settled and richest 
agricultural portions of Pleasant Township. The village lies one 
mile north of the Franklin Township line, two miles west of Clark 
Township, about four and a half miles northwest of the county 
seat, and embraces wtthin its present limits parts of Sections 22 
and 27, Township 13 north, Range 4 east, of the congressional 
survey. As early as 1S5S. the locality came into prominence, on ac- 
count of a small countrv store and two shops, erected about that time 
at the "cross roads," but the idea of establishing a town was not 
entertained bv the owners of the land, until some time after that 
date. The store referred to was opened by one Jackson Thorpe, 
who erected a small frame building a short distance west of the 
railroad track, on land purchased for the purpose from J. D. 
Brewer, one of the original proprietors of the place. Mr. Thorpe 
engaged in merchandising upon a limited scale, his stock consisting 
of a miscellaneous assortment of goods, such as is usually found in 
countrv stores. Henry Freeman began blacksmithing about 1858, 
and the same year one George W. Walker purchased a lot and 
opened a wagon and wheelwright's shop, in which trades he is said 
to have done a fairly remumerative business. The nucleus of the 
town thus formed, other settlers came in from time to time, and it 
was not long until the place became noted as a very prosperous 
and promising local trading point. 



TOWNS. 567 

To further the interest of the village and advertise its advant- 
ages to artisans and tradesmen, Messrs. J. B. White, Jacob Varner, 
Thomas Walker, George W. Walker and Amazon Booth, in March, 
1863, laid out a town plat of about fortv lots, quite a number of 
which were at once purchased and improved. A goodly portion 
of the village was never regularly platted, but additions were made 
to the original survey from time to time, the best of which was 
Brewer"s addition of six lots, surveved and recorded July, 1883. 
As already stated. Mr. Thorpe kept the first store. After carrying 
on business a couple of years, he disposed of his stock to Joseph 
White, who was identified with the mercantile interests of the town 
for a period of three or four years, during which time he succeeded 
in establishing quite a lucrative trade. Additional to Messrs. 
Thorpe and White, the following men and firms sold goods in the 
town at different times, namely: Miller & Foxworthy, Myers & 
Wilson, Jacob White, Tracy, Stewart & Wilson, Clark & Voris, 
Green, Brooks & Co., Brooks & Smock, Smock & Combs, Isaac 
Jelf, M. B. Draper, Green & Draper, Fisher & Fisher, Miller & 
Brooks, T. P. Davidson, C. Springer, George Ransdall, Ransdall 
& Bro. 

The above list constitutes nearly, if not quite, all the merchants 
from the founding of the town to the present time. Some of these 
men met with gratifying success in their business ventures, while 
others were not so fortunate, several failures constituting a part of 
the town's history. A postoffice was established late in the fifties 
or earh- in 1S60 or 1861, with Jacob White as first postmaster. 
The original name of the office was Wheatland, which was after- 
ward changed to Whiteland on account of another and older office 
of the former name in one of the eastern counties of the state. 
Since the expiration of Mr. White's official term the* office has been 
held by the following persons, to-wit: Archibald Graham, Dalton 
Wilson, M. J. Tracy, Lewis Clark, A. Brooks, William Smock, 
and the present incumbent, J. F. Smithey. 

Whiteland is essentiallv a mercantile town, beintf heretofore 
thought too near the cities of Indianapolis and Franklin, to justify 
the investment of capital in manufactures of any considerable mag- 
nitude. At this time, however, a large fruit packing house is in 
the process of construction which, when completed, will be one of 
the most extensive enterprises of the kind in Indiana. The main 
building is 45x156 feet in size, 96 feet of which is one story high 
and 60 feet two stories. The boiler and process rooms are 30x60 
feet, and the entire structure is situated in the northern part of the 
village, on a plat of two acres of ground, adjoining the railroad 
track. The building will be supplied with the latest improved ma- 



568 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

chinery and appliances for the canning of corn, peas, tomatoes and 
other articles usually prepared by first-class packing houses, and 
the capacity is estimated at 10,000 cans per day. Fruit and 
vegetables will be furnished by farmers in the vicinity of the town, 
and the production of 150 acres of land have already been engaged. 
This mammoth establishment is being erected b} r a stock company, 
which was organized on the 10th day of December, 1SS7. with a 
paid up capital of $20,000. The officers of the company are as 
follows: President, Matthew J. Tracy; secretary, Samuel Brewer; 
treasurer, Albert R. Brooks; directors, M. J. Tracy, Joseph Dar- 
rell, William A. Brooks, Daniel A. Brewer and Samuel E. Brewer. 
A large frame flourin<r-mill was erected at Whiteland about the 
year 1867, by a Mr. Graham. After operating it a short time he 
sold an interest to Mr. Dixon, and the two, under the firm name of 
Graham & Dixon, did a lucrative business for some years. Mr. 
Dixon finally purchase his partner's interest, and ran the mill quite 
successfully for some time. His flour failing to compete success- 
fullv in the market with flour manufactured by the roller process, 
Mr. Dixon finally abandoned the business, and converting his mill 
into an elevator, began dealing in grain, which he still carries on. 
He has given his entire attention to the grain business since 1SS7, 
and is at this time the largest buyer and shipper on the J., M. & I. 
road, between the cities of Indianapolis and Franklin. 

' An early industry of the town was a stave factory operated 
several years by the Dolan Brothers, who, in addition to making 
Staves, manufactured barrels for the mill, when the latter was in 
operation. The great demand for drain tile in this part of the 
county, has induced a number of people to engage in its manufac- 
ture within the last few years. A large factory was established at 
Whiteland, some time ago by Messrs. Leech & Maxfield, who in 
1SS5, sold out to C. E. Peggs. The latter subsequently moved the 
establishment from the village. While in operation at Whiteland, 
this factory turned out a greater quantity of tiling than any other 
establishment of the kind in Johnson County. 

In March, 1SS6, the citizens of the village called an election to 
decide the question of creating and maintaining a town corporation. 
The project was carried by a small majority, after which a board 
of trustees was elected, composed of the following persons : D. W. 
Brewer, A. Boon, and William Smock. The other municipal offi- 
cers were: M. B. Fisher, clerk, and T. P. Woods, marshal. The 
town board for 1888, is as follows: D. W. Brewer, L. A. Wheel- 
ing, and Dr. G. W. Covert. M. B. Fisher, is clerk, and Joseph 
Darral, marshal. While not a place of very great business import- 
ance, Whiteland commands a fair proportion of the current trade, 



TOWNS. 569 

and will doubtless remain as it has been in the past, one of the best 
grain and live-stock markets in the county. Its business for the 
year iSSS, may be summarized as follows: General stores — W. E. 
Fitzpatrick and G. W. Combs; groceries — J. F. Smithey; grocer- 
ies and drugs — A. R. Brooks; drugs — G. W. Fisher; black- 
smiths — W. J. White and B. F. Corley; contractors and builders — ■ 
W. H. Wheeling & Son. The physicians are: Drs. P. K. Dobyns, 
James Beebe and A. M. Miller. Mrs. J. B. White affords enter- 
tainment to the traveling public by keeping one of the best little 
hotels in the county. 

The Methodists and Presbyterians have flourishing organiza- 
tions and neat houses of worship in the village, and the presence of 
a large and elegantly furnished graded school building is ocular evi- 
dence that the intellectual welfare of the juvenile population has not 
been neglected. 

A history of Whiteland would be incomplete without a sketch 
of its superb military band, at this time one of the largest and most 
successful musical organizations of the kind in the west. The 
credit of bringing about the organization and making it one of the 
leading bands of Indiana, belongs to S. E. Brewer, through whose 
efforts the original organization was perfected, in October, 1884, 
with sixteen members. Under the directorship of a skillful musi- 
cian, the band made rapid progress, and in July, 1885, scored its 
first success by winning first prize over three competing bands in a 
musical contest at Lebanon, Ind. September 13, 1885, it was 
awarded third prize in a contest with six bands at Madison, and in 
October of the same year competed with four bands at Edinburg, 
where the second prize was secured. In the contest at Seymour, 
June 5, 1886, when five of the leading bands in the state entered 
the list, it was awarded the palm of excellence over all its competitors, 
and a still greater honor was achieved in September of the same 
year, when it captured the first prize over eight bands at the mu- 
sical tournament at Terre Haute. Its record was further brightened 
July 4, 1SS6, by being awarded first prize at Shelby ville, Ind., four 
other bands competing. In addition to the above series of successes, 
the Whiteland band has played in nearly all of the larger cities of 
Indiana, and, in 1S87, was selected to furnish the music for the state 
fair at Indianapolis. The present director of the band is Prof. 
R. B. Rudv, of Indianapolis, a graduate of the leading musical in- 
stitutions of the United States, and one of the most skillful musi- 
cians at this time in Indiana. He meets the band twice each week, 
and feels justly proud of the superb organization. Twelve of the 
original sixteen members are yet with the band, and the entire 
number now in the organization is twenty-three. 



57° JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Union village, a small hamlet in Union Township, was laid out 
October, 1S35, f° r Willis Deet and Calvin Utterback, proprietors. 
The village is situated in the northwest corner of Section 14. and 
the northeast comer of Section 15, Township 12 north, Range 3 
east, and consists of thirty-two lots and two streets, Franklin and 
Meridian, each forty-nine and one-half feet wide; the former run- 
ning east and west, and the latter north and south. The locality 
was settled in a very early day. and the village is merely the out- 
growth of a neighborhood's demand for a trading point. From the 
most reliable information obtainable a man by the name of Johnson 
was the first person to engage in the mercantile business. This 
was some time before the village was founded, consequently Mr. 
Johnson's store must have been one of the earliest mercantile es- 
tablishments in Johnson County. Of the nativity of Mr. Johnson, 
and the extent of his business, little is now known, as over a half- 
century has dissolved in the mists of the past since he erected his 
diminutive shanty and began dealing in merchandise. He carried 
on business for a short time, and exchanged his commodities for 
peltries, wild honey, ginseng, feathers and various other articles 
which answered the purpose of money among the sturdy pioneer 
families of the community. The "fire water" doled out over Mr. 
Johnson's counter was of a very cheap, if not vile, quality, and 
from the amount used, the place was early known as " Rot Gut," 
which euphonious name clung to it for a number of years. The 
death of Mr. Johnson, which occurred within a short time after he 
commenced business, is said to have been one of the first events of 
the kind in Union Township. Austin Jacobs, in a very early day, 
started a small general store in his residence, about 200 yards north 
of the village limits, which was highly prized by the citizens of the 
neighborhood. He carried on a small business for several years, 
and is remembered b}- the older citizens as an humble, though not 
a very progressive, merchant. It is not now known who followed 
Mr. Jacobs, but the local chronicler claims that the village, with 
one or two brief intervals, has been the scene of mercantile trafic 
ever since Mr. Johnson opened the first store earlv in the thirties. 

Among the business men in a later day was a Mr. Palmer, after 
whom came Pressley Glassgo, who sold goods with fair success for 
some years. Joshua Harris began merchandizing early in the six- 
ties, and a little later, Harvey Jackson started a general store, in 
which he subsequently took a partner, in the person of one J. C. 
Drummond. Henry Wvlie was identified with the business inter- 
ests of the place several years, as were also Messrs. Perry & 
Deer, and Perry & Harris. Perry subsequently purchased the in- 
terest of Mr. Harris, and after continuing the business some time, 



towns. 57 r 

sold out to John M. Simpson, who, in partnership with Jacob 
Dresser, now owns the only mercantile establishment in the place. 
Dr. Whipple began practicing the healing art at Union village, 
many years ago, and is remembered as a reasonably successful 
physician. Dr. Wright was also an early physician, and some time 
in the fifties Dr. L. C. Garr became a resident of the place, and 
soon had a large and lucrative practice throughout the eastern part 
of Johnson County. He practiced several years by himself, but 
about the year 1S67, began practicing with Dr. William Provine, 
to whom he afterward sold out. Dr. Provine has been the resi- 
dent physician since the above year, and is now one of the success- 
ful medical men of Johnson County. 

In the early days of the village when the country was new the 
manufacture of lumber became an important industry, and saw- 
mills were among the first enterprises of the locality. A company 
composed of ten stockholders was organized a number of years 
ago, for the purpose of manufacturing lumber at Union village. 
A good steam mill was brought to the place, which, after being op- 
erated by said company for some time, fell into the hands of Peter 
and John Shuck, who ran it successfully for some time. It was 
finally purchased by Joseph K. Titus, in whose family it has since 
remained. As a trading point Union village has always been a 
place of considerable traffic, but if the projectors of the town ever 
dreamed of it becoming a populous city, their dreams were des- 
tined to remain forever unrealized. At no time in its history has 
the population of the place exceeded 200, and at this time, 
the number of inhabitants will fall far below those figures. As al- 
ready stated there is one general store kept by Simpson & Dresser,, 
who report their business good. The other business of the place is 
represented by two blacksmith shops, kept by William T. Clark 
and Thomas Montgomery, and one wagon and general repair shop, 
by Cornelius Gilmer. 

The Masonic Lodge at Union village was organized January 
16, 1877, with the following members: Samuel Harris, Jesse W. 
Knox, James N. Robinson, Jesse T. Harris, W. B. Garr, William 
Rivers, Daniel G. Doty, William Reeves, Jordan Utterback, William 
M. Province, David Glassburn, Henry W eye, and L. E. Townsend. 
The first officers were Samuel Harris, W. M. ; William M. Pro- 
vince, S. W.; Jesse W. Knox, J. W.; James N. Robinson, S. D.; 
Jesse T. Harris, J. D.; W. B. Garr, secretary; Daniel G. Doty, 
treasurer (pro tern.), and William Rivers, tvler. Financially, the 
lodge is in good condition, the hall and lodge property being valued 
at $700. The membership is about thirty. 



57 2 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Far West, now extinct, was the nucleus of a very earl}' set- 
tlement in the western part of White River Township, and at one 
time was favorably mentioned as a suitable location for the state 
capital. In fact, the commissioners appointed to locate the capital, 
visited the " bluffs," as the place was originally called, and it is 
stated that in the final test, it fell behind Indianapolis, only one or 
two votes. The village was laid out November, 1S33, by William 
II. II. Pinney, and is described as being on the "north end of the 
southwest quarter of Section 18," Township 13 north, Range 3 
east, the plat consisting of fifty-eight lots and four streets. 
The place became a local trading point a few years before the sur- 
vey was made, but who the first merchant was, is now a matter of 
conjecture. One of the first business men, however, was a Mr. 
Davis, who sold goods with fair success for a few years, exchanging 
his commodities for such produce as the country at that time 
afforded. 

Major Pinney began merchandising a little later, and was per- 
haps the first postmaster of the village. He was a shrewd busi- 
ness man a local politician of considerable note, and is favorablv re- 
membered for his eminent social qualities. He was a very popular 
citizen, and did a thriving trade for a number of years, moving 
afterward to Indianapolis. Samuel Deitch was an early merchant 
also, and a very successful one. He sold goods in the village for a 
period of eight of ten years, and then moved his business to Frank- 
lin, where he subsequently accummulated a large fortune. It is 
stated that he first began business as a peddler, making his regular 
rounds on fact, and after acquiring sufficient money to buy a horse 
visited his customers on horse back. Mr. Deitch was one of the 
last, if not the last, merchant to do business in the town of Far 
West. The springing up of the town of Waverly, a short distance 
below, on White River, had a depressing effect upon Far West, 
and this, with other causes, among which were the building of mills 
elsewhere and the construction of railroads through the country 
finally caused the village to be abandoned and the plat vacated. 

Samaria is situated a short distance southeast of Trafalgar, on 
the Martinsville & Fairland Railroad, in Hensley Township, and 
dates its history from the year 1852. The original plat surveyed 
and recorded December of the above vear, for Singleton Hunter, 
proprietor, occupies a part of the east half of southwest quarter of 
Section 10, Township 1 1 north, Range 3 east, and consists of thir- 
teen lots of various sizes traversed by three streets: Illinois and 
Odd. running east and west, and Michigan, north and south, the 
latter being forty feet wide. April 14, 1854, Abraham Massey 



towns. 573 

platted an addition of thirteen lots, nine of which lie west and four 
south of the original town. The original name of the village was 
Newburg, and, as such, it appears upon the county record of town 
plats. Upon petition of the citizens the name was subsequently 
changed to Samaria. 

. Samaria is essentially a railroad town, and owes its origin to 
the completion of the Martinsville & Fairland Railroad. Prior to 
that time, however, one Henry Mussulman, sold goods in the vicinity, 
and is remembered as the first merchant in the southern part of the 
county, having embarked in the mercantile business as long ago as 
1S34. In man)' respects Mr. Mussulman was a peculiar man. It 
is said that he could neither read nor write, and yet he possessed 
a well-balanced mind, which enabled him to carry on business suc- 
cessfully for a number of years. A goodly number of his custom- 
ers being among the poorer class of the country, he was obliged 
to allow them time on their accounts, which he kept in his own 
peculiar way. He knew and could make figures with tolerable 
accuracy, but carried on mentally the ordinary process of addition, 
substraction, multiplication and division, and accounts involving 
small fractional numbers. His accounts he kept bv marking upon 
the walls of his store with a nail or pencil. Every customer had 
his own place allotted to him, and so well trained was Mr. 
Mussulman's memory that he never forgot the right place, 
nor the meaning of his marks, nor was any man ever 
known to question the correctness of his figures. It is re- 
lated that when he was purchasing goods upon one occasion 
in the city of Madison, a merchant with whom he was deal- 
ing, asked him how he managed to know what per cent, he put on 
his stock, seeing he could neither read nor write. His explanation 
was promptly given in the following language: "Well, I don't 
know anything about your per cents., but I do know that when I 
buy an article for $1 and take it out to my place and sell it for $2, 
that I am not going to lose anything by the operation.' 1 He could, 
and did, mark his goods, however, but no one, save himself, under- 
stood the peculiar hieroglyphics, representing cost and selling price. 
"After his son, George, grew up he procured books, and had 
George keep his accounts, but so retentive was his memory, that 
he could, and often did, sell goods all day, and at night report the 
exact quantity disposed of, to whom sold, and at what price." Mr. 
Mussulman sold goods at different times for several years, but 
eventually closed out his business, and was followed by other 
parlies. The Russells became identified with the mercantile inter- 
ests of the village in an early day, as did also Charles Tyler, but 
their business appears to have been conducted upon quite a limited 



574 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

scale. William Jeffrey came in a little later, and was followed by 
other merchants, among whom were J. T. Forsythe, Mr. Slatery, 
Jeffrey, and Coonfield, Mr. Stewart, Harvey Tully and McDonald, 
Watson. 

A flouring-mill was erected about the year 1S70, by Voris, 
Coonfield & Co., who operated it with fair success for several 
years. It afterward fell into the hands of a Mr. Hanshaw, who, 
about the year 1880 or 1S81, moved, with building and machinery, 
to Iowa. Saw-mills have been in operation at Samaria at different 
times, and fonsome years the place became noted as an important 
shipping point for lumber, stoves, hoop-poles, railroad ties, etc., etc. 
As a commercial point, Samaria does not rank very high, being too 
near the thriving town of Trafalgar to command its full share of 
the current trade. It is surrounded by a good country, however, 
and at this time supports one general store and one grocery, kept 
by Uriah Wisby and J. Spicer, respectively. 

Bargersvffle, a neat little village of about 200 inhabitants, 
situated six miles northwest of the county seat, in Sections 1 and 2, 
Union Township, was laid out in February, 1850, and named in 
compliment to Jefferson Barger, proprietor. A year or two pre- 
vious to that time, one Joshua Roe, began blacksmithing at the 
crossing of what is known as the " Three Notch Line," and 
Franklin and Mooresville roads, and a little later, Peter D. Jacobs, 
and P. D. Eccles, at the solicitation of the citizens of the community. 
erected a store building, and engaged in the general mercantile 
business. The nucleus of the village thus formed, it was not long 
until others were induced to move to the place, and as early as 
1S53 or 1854, there was in addition to the store, a dram shop in 
operation, which became the rendezvous of all the worthless char- 
acters of the neighborhood, and which for some time gained for 
the locality an unenviable reputation. Public sentiment soon be- 
gan to develop against the saloon, and after the lapse of a few 
years those who were engaged in the traffic were compelled to 
close out the business and move to other parts. 

Messrs. Jacobs & Eccles continued as partners in the mercan- 
tile trade, until the death of the latter, when Mr. Johnson purchased 
the entire stock and conducted the business for about two or three 
years, selling out at the end of that time to William Isaacs. An- 
other early merchant was William Utterback, who sold goods for 
three or four years. He is remembered as a very successful busi- 
ness man. and during his stay in the village accumulated a com- 
fortable competence. Additional to the foregoing, the following 
men and firms have been indentified with the mercantile interests of 
the village in the order named: Mr. Herrell, Thomas Thornberry, 



towns. 575 

Vincent & Perry, T. C. M. Perry, Dr. Farris & Son, Bennett & 
Jackson, Jacobs, Jenkins & Covert, and the present merchants, Joel 
Clore and Joseph Glassburn. The following gentlemen practiced 
the healing art, in Bargersville, at different times: Drs. Moon, 
Jones, Turner and Bush. The physicians at this time are Drs. . 
J. S. Farris and W. E. Tilford. 

About the year 1856 or 1S57, a large three-story steam flour- 
ing mill was erected in the village bv John High. After operating 
it a short time he sold out to P. D. Jacobs. The latter subse- 
quently sold an interest to a man by the name of Hensley, and the 
firm thus formed continued a short time, after which the mill passed 
through the hands of various parties. Not proving a financial suc- 
cess, the building was eventually torn down and the material used 
in the construction of residences in the village and neighborhood. 
The manufacturing establishments at this time are a saw-mill and 
tile factory, the latter of which, conducted by Joseph List, is one 
of the largest and most successful enterprises of the kind in the 
county. The present merchants of the village are well patronized, 
and the mechanics who ply their vocations in the village report 
their business in flourishing condition. At this time there are 
blacksmith shops operated by W. T. Williams and John Haymaker, 
and a blacksmith and wagon-shop by Taylor Barger. The moral 
tone of Bargersville and vicinity will compare favorably with that 
of any other community in Johnson County, and the presence of a 
church (Christian) and school-house shows that the religious and 
educational interests of the place have not been neglected. As 
originally surveyed Bargersville consisted of thirteen lots of vari- 
ous sizes, but in June, 1850, an addition of five lots was made to 
the first plat by Peter D. Jacobs. Christian Kegley, in June, 1853, 
made an addition of nine lots, each 62x194 feet in size, the majority 
of which have been purchased and improved. 

Brownstown is a small country village in White River Town- 
ship, a short distance from the old town of Far West, about four 
miles northwest of Bargersville. The town was never regularly 
platted, being merely the outgrowth of a neighborhood's demand 
for a trading point and post office, the latter of which was estab- 
lished early in the fifties under the name of Bluff Creek. The busi- 
ness career of the place began about 1855 or 1856, at which time 
a general store was opened bv one John R. Surface, who appears 
to have sold goods quite successfully for several years. Parmenus 
Jacobs engaged in merchandising, a little later, and sometime after 
his departure, a large store was started by W. B. Tresslar, who 
moved his stock of goods from Franklin. His successor, Jacob 
Tresslar, subsequently sold an interest in the business to E. 



5/6 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

W. Wyrick. The latter afterward purchased the entire stock 
and continued in the enjoyment of a profitable trade about three 
years. Thomas Perry and Dr. Vincent, the latter a practicing phy- 
sician of the place, were the successors of Mr. Wyrick, and later 
came Charles Carper, J. X. Robbins. Charles Dunn, P. C. Jacobs 
and James Jacobs, all of whom did a fairly successful business. 
The business of the village at this time is represented by two gen- 
eral stores, kept by J. X. Robbins and Joseph Bell, respectively, 
one blanksmith shop bv Charles Moody, and one wagon shop bv 
Flovd Shufflebarger. Dr. O. B. Surface is the resident physician. 
Clarksburg. — The yillage of Clarksburg, situated in the north- 
ern part of Clark Township, has a history dating from about the 
year 1843, at which time an early settler by the name of Taylor, 
opened a small general store in his residence on the present site of 
the town. In connection with merchandising, Mr. Taylor operated 
a tannery, with which he did a fairly successful business for a 
short time. He subsequently disposed of his interest and left the 
place, and in the same building one Henry Byerly, a little later, 
offered for sale a small stock of general merchandise, which ap- 
pears to haye been highly prized by the early settlers of the com- 
munity. Giles Holmes began selling goods in an early day, using 
for a store building his residence, for which an addition had been 
erected for the purpose. He was reasonably successful in his ' 
business, and continued the trade several years. The next mer- 
chant was George Hughes, who erected the first business house, 
a story and a half frame structure, which is still standing. He 
carried on a successful trade about ten years, and then sold out 
to J. B. Myers, who remained some time longer. William H. 
Myers and W. S. Steyens were identified with the commercial in- 
terest of the yillage for some years. Then came Robert Banta, 
who is the leading merchant at the present time. A postoffice was 
established in an early day under the name of Yellow Spring, with 
Dr. Isaac Aylesberry as postmaster. The office was abandoned in 
a few years, but re-established in 1S67 as Rock Lane, by which 
name it has since been known. The postmaster at this time is 
William Hardin. Dr. Isaac Aylesberry was the first man to prac- 
tice the medical profession in Clarksburg. Since his departure, a 
number of years ago, the profession has been represented in the 
yillage by the following medical gentlemen: James Brenton, James 
Beebe, J. M. Wishard, Dr. Dunham. Dr. McDonald, J. B. Grubbs, 
William II. Mitchell, Dr. Spicer, Dr. Davis, James Roberts, John 
Mercer and Dr. Hibbs. The first mechanics were George Creasy, 
blacksmith, and William Leper, both of whom opened shops in a 
very early day. S. A. Clark was an early cabinet-maker also, and 



towns. 577 

4 

ran a shop for several years. Moses F. Clark operated a wagon 
shop for some time, and as early as 1S47, a small saw-mill, run by 
horse power, was erected in the village bv M. F. and S. A. Clark. 
The mill was afterward converted into a shingle machine factory, 
and as such, did a good business for several years, furnishing 
shingles for nearly all the buildings in the neighborhood. 

About the year 1849, Giles Holmes began the manufacture of 
chairs — a business which returned him handsome financial profits 
for some time. His shop was a fixture of the village for about ten 
years, and during that time gave employment to three or four 
workmen. W. II. Dungan manufactured and repaired wagons for 
several years, and, in 1857, Thomas M. Robison engaged in the 
same business, which he carried on successfully until 1870. A 
steam saw-mill was erected in the village in i860, by Alexander 
Wilson & Son, which is still in operation, doing a fair business. 
The present proprietor is Thomas Trulock. Clarksburg has al- 
ways been a small village, the close proximity of other towns hav- 
ing had a tendency to retard its growth. It has been a fair local 
trading point for about fortv-five years, and at this time supports 
two general stores kept by Robert Banta and William Hardin, re- 
spectively. 

Amity, a small village on the J., M. & I. Railroad, four and a 
half miles south of Franklin, was laid out in June, 1855, by John 
Adams. The original plat, surveyed by John S. Hougham, con- 
sists of thirty-six lots traversed by the following streets: Main, 
Sycamore, Main Cross and Walnut. Chamber's addition, adjoin- 
ing the original town on the south, was laid out August iS, 1856, 
and the same is recorded under the name of South Amity. The 
village is an outgrowth of the railroad, and as such came into prom- 
inence as a local trading point some time before the lots were sur- 
veyed, John Adams, the proprietor, having opened a general 
mercantile establishment where Mr. Cox's house now stands as 
early as the year 1853 or 1854. He was for some time associated 
in business with his son, Alvin Adams, and later disposed of the 
stock to Milton and James Vawter, who carried on a fairly suc- 
cessful trade for several years. In the mean time James Brown 
and James Canady erected a frame building in Chamber's addition, 
and did business as a firm about two years, selling out at the end 
of that time to Mart and John Powell. Additional to the above, 
the following merchants carried on the grocery business from time 
to time, viz.: Dryden & Thrailkill, Dunlap & Mears, Christ Lip- 
pard, David Riggs, Isaac Banta, Richard Burnett, Elijah Park- 
hurst, Henry Peters and William Losee. The early mechanics 
were Mr. Hoback and James Goldsborough, blacksmiths, and 



578 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

William Canady, wagon-maker and wood workman. From 1S55 
to i860, Amity was quite a prosperous trading point, but the con- 
struction of turnpikes a little later interfered with its business to a 
considerable extent, and during the last twenty years it has not 
made any appreciable advance. It is still a good shipping point, 
and supports one good general store, kept bv William Losee, and 
a shoe shop, operated by Joshua Henderson. James Adams, 
M. D., is the resident physician of the place. 

JVeedkam, a small village on the Martinsville and Fairland Rail- 
road, five miles northeast of Franklin, was laid out April, 1866, and 
named in honor of Noah Xeedham, proprietor. The town plat 
embraces an area of about ten acres, lying in the southeast quarter 
of the northeast quarter of Section 33, Township 13 north, Range 
5 east, and consists of forty-seven lots and live streets, namely: 
Needham, Washington, Jefferson, Harrison and Franklin. The 
village is surrounded by one of the richest and best cultivated dis- 
tricts in the northern part of Johnson County, and though but a 
small place has the reputation of being one of the best shipping 
points for grain, live-stock, and lumber on the above road. Some 
time before locating the town, Mr. Xeedham began selling goods 
in the neighborhood, and is said to have carried on a very success- 
ful business. The first business house in the town was a frame 
structure erected a short time after the survey, by John Davis, who 
rented it to Messrs. Sloan & Willard. This firm handled a miscel- 
laneous assortment of merchandise for a period of three or four 
years and were reasonably successful, during their stay in the vil- 
lage. The stock was afterward purchased bv Oliver Beard and 
James Anderson, who continued as partners a short time. They 
were followed by Messrs. Bentley & Cooper, a firm which lasted 
about three years. 

Among the merchants of the place were the following: Fred- 
erick Wiles, Marshall White, John Parks, Judd & Watts. John D. 
McLean came to the town in 1874, and has been in the mercantile 
business ever since: his stock at this time consisting principally of 
groceries and notions. William and Charles Smith began merchan- 
dising in the village about the year 1884, and are now rated among 
the most energetic and successful country merchants in Johnson 
Count}'. They occupy a large two story frame building near the 
railroad, and carry a full and complete line of goods demanded by 
the general trade. The manufacturing enterprises of Needham have 
been confined to saw-mills, one of which which was brought to the 
place a numer of years ago by Jackson High- It was operated 
with good success under his management, and afterward passed 
into the hands of William Warlan, who ran it several years. 



FRANKLIN CITY AND TOWNSHIP. 579 

Messrs. Maley & Owens were the next proprietors, obtaining pos- 
session about the year 1S79 or l! 3So. The mill was afterward 
burned, entailing upon the owners quite a serious loss. It was re- 
built in a short time and is now owned by William Summers, and 
operated by John Atchison, who manufactures and ships large 
quantities of lumber. 

I T rmeyville, a small station on the Martinsville & Fairland Railroad 
a little over one mile southwest of Needham, was laid out March, 
1866, by Henry Fisher. The plat occupies a part of the west half 
of the southwest quarter of Section 33, Township 13 north, Range 
4 east, and embraces an area of about ten acres, divided into thirty- 
five lots, with the following streets: Mill, Cross and Johnson. 
This village has never achieved any prominence as a trading point, 
although small stores have been kept from time to time bv differ- 
ent parties. There is now one small general store and a black- 
smith shop, which represents the business of the place. The pop- 
ulation is quite small, being considerably less than 100. 



FRANKLIN — CITY AND TOWNSHIP. 

Lysander Adams was born in Boston, Erie County, N. Y., 
twenty miles south of Buffalo, on December 28, 181 2. He is the 
son of Aaron and Sylva (Cary) Adams. The father was a native 
of Vermont, and the mother of the State of New York. From New 
York the parents emigrated tp Ohio, and thence to Indiana in 
about 1839, anc ' located in Franklin, Johnson Countv. The father 
died in about 1864, and the mother died in Boston, N. Y.,.in 1S83. 
To the parents, six children were born, of whom our subject is the 
second. One child, the eldest, is dead. Our subject was reared 
in the State of New York, and attended the common schools. His 
father being a farmer, he was raised on the same. He left New 
York when about nineteen years of age, and went to Ohio, where 
he learned the shoemaker's trade. He came to Johnson County 
about 1S41, and located in Franklin, and engaged in the saw-mill 
business, and had the contract and sawed ties for the J., M. & I. 
R'y, from Franklin north for eight miles. He left Franklin in 
1864, and moved on a farm one and one-half miles east from Frank- 
lin, where he resided until 1869, and then removed to his present 
farm, one-half mile north from Franklin. His farm comprises 160 
acres, with two good residences, and also owns four acres of land 
and two good houses in Franklin. He was married on June 21, 
1842, to Miss Mary A. Frady, who was born in North Carolina, on 
37 



5&0 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

June 20, 1824, and is the daughter of Charles and Nancy Frady, 
both natives of North Carolina, who emigrated to Johnson County, 
Ind., at an early date. To this union three children have been 
born, two of whom are dead: Asa A., born November 21, 1844, 
and died September, 1846; Liston A., born May 4, 1849, and 
Charles A., born April 3, 1853, and died in 1870. Mrs. Adams is 
a Presbyterian. 

James M. Alexander, one of the venerable old settlers of this 
county, is a native of east Tennessee, born October 9, 18 18, and 
is the eldest of seven children, born to the marriage of Thomas 
and Elizabeth (Parr) Alexander, and is of Scotch-English ancestry. 
His father was born in South Carolina in 1796, and died in John- 
son County, Ind., in 1878. He was one of the early local ministers 
in the Methodist Episcopal Church. The mother of Mr. Alexan- 
der was born in North Carolina in 1795, and died in this county in 
1831. Her father was a soldier in the Revolutionary War, and 
died in Johnson County at ninety-three years of age. The Alex- 
ander family came to Johnson County in 1827, and settled in Blue 
River Township, where they resided six years, and then removed 
to Hensley Township. Our subject was educated at the subscrip- 
tion school, and in 1834 began the scenes of life for himself, and 
for six years worked by the month on the farm, beginning at $5 
per month, and never receiving more than $11 for a month's service. 
In 1840, he commenced farming on his own account in the south- 
western portion of Franklin Township, and six years later removed 
to Union Township, and in the fall of 1854, settled on his present 
farm, located about two miles from the city of Franklin, in Frank- 
lin Township. Mr. Alexander was united in marriage September 
12, 1839, to Miss Elizabeth Keneaster, who was born in Kentucky, 
February 21, 1819, and was a daughter of Henry and Elizabeth 
(Moreland) Keneaster, natives of Virginia. To the union of our 
subject and wife, were born seven children, the following of whom 
are living: James P., born in 1844; Newton W., born in 1S54, and 
George W., born in 1S58. The death of the wife and mother oc- 
curred February 5, 1888. In politics, Mr. Alexander has been a 
life-long democrat, and has been county commissioner of Johnson 
County. Mrs. Alexander was a consistent member of the Baptist 
Church, and Mr. Alexander is by faith a Universalist. He has 
been a resident of Johnson County for more than three score years. 

Abram Atex — The subject of this sketch is one of the repre- 
sentative citizens of Johnson County, Ind., and a resident of Frank- 
lin. He was born in Preble County, Ohio, on September 7, 1824, 
and is the fourth of ten children born to Aaron M. and Margaret 
(De Mott) z\ten. The parents were natives of Henry County, Ky., 



6 



FRANKLIN CITY AND TOWNSHIP. 5S1 

the father having been born in I795> anc ' the mother in 1794. The 
grandfather on the father's side, was Adrian Aten, who emi- 
grated from Henry County, Ky., to Preble County, Ohio, where 
his death occurred. The grandfather on the mother's side, was 
Abram DeMott, who also removed from Henry County, Ky., to 
Preble County, Ohio, where he also died. The parents of our sub- 
ject were married in Ohio, and 1840, emigrated to Johnson 
Count}', Ind., and settled in Franklin Township, two miles south- 
west from the town of Franklin; the mother died in Johnson County 
in the fall of 1S50. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church. 
The father removed to Cumberland County, 111., in about 1S69, 
where he died July 23, 1874, in his seventy-ninth year. He also 
was a member of the Presbyterian Church. He was united in 
marriage to Martha Banta, in 1S51, who died in about 1861, and 
he was married the third time in about 1S63, to Miss McKinlev, in 
Illinois, who survived her husband and died in Illinois, in April, 
1887. Our subject was reared on the farm and attended the schools 
of the neighborhood, and the count}- academy in Franklin, and 
secured more than an average education for those days. After 
leaving school, and when a young man, he conceived the idea of 
teaching school, and accordingly set out to find a school. In 
the township of White River he found a teacher holding school 
in the Wyric neighborhood (E. W. Wyric, now a merchant of 
Franklin, being a scholar), who was unable to teach arithmetic. A 
discussion arose among the patrons of the school as to whether 
"arithmetic to the single rule of three" should be taught or not, 
and our subject being an adept at ciphering, entered into the con- 
test and expressed his views so strongly, that when a vote was held 
he was chosen teacher, and at the expiration of that quarter, suc- 
ceeded the teacher who could not work in figures. Beennnincr with 
that school, our subject taught three months' schools for five win- 
ters, and then turned his attention to farming. He was united in 
marriage on December 9, 1S52, to Eliza Jane Thompson, who was 
born in Johnson County, Ind., on August 1, 1832, and was the 
daughter of William and Susan Thompson, who were natives of 
North Carolina, and among the first pioneers of Johnson County. 
She died February 9, 1872, leaving three daughters and one son as 
follows: Susan M., born March 19, 1854, now tne wl ^ e °^ Taylor 
Wheat, of Franklin; M. Alma, February 28, 1859, now tne w ^ e 
of Edward Jewett, of Shelby ville ; Florence, December 22, 1862; 
Riley W., February 1, 1S56, and died September 22, 1881. Our 
subject was married a second time on November 18, 1S74, t0 J en " 
nie Epperson, who was born in Rockbridge County, Va., on De- 
cember 25, 1839, and is the daughter of Lyttleton and Elizabeth 



582 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

(Flint) Epperson, who were both natives of Rockbridge County, 
Ya., and came to Indiana during the forties, and remained there 
some time, dying in Aurora, this state, with cholera, about the 
year 1S45, both dying in one week. To this union a daugh- 
ter — Opal, was born November 12, 1877. In the death of Riley, 
the only son, our subject suffered an irreparable loss, as he was a 
young man of rare intellectual attainments and worth. He was 
an apt student, and graduated from the Franklin high school, 
and but for his failing health would have entered col- 
lege. He was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
and for some time before his death turned his thoughts on religious 
subjects, and the hereafter. After leaving school he studied 
dentistry, and for several years practiced that profession. He was a 
young man universally respected, and beloved by all who knew him, 
and his death was regretted by all. Mr. and Mrs. Aten and the 
three older daughters are members of the Methodist Church, of 
which he has served on the official board. He is a strong advocate 
of prohibition, and in politics, is a republican. 

David D. Banta, LL. D., was born in Union Township, Johnson 
County, May 23, 1S33, the son of Jacob and Sarah (Demaree) 
Banta. The Bantas were a Dutch family, who came from Holland 
and settled in New Jersey, just when is not definitely known, but 
it is known that they were there in 1686. On the Demaree side, the 
Judge is of French descent; the Demarees fled from Picardy, 
France, into Holland, during the Huguenot persecutions, and, in 
1676, David Demarias (now Demarest in the east, but softened into 
Demaree in the west) came to America and settled on the Jersey 
side of the llackensack River. Branches of both families moved 
to Caughnewauga, Perm., near Gettysburg, before or about the 
commencement of the Revolutionarv War, remaining there until the 
winter of 1779-S0, when they moved to the vicinity of Harrod's 
Station, Kv. Near the close of the centurv, branches of these fam- 
ilies moved into Shelby and Henry counties, Ky. Jacob Banta, 
son of Peter Banta and father of Judge D. D. Banta, was born in 
Henry County, Ky., August 14, t8ii. In December, 1831, he 
married, in Henry Count}-, Sarah, daughter of David Demaree, 
who was judge of the circuit court in his circuit: she was born in 
Henry Count}', January 14, 1S15. In the fall of 1832, they-moved 
to Johnson Co., Ind., and settled in Union Township, in the woods. 
Jacob was a large man, full six feet in his dockings, well formed, 
and possessed of great physical strength, and had been chosen cap- 
tain of a militia company in Kentucky, for the same reason that 
Saul was chosen King of Israel. His labors in John County were 
of short duration, for, in the latter part of August, 1835, ne was 






FRANKLIN CITY AND TOWNSHIP. 583 

stricken down with fever, and died on the 4th of September, be- 
ing less than a month over twenty-four years of age. The subject 
of this sketch was at that time but a few days over twenty-seven 
months of aee, but the sickness and death of his father made a vivid 

• 

impression on his mind, and he can now recall his father lying upon his 
sick bed. After the funeral, his mother and he went to live with her 
brother, in the Hopewell neighborhood, where they remained till 
the spring of 1837, when she returned to her home. In the fall of 
1839, D. D. attended his first school, and, though only six years of 
age, walked two miles through a blazed path in the woods. At 
seven vears, he often went to mill astride his grist of corn, return- 
ing sometimes after nightfall. In the spring of 1841, his mother 
was married to Jesse Young, and, from about 1841, he attended the 
district school every winter, working summers on the farm. This 
he kept up till he was fifteen years of age, when he attended 
one year at the Hopewell school, which was superior to the other 
schools in that vicinity, and was kept by a Yankee schoolma'am. 
In the spring and summer of 1S51, he taught a three-months' 
school in White River Township, making many friends and ac- 
quaintances. Early in the spring of 1852, he set out with his cousin, 
David N. Demaree, for a jaunt into Iowa. They went down the 
Ohio and up the Mississippi to Keokuk, then walked up to Burling- 
ton, and thence to Fairfield, cut cord-wood and worked in a saw- 
mill alternately for iwo months, after which they footed it over 
southern Iowa to look at the country. They came home via Chi- 
cago, walking half way across Illinois, as there was no railroad 
across then; also walked from La Porte, to Noblesville, Ind., where 
they struck a railroad, and returned home during the summer. 
That fall, Mr. Young, his step-father, sold out and moved to Iowa, 
taking his family. David went along with the others, and hired out 
chopping cord-wood at thirty-five cents a cord, finding it hard work 
to make seventy cents a day; after a day or two of this work, a 
severe snow-storm set in and forced him to seek home; as he 
had to walk nine miles, he became weary before reaching home, 
and in crossing a stream, fell and hurt himself severely. All this 
tended to make him disgusted with his occupation, and he resolved 
that he would never follow such a life. His mind had heretofore 
been wavering in regard to his future occupation, but these few 
circumstances made him come to a quick conclusion to study law, 
and, the next morning after arriving home, he astonished his mother 
by informing her of this resolution. In pursuance of this determi- 
nation, he immediately made arrangements to study law with 
Clinton & Baldwin, attornevs, of Fairfield, and went to work at 
once on Blackstone, never leaving his studies long enough to return 



584 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

for his ax, which he had left in the woods, and never collecting the 
money for what wood-chopping he had done. He read industri- 
ously till the next spring, 1853, when he returned to Johnson 
County and entered Franklin College. In the fall of 1S53, he and 
his friend John C. Miller, went to the Indiana University at Bloom- 
ington, where he graduated, in 1S55, in the scientific department; 
he remained at the institution, however, studying the Latin and 
Greek languages and English literature until the law school opened, 
in the early part of the winter, when he entered it under Judge 
James Hughes, keeping up his linguistic studies meanwhile, and 
Until the next June, but attending particularly to the law, which he 
continued to do until he graduated from that department, in Feb- 
ruary, 1857. In the meantime, June 11, 1856, he was married 
to Mrs. Melissa E. Perrin, daughter of James Riddle, of Coving- 
ton, Ky. She was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, March 27, 
1834. The fall following his marriage, and while still in the law 
school, he was elected principal of the Monroe Count}' Female 
Academy — the former principal having resigned — and had the 
charge of about seventy-five girls of all ages; he took charge of 
this institution for about three months, pursuing his law studies as 
best he could. After oraduatin<r from the law school, in February, 
he went to Covington, Ky., and remained until the following Octo- 
ber, studying. He then moved to Franklin; was admitted to the 
bar by Judge Hardin, then on the bench, and opened a law office. 
He found many discouraging things to contend with: the bar was 
full, and it was very difficult for a young man to obtain much busi- 
ness; fortunately, however, he had an abundance of perseverance, 
and all these discouragements only served to bring out all the more 
effort on his part. Time brought the reward, and business came. 
In the spring of 1S59, he went into partnership with Judge Finch, 
but the election of Finch to the bench the next fall terminated 
their partnership; the same fall. Bant a was elected district prose- 
cutor, and served two years. About this time, he became editor 
of the Herald, a newspaper just started in Franklin: his con- 
nection with this paper lasted for a year or two. In 1862, he was 
again elected distiict prosecutor. In 1864, he *ioved his law office 
into the recorder's office, and took an appointment under Willett 
Tyler as deputy recorder; this office he held for a year or more, 
when the pressure of legal business caused him to leave the record- 
er's office and give his whole attention to his chosen profession, 
which, with various official duties, has since occupied his time, ex- 
cept as he again tried his hand at editing the "Johnson County Press, 
a paper published for some time in 1865, by John Farley, up to 
some time in 1868; this paper Banta edited for a pastime. Some 



FRANKLIN CITY AND TOWNSHIP. 585 

time previous to this, he was was in partnership, for a short time, 
with G. F. McNutt, now of Terre Haute. In 1865, he was appointed 
by the count}' commissioners to the office of school examiner, holding 
the office three years. In 1866, he was appointed United States 
division assessor, which office he held for about two years. In 1867, 
he was appointed school trustee of the city of Franklin, and held 
this office two years, and was a member of the board when the 
fine school building of Franklin was erected. In 1867, he formed 
a law partnership with Cass Byfield, now of Indianapolis, which 
continued up to 1869, when, under an appointment by Judge 
Woollen, who was unable to attend to his duties, by reason of sick- 
ness in his family, he served for some six months of that year. 
In the spring of 1870, he was nominated for judge of his cir- 
cuit, and elected; served six years, covering a period of the most 
active litigation that has ever been known in the history of the state. 
In 1872, he was attacked with a spell of fever, which left him with 
a broken, nervous system; for a year and more, he had a hard fight 
for life, but, after spending a good deal of money in looking for 
health in various quarters, at last found it in the pine woods of 
Michigan, where the pure air and rough fare of the wilderness 
completely restored his lost powers. On leaving the bench, he was 
defeated for a nomination for a second term, and went back to 
practice, forming a partnership with Judge T. W. Woollen, since 
attorney general of Indiana. The partnership still exists. In his 
family, the Judge has been fortunate, and has been blessed with 
a good wife, who has borne him three children, all of whom are 
living; George, the eldest, was born in Covington, Ky., Jul)- 16, 
1857; Charles, born October 16, 1859, in Franklin, and Mabel, born 
November 19, 1864, also in Franklin. He gives his children the 
excellent advantages of an education at the Indiana University. 
George graduated in the class of 1876; Charles in that of the 
year, 1881, and Mabel a few years later. This institution has always 
had a firm friend and supporter in Judge Banta, and he has been a 
trustee since 1877; is now serving his second term, and is president 
of the board. In all local matters, he has taken a deep interest, and 
has ever given his strength of mind and body to the furtherance of what 
might be considered for his country's good. A member of the 
Presbyterian Church for many years, and in politics a democrat, 
both of which faiths he inherited, and has always lived up to. 
It is unnecessary to say anything in regard to the standing of 
Judge Banta. as the various offices of trust he has held, and the 
large business he docs as a legal adviser, are stronger proofs than 
any words we could write,'of the esteem in which he is held by the 
people of Johnson County, and we may say that his reputation is 



586 JOHXSOX COUNTY. 

not confined to this county alone, but extends throughout the state 
to a very considerable degree. While on the bench, he gave gen- 
eral satisfaction to the members of the bar, rendering his decisions 
with ability and conscientiousness; and if Judge Banta has one 
quality which we could wish to mention more than another, it 
would be his entire honesty of purpose, and the whole-souled and 
heart-felt manner with which he does what he undertakes. As a 
writer, the Judge has had considerable experience, and has a pleas- 
ing way; especially is he adapted to narrative, and enjoys nothing 
better than to dig down into the moldy past and bring up facts and 
figures to form into an interesting sketch of by-gone days. He is 
quite a book-worm, and buys a great many books, having a law 
library of some 1,200 yolumes, besides a literary library of 1,000 
more; also takes a deal of pleasure in hunting and fishing, and is a 
first-class companion on any such excursion, enlivening the boys 
with his stories, and ever ready to give or take a joke. Judge Banta 
holds a high place in the affections of the pe6ple of the county, and 
in recognition of his merits the authorities of Franklin College have 
lately conferred upon him the degree of LL. D. 

George C. Baxta was born near where he now resides, July 
8, 1850, son of Peter J. and Mary (Brewer) Banta, and is the 
third in a family of five children. He was raised on a farm, and 
first attended the Hopewell Academy, and afterward spent some 
time in a commercial school at Poughkeepsie, X. Y. In 1876 Mr. 
Banta removed to Franklin and engaged in the drug business, 
which he continued more than four years, when, on account of 
failing health, he was obliged to quit the merchandise business, and 
in 1881 removed to his present farm, in the western part of Frank- 
lin Township. The same contains 1S0 acres, of which 137 acres 
were entered by his grandfather Banta, in 1S26. The marriage 
of Mr. Banta occurred October 17, 1S78, to Miss Irene E. 
Yawter, a native of Martinsville, Ind., born September 24, 1S57. 
To this union are these two children: Clara, born September 15, 
1881, and Frank C, born December 8, 1883. In politics, he is 
an ardent democrat, and he and wife are members of the Franklin 
Presbyterian Church. 

John E. Baxta, son of Peter J. and Mary A. (Brewer) Banta, 
was born on the farm where he now lives, March 29, 1S45. He 
was reared on the farm, and had the advantages of attending the 
common schools and Hopewell Academy. By occupation. Mr. 
Banta is a farmer, and at twenty-one years of age settled on a farm 
one mile west of Hopewell. In 1879 ne removed to what is known 
as the Ellis Farm, and in 18S1 settled where he now resides, and 
where his paternal grandfather settled in 1828. The marriage of 



FRANKLIN CITY AND TOWNSHIP. 587 

Mr . Banta was solemnized in 1S70, to Miss Margaret J. Lagrange, 
daughter of Daniel and Catherine Lagrange, who was born 
November 26, 1848. To this union is one daughter, Minnie, 
born November 16, 1874. A staunch democrat in politics, he 
manifests an active interest in the welfare and public prosperity of 
his township, county and state. Mr. and Mrs. Banta are mem- 
bers of the Hopewell Methodist Church, and are well known 
and highly respected. 

Peter J. Banta, one of the old settlers of Johnson County, is 
a native of Henry County, Ky., born October 3, 182 1, son of John 
P. and Catherine (List) Banta, and is of German descent. His 
father was born in Henry County, Ky., in 1802, and died in John- 
son County, Ind., in 1873, and his mother was born in 1802, and 
died in Franklin, Ind., in 1SS1. In 1826, his father came to this 
county, and entered 275 acres of land, and then returned to Ken- 
tuck's - . In 1827, he returned to this county, and built a hewed log- 
house in the extreme western part of Franklin Township; he then 
returned to Kentucky, and in 1828, removed his family to the new 
house, and upon which our subject now resides. In 1S50, the 
parents of our subject removed to Franklin, and there resided until 
their death. Mr. Banta is the eldest of seven children, three of 
whom are now living. He was raised on the farm, and attended 
school at Hopewell. In early life, he learned the tanner's trade 
with his father, and afterward engaged in this business for himself, 
and continued it until 1843, when he located where he now resides. 
Mrs. Banta owns a fine farm of 275 acres, well improved and nicely 
located. The marriage of Mr. Banta occurred in November, 1843, 
to Miss Mary A. Brewer, born in Mercer County, Ky., April 19, 
1819, and who came to this county in 1831. To the above union 
were born five children, viz.: John E., born in 1S45; David B., 
born in 1847: George C, born in 1850; David W., born in 1853, 
and Mary, born in 1857. In politics, he is a true democrat, and is 
one of the leading and prominent citizens of Franklin Township. 
Mr. and Mrs. Banta are members of the Hopewell Presbyterian 
Church. 

S vmuel Banta is a native of Henry County, Ky., born May 
16, 1S31; he is the son of Peter and Vroucha (Van Nuys) Banta. 
His parents were also natives of Kentucky, and both died in Frank- 
lin Township, Johnson County, Ind., in 1S51. When about five 
years of age, our subject came with his parents to this county, 
where he grew to manhood on the farm. He received a limited 
education, and for a short time worked as a farm hand by the 
month. In 1853, he settled where he resides, owning an excellent 
farm of 160 acres. Mr. Banta was married November 27, 1S62,. 



5S8 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

to Miss Elzora, daughter of Simon and Salina Hedden, natives of 
Kentucky, and who came to this county in 1S40. Mrs. Banta 
was born in Franklin, November 20, 1840. A staunch repub- 
lican in politics, he manifests an active interest in the welfare 
and public prosperity of his township, county and state. Mr. and 
Mrs. Banta are members of the Hopewell Presbyterian Church, he 
having joined the same at the age of twenty-three, and she at the 
age of sixteen years. 

Henry C. Barnett. — Henry C. Barnett, junior member of 
the law firm of Miller & Barnett, of Franklin, Johnson County, 
Ind., was born in Blue River Township, near Edinburg, Johnson 
County, on December 12, 1S48, and is the son of Ambrose D. and 
Sophronia (Riggs) Barnett. The father was born in Nicholas 
County, Ky., on July 24, 1S09, and was the son of John P. Barnett, 
a native of Culpepper County, Ya. He removed to Indiana 
in about 1821, and located in Johnson County. He followed farm- 
ing in this county until the spring of 1853, and then removed to 
Hamilton Count)-, Ind., where he resided until March 6, 1864, and 
then returned to Johnson County, and located on a farm near Nin- 
eveh. In the year 1867, he removed to Williamsburg, Johnson 
County, and in 1877, he removed to Tipton, Tipton Co., Ind., where 
he remained for about four months, and then returned to his farm 
near Williamsburg. He next removed to Williamsburg, where he 
died May 20, 1885. He was justice of the peace of Blue River 
and Nineveh townships for quite a number of years. He also fol- 
lowed milling in connection with his farm. The mother was born 
in Genessee County, N. Y., on January 23, 1817, and is the daughter 
of Ransom Riggs, Sr., deceased, who was a native of Connecticut; 
removed thence to New York State, and thence Decatur County, 
Ind., and thence to Johnson County. She is now living at the old 
home in Williamsburg. To the parents nine children were born, of 
whom our subject is the sixth. Of the children, seven are now 
living. Our subject was reared on a farm, and early attended dis- 
trict schools, and then attended Nineveh high school, and then 
Franklin College for a short time. He taught school for about six 
years, in Bartholomew, Johnson, and Hamilton counties. He be- 
gan studying law in November. 1874, in Judge Woollen's office, in 
Franklin, and was admitted to the bar in February, 1875. He next 
began practicing law in Franklin, and on November 23, 1875, 
formed a partnership with Robert M. Miller, which firm continues 
up to the present. He has served several years on the city 
school board. In politics, is an independent, and in 1878, was a 
candidate against regular democratic nominee for representative of 
Johnson Count}-, and defeated by only twenty-seven votes, where 



FRANKLIN CITY AND TOWNSHIP. 589 

regular democratic majority is from 400 to 500. Married on April 
25, 1872, to Miss Kate Tucker, who was born in Johnson County, 
on May 20, 1853, and is a daughter of John T. Tucker, deceased. 
To this union five children were born. The)' are members of the 
Christian Church. 

William H. Barnett. — Among the oldest (in point of resi- 
dence) citizens of Johnson Count)*, Ind., may be classed Wm. H. 
Barnett, recorder of the county. He was born in Millersburg, 
Bourbon County, Ky., on October 10, 1820, and is the son of 
Thomas and Sarah (Jackson) Barnett. The father was born in 
Bourbon County, Ky., on March 23, 1798. He was the son of 
John P. Barnett, a native of Orange County, Va., who was a 
soldier of the Revolutionary War, and as such, drew a pension up 
to his death. In 182S (September 8), a few years after the close 
of the above war, he married Elizabeth L. Self, and in 1786 immi- 
grated to Kentucky, landing at Limestone (now Maysville), where 
he entered land. At that time Kentucky was a wilderness, and 
the Indians were numerous and very troublesome. He went from 
Limestone back in the interior of the state, what is now Bourbon 
County, where he cleared land and located his home. His father 
was a native of Scotland. Thomas, our subject's father, immi- 
grated to Indiana in 1821, and located in Franklin County, where 
he remained for about a year. In the meantime, he and two 
brothers came to what is now Johnson County, and erected cabins 
in the woods, and in October, 1S22, settled in the county 
permanently. At that time there were but very few white 
settlers in the neighborhood, and the Indians were in abundance. 
They, the Barnetts, were among the earliest of the pioneers. 
He followed farming as an avocation, and died July 10, 1S80, in 
his eighty-third year. The mother was also born in Bourbon 
County, Ky., in May, 1796, and was the daughter of William 
Jackson, a native of Maryland, who immigrated to Kentucky at a 
very early date (about 1786 or 1787). She died December 9, 
1851. To the parents two sons were born: William H., and John, 
the latter born September 11, 1S23, and died April 22, 1882. Our 
subject was reared on the farm, and secured a limited education, 
the schools at that day and date being of such a character that an 
education was all but an impossibility. After reaching his twentieth 
year, he attended school for about a year, and added greatly to his 
education. He remained on the farm until January 5. 1852, and 
then came to Franklin and took a deputyship in the clerk's otlice, 
in which capacity he served until October, 1S55, when he was 
elected circuit clerk of Johnson County, and in 1859, was re-elected, 
serving altogether for eight years. In 186; he was elected auditor 



59O JOHNSON COUNTY. 

of Johnson County, and re-elected in 1867, serving eight years. He 

remained out of office until 18S0, when he was elected to the Indi- 
ana legislature, and served one year, beginning January, 1881. He 
then engaged in the collection and pension business, and continued 
until November 20, 1886. lie was nominated on March iS. 1SS6, 
by the democratic county convention, for the office of recorder, and 
the following November was elected by a majority of about 150 
votes. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and of the 
Christian Church. He was married April 20, 1S43, to Susan San- 
ders, who was born in Bartholomew County, Ind., on November 8, 
1823, and died April 15, 1886. She was the daughter of John S. 
and Elizabeth Sanders. To the union of our subject and wife 
three children were born, as follows : Mary, born February 4, 
1844; John S., February 5, 1849, and died February 9, 1S79, 
and George T., born December 24, 1851. 

Abraham Bergen, an old and highly respected citizen of 
Franklin, Johnson County, Ind., was born in Henry County, 
Ky., September 7, 1818, and is the son of Garrett C. and Mary 
(Banta) Bergen. When a boy of thirteen years he came with his 
parents to Johnson County, and helped clear away the forest on 
the old homestead near Franklin. He hauled the first load of 
cord-wood that was sold on the market, for which he received 5a 
cents. He learned the tanner's trade with his father, and then pur- 
chased the tannery, and when twentv-six years of age he and his 
brother, George, left the old yard and removed to Brown County, 
Ind., and ran a large tannery there, at the same time carrying on a 
currying shop in Franklin. When thirty-one years of age he dis- 
solved partnership with his brother, and bought 500 acres of land 
on Beenblossom Creek, in Brown County, where he resided for 
eleven years. He next took charge of his father's farm near 
Franklin for three years. At the end of that period, and when 
forty-live years of age, he formed a partnership with W. C. "Wheat, 
in the tanning business, at Franklin. Four years later, his son,, 
Alonzo N. Bergen, bought Mr. Wheat's interest, and father and 
son ran the business for a number of years. Mr. Bergen joined 
the Presbyterian Church at Franklin when nineteen years of age. 
and at the age of twenty-two was made a deacon, and served as 
such until his removal to Brown County. At the age of thirty 
years the subject of this sketch was ordained a ruling elder 
in the Georgetown [ Brown County) Church, in which capacity 
he served until his return to Franklin. For ten years he was su- 
perintendent of the Georgetown Sunday schools, and later con- 
ducted a successful Missionary Sunday school at Franklin. He 
was married March 15, 1S42, to Sarah A. E. Henderson, who was 



FRANKLIN CITY AND TOWNSHIP. 591 

born March 7, 1824, and was killed on November n, 1875, by an 
accident. He was married a second time, January 3, 1878, to 
Fanny K. Warner, who was born in Ohio, March 15, 1832, and is 
the daughter of William and Lavina (Hedrick) Warner, the father 
being a native of Pennsylvania, and the mother of Ohio. To the 
first marriage four children were born, two of whom are now liv- 
ing, and to the second, none. Garrett Bergen, the father, was 
born July 17, 1792, in New Jersey. In about 1831, he removed to 
one-quarter (%) mile from Franklin, Johnson County, and of 
which county he was one of the first settlers, and entered part of 
the land upon which Franklin was located. He was a soldier of the 
War of 1812, under Gen. Harrison. His death occurred Septem- 
ber 22, 1S72. He was married first to Mary Banta, on January 
13, 1814, who was born March 4, 1794, and died August 23, 1S55. 
He was married a second time, on November 25, 1856, to Eleanor, 
widow of S. S. Rvker, daughter of Christopher G. Bergen. 

Thomas Branigin, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Mason 
Countv, Ky., Januarv 17, 1S25, and is the sixth in a family of nine 
children, born to John and Lucy F. (Branch) Branigin, natives of 
Virginia. In 1833 the mother came to Johnson County, and set- 
tled in Nineveh Township. She died in Franklin Township, at the 
age of eighty years. The subject came to this country in 1833, 
and was a student at the country schools. At the age of fifteen 
years, he began farming for himself, and now owns a fine farm 
consisting of 350 acres, and in addition to farming has for 
twenty years given his attention to stock-raising. Mr. Brani- 
gin was married December 17, 1842, to Miss Perlina Park, 
born in Kentucky, December 16, 1822, and came to this countv in 
early childhood. They are the parents of six children: Laura A., 
born 1845; Matilda M., 1848: Susan P., iS5o;Sarah A., 1854; John 
S., 1856, and Lavina V., 1861. Politically, he is a republican, 
and he and wife are members of the Christian Church. 

W. D. Branigin, senior member of the firm of Branigin & 
Tucker, dealers in agricultural implements, wagons, buggies, and 
seeds, of Franklin, is a native of Johnson County, and was born 
November 24, 1846, and is the son of N. S. and Sarah J. 
(Forsythe) Branigin, both natives of Kentucky, the father being 
born in February, 1815, and the mother in March, 1S25. The 
grandfather was John Branigin, a native of Kentucky, who died 
in Kentucky. In 1836, his wife, with our subject's father, came to 
Johnson County, Ind. The mother was the daughter of David 
Forsythe, who came to Johnson County from Kentucky, in 1832. 
Nicholas, the father, is a farmer by occupation. He has been quite 
prominent, and as a democrat has been elected and served as com- 



59^ JOHNSON COUNTY. 

missioner of Johnson County. He now lives in Blue River Town- 
ship, five miles south from Franklin, where he owns eighty acres 
of land. His wife is still living. To the parents, five children 
have been born, four of whom are living. Our subject was reared 
on a farm, and received a common school education. He resided on 
the farm until the fall of 1S87, and then formed a partnership with 
G. W. Tucker, in the agricultural implement business, establishing 
a house in Franklin, of which our subject has charge, and also one 
in Edinburg, of which Mr. Tucker has charge. He was married 
on November 26, 186S, to Miss Nancy Lash, who was born in 
Johnson County, in 1850, and is a daughter of Samuel D. 
Lash. To this union six children have been born, and one child 
died. Mr. Branigin also owns a farm of 175 acres, and his wife 
fourteen acres, lying in Blue River Township. 

Benjamin E. Brewer, farmer, was born in Pleasant Township, 
this count}-, March 4, 1840, son of Daniel and Cynthia (Comin- 
gore ) Brewster, and is of German descent. His father was born in 
Mercer Count}-, Ky., and died in this county July 21, 1839, from in- 
juries received while working at an old pioneer threshing machine, 
and his mother, also a native of Kentucky, died in this state in 1887. 
The Brewer family came to this county at a very early day, and 
settled near the present town of Greenwood. The subject of this 
sketch is the eldest of five children. He was reared on the farm, 
and received a common school education. At the age of sixteen 
years he began the business of life for himself, and for two years 
worked on the farm for a man by the name of John R. Smock, 
for which he received three months' schooling and $75 per 
year. In 1S60, Mr. Brewer engaged in agricultural pursuits for 
himself, and has since continued the vocation of a farmer. In 
iS8i,he removed to his present farm, which consists of nearly 100 
acres, and has good and substantial improvements. On the 24th 
day of February, 1S63, our subject was united in marriage to Miss 
Mary II., daughter of Melvin and Mary Wheat. Mrs. Brewer was 
born in Johnson County, March 4, 1S44. They are the parents of 
these three children: Anna L., born in 1870; Susie B., born in 
1874, and Milroy V., born in 1883. In politics, Mr. Brewer is an 
ardent republican, and he and wife are members of the Presbyter- 
ian Church. 

James J. Bridges, superintendent of the Orphans' Home, at 
Hopewell, was born in Johnson County, near the little town of 
Trafalgar, June 3, 1S33. being the fourth of seven children born 
to the marriage of George and Matilda (Forsythe) Bridges, na- 
tives of Kentucky; the birth of the former occurred about 1S00, 
and he died in Johnson County in 1872 ; the latter born June 3, 1806, 



FRANKLIN CITY AND TOWNSHIP. 593 

and died in this county March 9, 1S4S. As carl}' as 1829, the 
family came to Johnson County. Mr. Bridges was raised on the 
farm, and, what schooling- he obtained, was received at the coun- 
try school. At twenty-two years of age, he began life for himself 
as a farmer, and at that occupation continued until 1873, when he 
removed to Trafalgar, where he resided until 1S84, when he ac- 
cepted his present position at the Orphans' Home. He is one of 
the men who lost thousands of hard-earned dollars by the failure 
of the Franklin Bank. Mr. Bridges was united in marriage Jan- 
uary 16, 1855, to Miss Emaline Voris, a native of Mercer County, 
Ky., born April 5, 1831, being the eldest in a family of ten children, 
six of whom are now living. Her father, Peter Vories, was born 
in Henry County, Ky., in 1808, and died in Johnson County, 
in 1851. The mother of Mrs. Bridges was Martha (List) Bridges, 
born in 1S11, and died in 1879. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. 
Bridges, is this one son: George W., born in 1857. For three 
years Mrs. Bridges has been the matron of the Orphans 1 Home, 
and now has fifty children in her care, and it goes without saving that 
there is no better woman for the place. She is a member of the 
Presbyterian Church, and her husband is a member of the Baptist 
Church, and in politics a democrat. 

George Thomas Bridges is a native of Johnson County, born 
February n, 1S31, son of George and Matilda (Forsythe) Bridges; 
the former born in Kentucky, about 1800, and died in Hensley 
Township in 1872; the latter born June 3, 1806, and died March 9, 
1848. They came to this county in 1829. The subject of this 
sketch was reared on the farm, and received a good education. In 
1S52, he settled where he now resides. He owns 200 acres of fine 
land in the southwest corner of Franklin Township. Mr. Bridges 
was married December 18, 185 1, to Miss Lydia A., daughter of 
Jonathan and Elizabeth (Shank) Pefly, natives of Pennsylvania. 
Mrs. Bridges was born in Preble County, Ohio, June 26, 1831. To 
this union are these five children: Scott E., born 1854; Matilda J., 
born 1856; James R., born 1858; Florence, born 1863, and Rob- 
ert H., born »i865- Politically, he is a democrat, and a highly 
esteemed citizen. Mr. and Airs. Bridges have been members of 
the Christian Church thirty-eight years. 

Bex P. Brown, the subject of this sketch, is one of the repre- 
sentative young citizens of Johnson County, Ind., and postmaster 
of the city of Franklin. He was born near the village of Trafal- 
gar, in Union Township, Johnson County, on September 12. 1854, 
and is the son of Samuel and Mary G. (Branch) Brown. The father 
was born near Shelbyville, Ky., April 8, 1828, and is the son of 
James Brown, a native of Kentucky. Samuel, the father, removed 






594 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

to Indiana in about 1846, and located in Johnson County. He has 
followed farming all his life, and now resides on his farm about 
one and one-half miles east from Franklin.- The mother was born 
in Kentucky, near Bedford, on November 22, 1S29. and is the 
daughter of Benjamin Branch, who was a native of Virginia, who 
removed to Kentucky, and thence to Johnson County, Ind., where 
he died. The mother is still living. Our subject was reared on 
the farm, and secured a good common school education. He re- 
mained on the farm until iS8o, teaching school during the winter 
months, for six consecutive years. lie then removed to Franklin and 
purchased a half-interest in the book and stationery firm of 
Brown & Yeager, that firm succeeding Downey & Yeager. Au- 
gust 25, 1SS4, he retired from a membership in the above firm, 
and for about ten months filled the position of book-keeper 
for the firm (Yeager & McCoy). July 1, 1885. he was appointed 
postmaster by President Cleveland, and holds the same at present, 
making a most efficient and satisfactory official. He is an active 
member of Hesperian Lodge, No. 12, K. of P., in which he has 
filled the chairs of prelate and vice chancellor commander, and is 
the present chancellor commander. He is also a member of the 
uniform rank of the above lodge. He was married October 10, 
187S, to Angie M., daughter of Adam Dunlap, who was born in 
Clark Township, Johnson Co., Ind., June 18, 1856. Adam Dunlap 
was a native of Ohio. To this union a son and daughter have 
been born. 

James F. Brown, the subject of this sketch, is one of the lead- 
ing farmers of Franklin Township, living in the suburbs of the 
town of Franklin, on a 400-acre farm. He was born in Wythe 
County, Ya., on April 11, 1828, and is the son of Andrew and Su- 
san (Leonard) Brown, both natives of Virginia. The father was 
born in 1804, and the mother in 1802. They came to Johnson 
County, Ind., in 1830, and settled in White River Township. 
They were among the pioneers of White River Township. He 
entered an eighty-acre tract of land, and subsequently added thirty- 
five acres more. Altogether he owned over 500 acres. He died 
in March, 1864, and the mother died in 1872. Both were mem- 
bers of the Methodist Episcopal Church. To the parents three 
sons and three daughters were born, of whom four are living. Our 
subject was reared on the farm, and secured a limited education. 
In 185 1, he began life for himself by going onto a farm in Union 
Township. He remained in Union Township until 1871, and then 
removed to his present place. He owns, altogether, upward of 
800 acres of land, and a handsome brick residence on the farm, 
where he lives, which cost about $5,000. He was married in 



FRANKLIN CITY AND TOWNSHIP. 595 

1851, to Martha Flake, who was born in Dearborn County, Ind., 
on April 17, 1835, and is the daughter of Adam Flake. To this 
union seven children have been born, two of whom are dead: Su- 
san, deceased, Angeline, Laura, deceased, Wylie, Andrew, Ida 
and Effie. Mr. and Mrs. Brown and three children are members of 
the Christian Church. He is a democrat, and cast his first presiden- 
tial vote for Buchanan. 

Shadrach C. Brown, the subject of the following sketch, is a 
leading citizen of Johnson County, Ind., and an attorney and justice 
of the peace of Franklin, the county seat. He was born in Ashe 
County, N. C, June 3, 1841, where he remained until i860, and 
then with his parents came to Indiana, and settled in Franklin 
Township, Johnson County. His parents being possessed of only 
moderate means, his advantages in youth were limited, and what 
he is to-day, he has accomplished by industry and his own efforts. 
While living in North Carolina, he secured a very limited educa- 
tion, and what education he did secure, was in the schools of 
Franklin Township, and at the college in Franklin and Edinburg, 
after he had returned from the late war. He enlisted September 
13, 1861, under ' Capt. Samuel Lambertson, and was a member 
of Company F, Seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and with the 
regiment returned to his native state. He served for three years — 
his full time of enlistment — participating in the numerous engage- 
ments of the Army of the Potomac. He was wounded May 6, 
1S64, a t t' le battle of the Wilderness, from which wound he lost 
his right arm by amputation the same day, the same being taken 
off at the socket. August 22, 1862, he was captured at Catlet 
Station, Va., as a prisoner of war, and was confined for two weeks 
in Libbv Prison, and was then removed to Belle Island, where he 
was paroled, and was subsequently exchanged, and returned to his 
regiment, at Pratt's Landing. He was mustered out of service on 
September 20, 1S64, and returned to Jcjinson County, Ind. After 
returning home he entered the public schools of Franklin, and next 
attended school at Edinburg, for one year. Returning to Franklin 
he entered the preparatory class at Franklin College, and attended 
for four years. In 1870, he engaged in the book and stationery 
business in Franklin, and continued in the same for about five years. 
In 187 1, he was elected city treasurer of Franklin, and held the 
same for four years. After leaving the mercantile business he en- 
gaged in school teaching for about two years, and in 1S78, was 
elected as a republican to the office of trustee of Franklin (and what 
is now Needham) Township, and though the vote was very close 
on the balance of the ticket, he received a majority of 103 votes. 
He held the office for two years. During his incumbency of the 
38 



596 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

trustee's office, he read law, and in 1SS0, was admitted to the bar. 
He was elected justice of the peace, and since 1880, has conducted 
the practice of law, and the duties ot the office of magistrate 
jointly, and is also doing an extensive business in the fire insurance 
agency- On October 7, 187 1, he married Lydia, the daughter 
of Joseph A. and Nancy (Jones) Dunlap. As a result of this 
union one daughter, Nellie S., was born January 21, 1S76. Mr. 
Brown is an active member of the Johnson Lodge, No. 76, 
I. O. O. F., and in that has passed through all the chairs in the 
subordinate and encampment; has represented subordinate lodges 
twice at the Grand Lodge, and the encampment once in the Grand 
Encampment, and is now secretary of the subordinate lodge. His 
parents were William W. and Ellen (Houck) Brown, both of 
whom were natives of Ashe County, N. C. The father was born 
June 29, 1808, and was the son of George W. Brown, a native of 
North Carolina. William, the father, was killed in Johnson County 
by a falling tree, on January 3, 1S65. The mother was born April 
4, 1808, and was the daughter of George Houck, a native of Ger- 
man} - . She died September 3, 1866. They are the parents 
of four sons and three daughters, of whom two sons and two 
daughters, including our subject, are living. 

Stephen Brown, one of the leading citizens of Franklin, John- 
son Co., Ind., and one worthy of mention in a work of this charac- 
ter, is a native of Wythe County, Va., where he was born on 
February 8, 1821. He is the son of John and Frances ( Bridg- 
man ) Brown, both of whom were also natives of Virginia. The 
parents immigrated to Indiana in about 1835, and were among the 
pioneers of Johnson County. They located in what is now Pleas- 
ant Township, where a few years later they purchased a farm, and 
where they resided until their deaths. The father died in July, 
1836, and the mother died in December, 1S72. To this union eight 
children were born, seven of whom survive. Our subject was reared 
on the farm in Pleasant Township. He followed farming up to 
1884, and then removed to Franklin, where he now lives a ijuiet 
and retired life, renting his farm of 305 acres. He owns and lives 
in a large comfortable brick residence, and is surrounded with all 
the comforts of life. Though he has never held nor sought public, 
office, he has always taken an interest in public affairs, and is a 
democrat in politics. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, 
and takes an interest in all church and school affairs, and is a man 
generally known and respected for his sterling traits of character. 
He was united in marriage in 1S43, to Miss Dorotha Sharp, the 
daughter of Abraham Sharp, who was born, June 19, 1825. To 
this union nine children have been born, six of whom are living: the 




FRANKLIN CITV AND TOWNSHIP. 597 

children are as follows: John S., born April 5, 1825; Abraham D., 
September 4, 1844, deceased; Catherine Jane, July 5, 1850; Mary 
Ann, April 24, 1853; William Martin, March 14, 1856; Isaac Ed- 
ward, June 17, 1859, deceased; Francis Leonidas, March 1, 1863; 
Sarah M., October 25, 1867; Charley J., April 8, 1872, deceased. 
All of the children are married. The mother and three children 
are members of the Presbyterian Church, and one son of the Union 
Mission Church. 

Henry S. Byers, Sr., is a native of Henry County, Ky., born 
Mav 16, 1S23, and is of German lineage. His father, Henry 
Byers, was born in Pennsylvania, January 15, 1788, and died in 
this county, April 15, 1865; his mother, Elizabeth (Wiley) Byers, 
was born July 25, 1791, and died January 9, 1871. In 1S25, the 
Byers family came to Johnson County and settled at Mt. Pleasant, 
in Franklin Township. Our subject is the sixth in a family of 
eleven children, six of whom are now living. In 1845, he settled 
on his present farm, which contains 535 acres, upon which is a good 
residence. For several years he has been engaged in buying and 
shipping cattle. The marriage of Mr. Byers occurred January 9, 
1845, to Miss Maria McCauley, born in Henry County, Ky., in 1825. 
To this union were born thirteen children, eight of whom are living : 
Robert M., George W., Alonzo N., Adaline, Caroline, Sylvanus, 
Susan, and Archibald. Mr. Byers was formerly a whig, but is now 
a staunch republican, and himself and wife are members of the 
Missionary Baptist Church. 

Henry S. Byers, Jr., farmer and stock-raiser, was born in 
White River Township, Johnson Co., Ind., October 14, 1841, the 
third in a family of seven children born to George and Eliza (Van- 
diver) Byers; the former born in Henry County, Ky., in 1812, 
and died in this county December 31, 1S65; the latter born in Mer- 
cer County, Ky., in 1814, and now resides in Franklin. The fam- 
ily came to Johnson Count)' in 1825. The immediate subject of 
this sketch was reared on the farm in White River Township, and 
was a student at the country schools. October 9, 1862, he enlisted 
in Company I, Seventieth Indiana Volunteers, under Gen. Benja- 
min Harrison, but on account of physical disability was discharged. 
lie returned to this countv, and in May, 1864, assisted Capt. H. H. 
Luyster in making up Company G, One Hundred and Thirty-sec- 
ond Indiana Volunteers, and of this company Mr. Byers was elected 
second lieutenant, and was finally discharged in the fall of 1S64. 
In 1865, he began farming for himself, and in 1881 settled where 
he now resides. Mr. Byers was united in marriage February 6 
1S67, to Miss Louisa M. Bishop, born in Virginia, June 19, 1*47 
They have four children: George E., born March 26, 1868: Mary 



59S JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Oma, May 24, 1872; Clara X., January 10, 1S76. and Wilbur B., 
June 28, 1S80. Politically, he is a republican, and cast his first 
presidential vote for Abraham Lincoln. 

Robert M. Byers (deceased) was born in Franklin Township, 
Johnson County, November 17, 1845: eldest of thirteen children 
born to Henry S. and Maria (McCauley) Byers. The immediate 
subject of this sketch was the recipient of a good education, and by 
occupation was a farmer. In 1876, he settled where his widow re- 
sides, and at the time of his death, owned 239 acres of excellent 
land, and which is considered, one of the best farms in the county. 
He was united in marriage August 31, 1876, to Miss Jennie Parr, 
a native of Clark Township, this county, born August 9, 1850; 
daughter of Moses H. and Eliza A. (Drybread) Parr; the former 
born in Tennessee, July 14, 1823, and now resides in Nebraska; 
the latter born in Hamilton County, Ohio, September 19, 1830. To 
Mr. and Mrs. Byers were born these children: Robert E., born 
1878; Ethel, 1SS2; Iona, 1884, and Herschel, 1886. In politics, 
Mr. Byers was a republican, a worthy citizen, and by his death the 
county lost one of its most valued farmers. Mrs. Byers is a mem- 
ber of the Baptist Church. 

W. A. Carpenter, a merchant tailor on the corner of Jeffer- 
son and Jackson streets, and one of the prominent young citizens of 
Franklin, Ind., is a native of Johnson County, Ind., where he was 
born February 5. 1S60. He was partly reared on a farm in 
Franklin (now Xeedham) Township, and was educated in the 
public schools of Franklin. Upon leaving school he learned the 
tailor's trade, in Franklin, and for about seven years he worked 
at the same in the above place. February 1, 1887, he opened up 
an establishment for himself, and now owns one of the leading tail- 
oring houses in Franklin. He does all kinds of first-class work, 
and carries a large and select stock of suitings. He learned cutting 
in Indianapolis, and is able to guarantee his work. He has met, and is 
meeting, with success, and has a large and growing trade. He 
united in marriage on November 25, 1885, to Emma Swaim, who 
was born in Henslev Township, Johnson County, Ind., December 
19, 186S, and is the daughter of William and Matilda Swaim. To 
this union one son — Earl — was boin on April 25, 1886. Mr. and 
Mrs. Carpenter are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, 
and he is a member of Sam Ovler Lodge, No. 12, K. of P. 
The parents of our subject are James and Hannah (Ware) Car- 
penter. The father was born in Kentucky, and when a boy came 
with his parents to Johnson County, Ind. He removed to Boone 
County, Ind., in about 1870, where he now resides on a farm. 
The mother was born in Johnson County, Ind. To the parents 



FRANKLIN CITY AND TOWNSHIP. 599 

two children — bovs — have been born, our subject, and Charles, a 
younger brother. 

John Clark, president of the National Bank of Franklin, Ind., 
was born in Saybrook, Conn., in 1S1S. His parents were Benjamin 
W. and Poll}' (De Wolf) Clark, both natives of Connecticut, who 
came to Indiana in 1819, and located on the extreme Indiana 
boundary line, in what is now Jennings County, Ind., where the 
mother died seven years later, leaving a family consisting of five 
children. Benjamin W. removed to Madison, Ind., and died a year 
later, his death, however, occurring in Jennings Count}-, while on a 
visit there. After death of parents, the children were cared for by 
friends, the father, however, having left an estate qf some preten- 
tions. In March, 1829, the children, of whom our subject was the 
eldest, returned to Jennings County, to make that their home, and 
it was there our subject was reared and educated in the log school- 
house. In 1836, being then seventeen years of age, he sold his 
time for one year for forty dollars, to Levi Todd, a merchant of 
Vernon, Ind., and at expiration of the year engaged with E. Baldwin 
in the same place for six years, one year of which time he had an 
interest in the business. In 1845, he removed to Edinburg, John- 
son County, and engaged in merchandising, from 1845 to 1856; then 
located in Franklin in 1861, and engaged in milling, in the now 
Union Mill. Ten years later he retired from the mill business. 
During his connection with the mill he engaged in banking, and 
served as president of the Second National Bank for about eleven 
years. In 18S2 he was instrumental in organizing the National 
Bank of Franklin, of which he was elected president, and upon the 
consolidation of the two banks, Franklin and National, he was re- 
tained as president of the same. With the exception of school 
trustee in Jennings County, to which he was elected while a boy, 
Mr. Clark has never held public othce nor sought any. He has 
been a member of the Presbyterian Church since 1S50. Mr. Clark 
was married in 1850, to Jane P. Fink, who was a native of Pitts- 
burg, Pa., and died in 1876. He was married in 1878 to Mrs. M. 
P. Charlton, of Vernon, Ind. To the first marriage six children 
were born, one of whom, a daughter, survives. Mr Clark is a re- 
publican in politics. 

Georoe W. Clemmer was born in Hensley Township, John- 
son Countv, Ind., November 8, 1850. His father, Thomas Clem- 
mer, of German descent, was born in Adams County, Ohio, in 1802, 
and died in Montgomery Countv. Kan., March 26, 18S6. Mary 
(Titus) Clemmer, the mother of our subject, was born in Pennsyl- 
vania, in 1S05, and now resides in Montgomery County, Kan. He 
received a common school education, sufficient to enable him to 



600 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

teach school, which he began at the age of seventeen years, and 
has followed it ever since with marked success. Politically. Mr. 
Clemmer is a democrat in the strictest sense. Is a member of the 
Knights of Pythias, and adheres to the Missionary Baptist faith in 
religion. In 1872, he was united in marriage with Miss Carrie 
Emenhiser, and to them are born three children: Canova O., 
Edith P., and Carl C. 

Albebt B. Colton, son of Ambrose Colton, Jr., and Adaline' 
(Calkins) Colton, was born in Springfield, Mass., September 26, 
1830. Among the names of the early settlers of Springfield two and 
a half centuries ago, who, without aspiring to any post of leader- 
ship, were content in the simple capacity of pioneer settlers, to aid 
in building up a town in the wilderness, although it required ex- 
posure, privations and dangers to themselves and families, we find 
the name, George Colton, who was the common ancestor of the 
Colton family in the United States. The name Colton can be 
found all along Springfield chronology from its first settlement clown 
to the present day. In 1774, the citizens of Springfield, in town- 
meeting assembled, voted a strong protest against "taxation with- 
out representation," and passed the following resolution drafted by 
the "citizens' committee'": "Though we will injure no man in his 
person or property for a diversity of opinion, yet we shall not think 
ourselves bound to continue our favors to an}' gentleman who, lost 
to the sentiments of gratitude and humanity, can coollv sacrifice his 
country's liberties to his own private emolument." The citizens' 
committee was Dea. Nathaniel Brewer, Capt. George Pyncheon, 
Dr. Charles Pyncheon, Capt. Simon Colton, Moses Field, Jonathan 
Hale, Jr., Ensign Phineas C hapin, James Sikes, and Dea. Daniel Har- 
ris. On April 20, 1775, Springfield sent twenty minute men to 
the front, under Maj. Andrew Colton, as follows: Sol Brewer, John 
Colton, Thomas Bates, Matthew Keep, Benjamin Colton, Jr., 
Abijah Edson, John Burt, Jr., Jacob Kellogg, Moses Harris, Joseph 
Kellogg, Jr., Oliver Burt, Robert Stevens, Jacob Chapin, Oliver 
Field, Medad Stebbins, Jonah Cooler, Simon Moore, Thomas Hale, 
Jr., and Seth Storer Coburn. Albert B. Colton's parents were poor; 
his schooling was limited to winter months. At sixteen years of age, 
he was placed to the machinist's trade, which occupation he has 
always followed for a livelihood. Like his early ancestors, he has 
never aspired to any post of leadership, but content in an humble 
sphere with the approbation : " He is an honest man." Mr. Colton 
came to Johnson County in 1S61, and to Franklin in 1864, where he 
has since resided. He has served two terms in the city council, 
and one term on the board of school trustees, and was married to 



FRANKLIN CITY AND TOWNSHIP. 6oi 

Mary A. L. Dolbeare, a native of Indiana, February 25, 1854. 
In religion lie is an Episcopalian, and in politics, a democrat. 

Dr. G. W. Covert, a leading dentist and physician of Frank- 
lin, and one of the representative citizens, and a descendant of one 
of the pioneer families of Johnson County, Inch, was born five miles 
northwest from Franklin, on August 18, 1833. He is the son of 
Daniel and Rachel (Voorhies) Covert. (See sketch of Joseph 
V. Covert for sketch of parents.) He was reared on the farm, 
and secured his early education in the district schools, and bv pur- 
suing his studies by lamp light, securing books out of the old 
Johnson County Workingmen's Institute Library. He began life 
for himself when a little over twenty years of age, by renting his 
father's farm, and remained on the farm in Johnson County until 
i860, when he and his father removed to Kansas, and continued 
farming. In 1863 he began reading medicine in Kansas, and dur- 
ing the winters of 1864-65, attended medical lectures at the Rush 
Medical College at Chicago. Returning to Kansas he began 
practicing in April, 1865. A year was spent in practicing in Kan- 
sas, then removed to Montgomery Count v, 111. In the fall of 
1867 he returned to Kansas, owing to the feeble health of his parents, 
thus sacrificing a large and lucrative practice, which he had built up. 
While in Illlinois, he took up the study of dentistry, and purchasing 
books and instruments began practicing the same. In 1873, he re- 
turned to Indiana, and located at Whiteland, Johnson County, where he 
practiced both dentistry and medicine, until June, 1887, when he 
removed to Franklin and opened an office. He enjoys the repu- 
tation of being not only a skilled dentist, but an able physician, 
though his attention is turned chieflv to dentistrv and the treatment 
of chronic diseases, in which profession he is meeting with success, 
and establishing a good business. He was united in marriage on 
February 2, 1854, to Mary E. Lagrange, who was born in the 
Hopewell neighborhood, three miles west from Franklin, Ind., in 
April, 1S36, and is the daughter of Aaron Lagrange. To this 
union six children have been born, as follows: E. Lynn, November 
11, 1854; Carrie C, February, 1S57, now Mrs. R. M. Lynn, edi- 
tor of the Greenfield Republican, of Hancock Co., Ind. ; M. Electa, 
May 20, i860, now wife of John D. Whitesides, Jr., of Needham 
Township, Franklin County ; A. Josephine, February 2, 1863, de- 
ceased February 15, 1S64; Mollie, July S, 1866, now the wife of 
Josiah Sharp, of Greenwood, Ind.; and Aura T., August 8, 1S70. 
Dr. Covert, wife, and all of his children, are members of the Pres- 
byterian Church. 

Joseph V. Covert was born in Mercer County, Ky., December 
4, 1S21, son of Daniel and Rachel (Voorhies) Covert; the former 



602 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

born in Mercer County, Ky., April 21, 1799, and died October 28, 
1887, at the home of our subject: the latter a native of the same 
county, born October 21, 1797, and died December 2. 1S71. His 
paternal grandfather was Isaac Covert, born near Morristown. X. J., 
December 1, 1755, and who served seven rears as rife major in the 
War of the Revolution. In the spring of 1S25, he came to John- 
son County, and here' located land for his children, after which he 
returned to Kentucky, where his death occurred in Mercer County, 
September 14, 1825. The maternal grandmother of our subject 
was Anna (Vanarsdall) Covert, born in New Jersey, April 9, 1756, 
and died in this county, October 24, 1828. The Covert family was 
first represented in this county in 1823, by Simon Covert. The 
immediate subject of this sketch came to this county with his 
parents in the fall of 1825, and settled five miles northwest of 
Franklin. He is the eldest of seven children, three of whom vet 
live. Our subject remained at home until about twenty-two years 
of age, when he began farming for himself, and in 1843, settled 
where he now resides, and owns 12S acres of good land. Mr. 
Covert was married October 12, 1843, to Miss Sarah Banta, who 
died in 1862, and he was again married the same year to Miss 
Rilla De Mott, a native of Kentucky. To this union are two chil- 
dren: Sarah I., born September 8, 1863, and William D., born 
February 14, 1869. Mr. Covert is a republican, and cast his first 
vote for John C. Fremont. He and wife are members of the 
Presbyterian Church, and are highly esteemed by all who know 
them. 

Edmonson Cutsinger, of the firm of Thompson, White & Co., 
was born near Edinburg, March 1, 1845, the fourth child and sec- 
ond son born to Samuel and Elizabeth Cutsinger. He had the 
advantage of a common school education, and was reared a farmer, 
which has been his life occupation. Upon arriving at his majority 
he began life for himself. He now owns a large farm near Amity, 
this county, which is well stocked, he being one of the prominent 
stock feeders of the county. He became interested in the starch 
factory at Franklin, in 1883, to which town he moved in March, 
1883, and where he has since resided. He is one of the successful 
business men of the community, and a liberal contributor to all 
public enterprises. Politically, he is an aggressive democrat. He 
was married, July 5, 1866, to Miss Clara E. Carroll, who was born 
October 22, 1S47, in Bartholomew County, Ind. To this union 
three children — two sons and one daughter — have been born; 
the daughter, Claudia B., survives. Mrs. Cutsinger died October 
22, 1885. She was a worthy member of the Christian Church. 



FRANKLIN — CITY AND TOWNSHIP. 603 

Mr. Cutsinger is largely acquainted in central Indiana, and is highly 
esteemed. 

Samuel Deitch, deceased, was one of the leading citizens of 
Franklin, Johnson County, Ind., and his prominence entitles him to 
a place in a work of this character. lie was born in Alsace, a 
province of France, now belonging to Germain-, in 1811, and emi- 
grated to America in 1847, and came direct to Franklin from New 
Orleans, to join two of his brothers, Joseph and Felix, who were 
for years residents of Franklin, but are now citizens of Indianapolis. 
Upon coming to Franklin he engaged in stock and other trading, 
and later engaged in merchandising for about ten years. After 
that he traded in stock, buying and selling horses and buggies, and 
later dealt in real estate extensively- When he came to Franklin 
he possessed only $80 in money, and as evidence of his prosperity 
and good financial ability, it is only necessary to state that he left 
an estate valued at about $50,000. He was united in marriage on 
March 3, 1850, to C. L. Lowe, who was born in Johnson County, 
Ind., on October 21, 1829, and is the daughter of Thomas and 
Sarah Wetzel, who were among the pioneers of Johnson County. 
To this union one daughter, Sarah C, was born, and the widow 
and one daughter are the only survivors. 

Cornelius L. Ditmars, farmer, and one of the most extensive 
stock-men of this county, is a native of New Jersey, born July 15, 
1825, being the seventh in a family of eleven children, born to Gar- 
rett and Sarah ( Yerbryke) Ditmars, and is of Holland Dutch origin. 
His father was born in New Jersey, April 15, 1792, and died in 
Johnson County, Ind., November 23, 1S51; his mother, a native of 
the same state, was born in 1794, and died here in 1S55. William 
Verbryke, his maternal grandfather, was a colonel in the War of the 
Revolution. The Ditmars came to Johnson County in 1837, and 
first settled one mile north of Franklin, where they remained a short 
time, and then removed to Union Township. Our subject was 
reared a farmer, and settled where he now resides, .in 1858, and 
which is said to be the best improved farm in Johnson County, the 
same containing 400 acres. The marriage of Mr. Ditmars occurred 
in 1S50, to Miss Caroline Banta, daughter of John P. and Catherine 
(List) Banta. To this union were born four children, three of 
whom are now living: John W., Mary Belle and William S. Mrs. 
Ditmars died in 1861, and in 1867, Mr. Ditmars was again married, 
the bride being Miss Catherine Alexander. To their marriage was 
born one daughthe: Olive. Mrs. Ditmars died in 1870, and in 
1872, our subject married Mrs. Jennie G. Voris, whose maiden 
name was Graham, a native of Ohio. A staunch republican in 



604 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

politics, he manifests an active interest in the welfare and public 
prosperity of his township, county and state. He and wife are 
members of the Hopewell Presbyterian Church, he having for ten 
years served as an elder of the same. 

John T. Ditmars, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in New 
Jersey, January 7, 1S30, and is the ninth in a family of thirteen 
children born to Garrett and Sarah fVerbryke) Ditmars. When 
our subject was four months old his parents removed to Warren 
County, Ohio, and in 1836, came to Johnson County, Ind. He was 
reared on a farm and attended the country schools during the win- 
ter. At the age of twenty-one years he began working for him- 
self, and for eight years worked bv the month on the farm. In the 
spring of 1S66, Mr. Ditmars settled on his present farm, which con- 
tains 304 acres of valuable land. Politically, he is an ardent repub- 
lican, and cast his first presidential vote for Winfield Scott. He is 
a member of the Presbyterian Church, a successful farmer, and 
one of the few remaining old pioneers of the countv. 

John W. Ditmars was born in Franklin Township, Septem- 
ber 5, 1852, being the eldest child to his father's first marriage, 
and son of Cornelius and Caroline (Banta) Ditmars. He received 
a good common school education, and began life's battle for him- 
self at the age of twenty-one years, as a farmer; he has been very 
successful, and he now owns an excellent farm of 240 acres, and 
what is far better, he has won hosts of warm and true friends, and 
but few or no enemies. In addition to farming, he buys cattle. 
September 6, 1S77, Mr. Ditmars was married to Miss Hattie, 
daughter of Oliver Ong, who died December 1, 1881; and Feb- 
ruary, 1886, he was again married to Miss Etta Graham, born Au- 
gust S, i860, and daughter of David and Caroline Graham. Bv his 
last mairiage is one child: Maria, born September 29, 1887. Mr. 
and Mrs. Ditmars are members of the Franklin Presbyterian 
Church. He is thorough-going, industrious, and a liberal supporter 
of all laudable public enterprises. 

William Ditmars is a native of Johnson Countv, was born in 
Franklin Township. October 4, 1857, the son of Cornelius L. and 
Caroline (Banta) Ditmars, and is the third child born to his 
father's first marriage. The boyhood days of our subject were 
spent on a farm, where he attended the country schools, and, later 
spent one year in the Franklin high school. Mr. Ditmars spent 
the year 1S83 and a part of 1884, in northwestern Texas; here he 
engaged in farming, and in September, 1885, settled where he 
now resides. In addition, he is an extensive stock-dealer, and by 
industry and good management lias secured a comfortable home. 
Mr. Ditmars was united in marriage December 16, 18S5, to Miss 



FRANKLIN — PITY AND TOWNSHIP. 605 

Minnie, daughter of Prof. David and Caroline Graham. Mrs. Dit- 
mars was born in Columbus, Ind., August 31, 1864. Mr. Ditmars 
is a staunch republican in politics, and is a representative of one of 
the early and prominent families of this county. He and wife are 
members of the Presbyterian Church. 

H. N. Dunlap, the subject of the following sketch, is one of 
the young merchants of Franklin, Johnson Co., Ind., and dealer in 
groceries and provisions of all kinds, also fruits, candies, cigars and 
tobacco. Me was born in Franklin, on December 6, 1S62, and is 
the son of G. W. and L.J. (Burnett) Dunlap, the former being a 
native of Pennsylvania-, and the latter of Virginia. In 1SS3, the 
parents removed to Indianapolis, where they now reside, the father 
being engaged in the nursery business. Our subject was educated 
in the public schools of his native town, and on August 2, 1881, en- 
gaged in the grocery business, beginning on a limited capital, but 
by strict attention to business, fair and honest dealing, has prospered, 
and he now carries an average stock of between $4,000 and $5,000. 
He was married October 19, 1S87, to Miss Mary V. McDonald, 
who was born in Johnson Countv, and is the daughter of James 
D. McDonald. Mrs. Dunlap is a member of the Christian Church. 

William L. Dunlap, traveling salesman for J. H. Labaree & 
Co., New York City, was born in Franklin, Johnson Countv, Ind., 
September 14, 1840, son of Joseph A. and Nancy S. (Jones) 
Dunlap, and is of Scotch-Irish origin. His father was born in east 
Tennessee, January 23, 181 1, and now resides in this city. 
The mother of Mr. Dunlap was born in South Carolina, in about 
1816, and died in Franklin, in 1881. The family came to Johnson 
County in 1S31. Our subject is the second of twelve children born, 
ten of whom are living. Mr. Dunlap was raised and educated 
in Franklin. September 1, 1861, he enlisted in Company F, 
Seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry. Spent three years in the 
service, and was in these battles: Gettysburg, Antietam, Bull 
Run and Fredricksburg, and was honorably discharged in 1S64, at 
Indianapolis. Coming home, he went to Henry County, 111., and 
stayed one year in the dry goods business, and then returned to 
Franklin. In March, 1866, he began the grocery business, and 
continued until 1S84, when he began traveling in 1885, and has 
since continued. He was married in 1868 to Miss Isabell Reaves, 
of Richmond, Ind., who was born in 1846. They have these three 
children: Jessie, Wimford, and Louie. In politics, he is a repub- 
lican. He was made a Mason in 1867, is a Knight Templar, a 
member of Franklin Commanderv, belongs to Lodge No. 23, I. O. 
O. F., and is a K. of P. In the latter, he was elected grand chancellor 
for the state in 1883, and served one year, and is a member of. 



606 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

G. A. R. Wardsworlh Post, No. 127. He and wife are members 
of the Presbyterian Church. 

S. B. Eccles. — The subject of this sketch is one of the prom- 
inent young business men of Franklin, Johnson Co., Ind., and pro- 
prietor of one of the leading drug stores of that city. He was 
born in Greenwood, Johnson Co., Ind., on November 15, 1858, and 
is the son of G. D. and Mary (Lemasters) Eccles; the father was 
born near Harrodsburg, Mercer Co., Kv.. on March 4, 1820, and 
is the son of Samuel Eccles. Samuel was a native of Virginia, 
and emigrated to Kentucky, and thence to Indiana, in 1S30, and 
located at Greenwood, Johnson County. He was quite prominent, 
and filled several important public places, among which were those 
of commissioner of Johnson County, and also represented the 
county in the state legislature several years: he died in 1859. The 
father of our subject has followed farming as an avocation, though 
in early life he learned and worked for a while at the carpenter's 
trade. He is now residing at Greenwood on his farm. The mother 
was born in Johnson County, Ind., on November 14, 1833, and is 
the daughter of David Lemasters, who was a native of Indiana, 
and came to Johnson County in an early day. She is still living. 
To the parents three sons have been born, of whom our subject 
is the oldest. He was reared on the farm, and secured his early 
education in the public schools of Greenwood, graduating from the 
high school at that place in 1877, and the same year he entered the 
freshman class of Franklin College, and spent one year. In the 
fall of 1S78, he entered the sophomore class at Wabash College, 
and graduated from the same June 22, 1881. He then spent 
one year on the farm, and next came to Franklin, and entered the 
drug store of O. I. Jones, with whom he remained until the spring 
of 1S83, and then entered the drug store of R. C. Wood, and 
remained there until October 14, 1885, and then, in connection 
with Harvey A. Duncan, he purchased the agricultural implement 
business of Dunn & Forsvthe, and with the firm known as Eccles & 
Duncan, continued until February 25, 1S86, when they were burned 
out. He then engaged in life insurance business until May 14, 
1886, when he engaged in his present business, and now conducts 
one of the leading drug stores at Franklin, at No. 58 East Jefferson 
Street. He is a member of the Masonic and Knights of Pythias 
fraternities, and has held all the chairs in the latter lodge, and rep- 
resented the lodge at the Grand Lodge in 1S88. He was married 
October 6, 18S7, to Georgia X. Ritchey, of Franklin, daughter of 
L. P. and S. N. Ritchey. Mr. and Mrs. Eccles are members of 
the Presbyterian Church. 

David Franklin Featherngill was born in what is now Old- 



FRANKLIN CITY AND TOWNSHIP. 6c>7 

ham County, Ky., August 7, 182S, son of Joseph and Mary (For- 
syth) Featherngill; the former born in Virginia, in 1790, and died 
in Nineveh Township, this county, February 19, 1S63; the latter 
born in Kentucky, in 1 794, and died in this county September 30, 
1S35. The family came to the county in 1829, and settled in 
Nineveh Township. The immediate subject of this sketch is the 
sixth in a family of eight children; he was raised on the farm, and 
was a student at the pioneer country schools. At the age of twenty- 
one years he began the business of life for himself, and in 1856, set- 
tled where he now resides, and owns 100 acres of excellent land. 
The marriage of Mr. Featherngill occurred September 13, 1849, 
to Miss Martha J. Mullikin, born in Henry County, Ky., October 
30, 1S30. They have had nine children, of whom five are now liv- 
ing: Thomas H., born 1854; Mary E., born 185S; Susan E., born 
1862; Charles C, born 1864, and Julia B., born 1868. Politically, 
he is an earnest republican, and cast his first presidential vote for 
John C. Fremont. He and wife are member of the Christian 
Church, having united with the same about thirty-six years ago. 
For almost three score years Mr. Featherngill has been a resident 
of this county, and is a highly respected citizen of the community 
in which he resides. 

John H. Featherngill, one of the prominent and substantial 
citizens of Franklin, Ind., was born in Oldham County, Ky., on 
March 27, 1S22, and was reared on the farm, securing a fair edu- 
cation in the common schools. He began life for himself in 1843, 
as a farmer in Nineveh Township, Johnson County, Ind., at which 
he continued until about fifteen years ago, when he had to leave 
the farm on account of ill health, and removed to Franklin. For a 
number of years he was engaged in pork packing in Franklin and 
Indianapolis. He was married December 17, 1843, to Martha 
A. Brannigan, who was born in Kentucky in 1826, and was the 
daughter of John Brannigan. She died in 1S46, leaving two child- 
rdn: James R., born October 1, 1844, died December 20, 1861; 
and Lucy F., born October 13, 1846, and died in 1872. The par- 
ents of our subject were Joseph and Mary (Forsyth) Featherngill, 
both of whom were natives of Virginia, the former of English, and 
the latter of Irish, descent. The former was born in 1794, and died 
in 1863; and the mother born in 1799, and died in 1835. From 
Virginia the parents went to Kentucky, and in 1829 came to John- 
son County, Ind., and were among the early settlers of Nineveh 
Township. To them were born eight children, five of whom 
survive. 

W. 11. Fisher, Jr. — Among the ex-soldiers of Johnson County, 
is the gentleman whose name heads this sketch. He is a citizen of 



608 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Franklin, and is engaged in the meat business, on East Jefferson 
Street. He is a native of Johnson County, Ind., having been born 
four miles north of Franklin, on the old homestead, October 15, 
1S40. He is the third son of thirteen children — ten sons and three 
daughters — born to Capt. W. H. and Mary J. (Henderson) 
Fisher. Capt. Fisher was a native of Kentucky, born March i8,\ 
1 Si 3, and was the son of Capt. James Fisher, who was an offi- \ 
cer of dragoons in the Black Hawk War. His father was a soldier J 
in the Continental Army in the Revolutionary War. Capt. W. H. / 
Fisher came with his mother to Clark County, Ind., when about 
twelve years old. His mother was then a widow, his father having 
died about one year after the battle of Tippecanoe. He removed x. 
to Johnson County, in 1836, having been married in 1835. He 
followed farming until the breaking out of the war, and in Au- 
gust, 1862, enlisted in the Federal Army, and at the organization of 
Company I, of the Seventieth Regiment of Indiana Infantry, he was 
elected captain of the same, and served for nineteen months, when, 
after a severe spell of sickness, from which he could not rally, he 
resigned, and returned to the farm in Johnson County, where he 
continued to reside until his death, which occurred in September, 
1885. The mother was also a native of Kentucky, and was 
born in February. 1818. She was the daughter of John Hen- 
derson, whose father was also a Revolutionary soldier. Prob- 
ably no other one family in Johnson County has contained so 
many soldiers as the Fisher family. Not only were the grand- 
fathers and father soldiers, but rive sons of the present family 
served in the late war. They were: James, John and Thomas," 
members of Company F, Seventh Regiment Indiana Volunteer In- 
fantry: Joseph was in his father's company (Company I, Seventieth 
Indiana ), and our subject was a member of Company D, Seven- 
teenth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Mounted Infantry. Our sub- 
ject enlisted and was ordered into camp Mav 15, 1861, and served 
until June 25, 1864, and during that time participated in thirty-one 
rights, and was in the hospital only one night. But his health was 
materially injured by long and constant service in the saddle. James 
was wounded at North Ann River, Va., from which death resulted. 
John was wounded at Port Republic in the knee, and in the second 
day's right in the Wilderness, lost his l^i,t arm. He lived until Feb- 
ruary 1 2, 1873, but his health was seriously impaired after the service. 
Thomas was fatally wounded at the Second Bull Run battle. 
Joseph went with Sherman to the Sea, and now resides in Iowa. 
Returning to Johnson County, our subject remained two years, and 
in 1866, went out to Iowa, from which state he returned to Frank- 
lin, Ind., in January, 1870, and engaged in the meat business. He 



FRANKLIN CITY AND TOWNSHIP. 609 

was married in 1S64, to Sarah J. Good, who was born in Tennessee, 
in 1840, and came with her parents, Abram and Martha (Green) 
Good, in 1841, to Indiana. To this union five children have been 
born. 

David Fitz Gibbon. — David Fitz Gibbon, clerk of the circuit 
court of Johnson Count}', Ind., was born near Vernon, Jennings 
County, Ind., March 15, 1S42, and is the son of Thomas and Ellen 
(O'Mahoney) Fitz Gibbon, both of whom were natives of Cork, 
Ireland. The parents were married in their native country, and 
emigrated to America in about 1820, locating in Baltimore, Md. 
From Baltimore, they removed to Madison, Ind., and thence to 
Jennings Count}-, where they had purchased a farm. In about 
1845. they returned to Madison, and in July, 1849, tne y removed 
to Edinburg, Johnson County, where the father engaged in mer- 
chandising, and where they both died, the father in April, 1S74, 
and the mother in 1871. To the parents fourteen children were 
born, seven of whom survive. Of the surviving children, our 
subject is the fifth in birth. He was reared principally in 
Edinburg, Ind., and received a good education, attending the pub- 
lic schools of that place, and then spending two years as a student 
at Notre Dame College. Finishing his school days in i860, he 
next engaged as clerk with John Walsh and John M. Sargant, mer- 
chants of Edinburg, with whom he remained for about eighteen 
years, with the exception of about three years spent as book- 
keeper for an Indianapolis firm. In April, 1880, he removed to 
Franklin, and took a position with Walsh & McNaughton (now 
W. A. McNaughton), where he remained up to the taking posses- 
sion of his present position. March 18, 1886, he was nominated»by 
the democratic county convention for the office of circuit clerk, 
and in November of the same year, was elected by a majority of 
350 votes, and in November, 1887, took possession of the office. 
He was united in marriage July 17, 1867, to Josephine Morgan, who 
was born in Kentucky, and is the daughter of Col. Morgan, who 
removed from Henry County, Ky., to Johnson County, Ind., in 
1856. To this union three children have been born, two of whom 
are living. 

J. D. George, M. D., a prominent physician of the homoenK- 
pathic school of Franklin, Johnson County, Ind., was born in Jeffer- 
son County, Ind., on March 13, 1S54, and is the son of W. J. and 
Jane (Spann) George. The father was born in Kentucky, in about 
1827, and is the son of Milton George, a native of Virginia, and a 
pioneer of Kentucky, who removed at an early date to Indiana, and 
located in Jefferson County. W. J., the father, has followed farm- 
ing as a life vocation, and now resides in Jefferson Count} - . The 



I 



6lO JOHNSON" COUNTY. 



mother was born in Jefferson County, Ind., and was the daughter 
of Moses Spann, who died in 1SS6, in his eighty-fifth year: she died 
when our subject was but five months of age, and his father subse- 
quently married Edith Spann, sister to his hist wife. To our sub- 
ject's parents two sons and one daughter were born, all of whom 
survive, and to the second marriage seven children were born. 
Our subject was reared on the farm, where he remained, attending 
school during the winter months, until he was nineteen years of age, 
and then spent a year in clerking in Madison, Ind. Returning to 
the farm he attended the high school for two years. He then 
taught school for two years, reading medicine at the same time, 
the two years being spent at the Reform School at Plainfield, Ind., 
of which he was an officer. He then located at Indianapolis, Ind., 
and read medicine with Drs. Runnels of that city, for several 
years, and during that time attended the Cleveland, Ohio, Ilomreo- 
pathic Hospital College, entering the same in 1876, and graduat- 
ing in 1878. lie practiced as an assistant to Drs. Runnels from 
1878 until 1SS0, in Indianapolis, and next located in Franklin, Ind., 
where he practiced for three years, and then closing his office, 
went to New York Citv. where he took a post-graduate course in 
the Post-Graduate College, Bellevue Hospital College and the 
New York Homoeopathic College. He next returned to Franklin, 
and resuming his practice, has remained ever since, building 
up a large practice and establishing a firm footing, both profession- 
ally and socially. He is at present, and was several years ago, 
secretary of the Indiana Institute of Homoeopathy, and in 1886 
was elected to a seat in the city council of Franklin. He was 
married September 1. 1885, to Mattie Bergen, of Vinton, Iowa, 
and to this union a son, George B., was born September 5, 1886. 
Dr. George is a member of the Hesperian Lodge, Xo. 12, K. of 
P., and he and wife are members of the Baptist Church. 

Thomas W. Graham was born where he now resides, Feb- 
ruary 12, 1849, son °f J ames H- and Jane A. (Dobbins) Graham; 
the former born in Kentucky, June 6, 1809, and died April 29, 
1886; the latter was born in South Carolina, November 10, 1S15, 
and died in this county in 1859. His paternal grandfather, Thomas 
Graham, was born in Virginia in 1772, and died in Johnson County 
in 1859. About 1S30 the family came from Kentucky to Johnson 
County, Ind., and settled just east of Franklin, and later located 
north of this place. In a family of ten children our subject is the 
seventh. He was reared on the farm where he now lives, and was 
a student at the country school, and at an early age began farming 
for himself, and this vocation he now follows. The marriage of 
Mr. Graham was solemnized December 23, 187^, to Mary E. Dem- 



FRANKLIN CITY AND TOWNSHIP. 6ll 

aree, a native of this county, born July 24, 1850, daughter of 
Henry and Nancy S. (Winchester) Demaree. To the above mar- 
riage five children have been born: Everett, born 1S75; Anna, 
1S77; .Maggie, 1880; Minnie, 1882, and Walter, 1S86. In politics, 
he is a republican, and he and wife are members of the Bethany 
Presbyterian Church, at Whiteland. 

Philip C. Halfaker, one of the oldest blacksmiths in John- 
son County, Ind., and doing business in Franklin, was born in Bar- 
tholomew Count}', Ind., on July 18, 1834, and is the son of Jacob 
and Ruth (Campbell) Halfaker, natives of Virginia and Ohio, re 
spectively. Father was born August 12, 1S02, and died in Johnson 
County, in 1879. Mother was born in 1812, and died in Johnson 
County, in 18S3. The paternal grandfather was born in Virginia 
in about 1765, and died in Johnson County in 1850. The Halfaker 
family emigrated to Johnson County in 1827, and settled in Blue 
River Township, and in 1837, removed to Clark Township, where 
the subject of this sketch grew to manhood on the farm, and at- 
tended the country schools, securing a limited education. In 1851, 
he came to Franklin and began serving a three years' apprentice- 
ship at the blacksmith's trade in the shop of Webb & Clark, and in 
1858, began business for himself, and with the exception of four 
years, has carried on the blacksmith trade in this city. He is a 
practical mechanic and a first-class workman, and has met with 
success, his business extending over a large scope of territory. 
June 16, 1858, he was united in marriage to Miss Anna L., daugh- 
ter of Jesse and Nancy Coleman, who was born August 11, 1839. 
To this union are these five children: William C, Charles G., 
Edgar B., Cora, and Roscoe C. Politically, Mr. Halfaker is a 
republican, and in 1863 was made a Mason. He and wife are 
members of the Christian Church. 

W. C. Hall, M. D., physician and surgeon, and a prominent 
citizen of Franklin, Johnson County, Ind., is a native of New York 
State, and was born September 11, 1S30, at the village of Castile, 
being the third son of Justice and Rachel (Gibbs) Hall. Dr. 
Hall entered Alleghany College, at Meadville, Pa., at the age of 
fifteen years, and spent three years completing the scientific 
course. In 1849, he entered the office of Dr. J. H. D. Rodgers, of 
Madison, Ind., and began the study of medicine, and subsequently 
studied at the Louisville Medical College, and, in 1S57, attended 
his last course of lectures at the Starling Medical College, of Col- 
umbus, Ohio. He removed to Jefferson Countv, Ind., and prac- 
ticed his profession until 1S62, and then enlisted as a private in the 
Eighty-second Regiment, Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was 
shortlv afterward transferred to the Seventeenth Regiment, Ohio 

" 39 



6l2 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Volunteer Infantry, and commissioned a surgeon. Returning from 
the war, he located in Franklin, Ind., where he has since resided, 
and practiced his profession. He has given his entire time and at- 
tention to his profession, and that he has made a decided success is 
evidenced by the large practice he now has and has had for years. 
During 1875 and 1876, he was president of the Board of Health 
of Johnson County. He is a member of Wadsworth Post, No. 127, 
G. A. R., of which he is the present post commander. Dr. Hall 
was married in March, 1S5S, to Malvina C. Tilford, of Hanover, 
Ind., who was born in 1834. 

Josiah H. Handley was born October 12, 1846, in Dorchester 
County, Md., son of Henry and Mary A. (Woollen) Handley. The 
father of our subject was born in Maryland about 1805, and died in 
his native state in 1850, and by occupation was a carpenter. His 
mother, also a native of Maryland, was born in 1S15, and now re- 
sides in this county. Our subject received a common school educa- 
tion, and at ten years of age, began supporting himself. From 1861 
until 1S67 he led the life of a sailor on the Potomac River and 
Chesapeake Bay. In 1867, he began farming in Maryland, and in 
1868 came to Johnson County, and worked on the farm by the 
month, until February, 1869, when he began farming for himself, in 
Union Township, where he remained until 1879, wnen he removed 
to his present farm, which contains 104 acres. For several years 
he has been engaged in breeding tine-stock, and has been very sue- 
cessful. Mr. Handley was married December 10, 1868, to Miss 
Nancy J. Carnine, born in Johnson County, Ind., near where she 
now resides, September 30, 1848. Mrs. Handley is the daughter 
of Andrew and Nancy (Banta) Carnine, natives of Kentucky, the 
former born in 1804, and died in 1873, and the latter died in this 
county in 1853. Mr. and Mrs Handley are the parents of four 
children: Sarah A., born October 10, 1S69; James E., June 3, 
1873: Mary Anna, December 19, 1879, anc * Lorin A., February 
12, 1 88 1. Politically, he is a republican, and through his own 
industry and economy, has succeeded. Mr. and Mrs. Handley are 
members of the Hopewell Presbyterian Church. 

Samuel Harris, the subject of this sketch, was born in Union 
Township, in the western part of Johnson County, Ind., July 30, 
1844, and is the son of John and Jane (Province) Harris. The 
father was born in Kentucky, in 1818. and was the son of Jesse 
Harris. Jesse Harris was a native of Kentucky, and he was the 
son of Joshua Harris. Joshua and a brother, while quite young, 
were left orphans, and were drafted into the American Army during 
the Revolutionary War. At the battle of Bunker Hill, the two 
brothers were separated, and the other brother was never heard 



FRANKLIN 



CITY AND TOWNSHIP. 



613 



of after. Jesse Harris served in the War of 1812, and participated 
in the battte of New Orleans. He removed to Indiana in about 
1824, and in 1827, came to Johnson Count)', and located in what is 
now Union Township. Joshua, the grandfather, came with the 
family, to Johnson County, where he died. John, the father, was a 
farmer, and was quite prominent, holding several public offices, 
serving for about twenty years as trustee of his township. He 
died in 1867, holding office at that time. The mother was born in 
Ireland, near Londonderry, in about 1816, and came to America 
when quite young, with her widowed mother. The)' located in 
Kentucky, and she then removed to Indiana, and the marriage of 
the parents occurred in Johnson County. She came here to make her 
home with an uncle, her mother having married a second time. She 
is now residing in Union Township, Johnson County. To the par- 
ents eight children were born, all of whom, save one, survive. Our 
subject was reared on the farm, and secured a common school edu- 
cation. He remained on the farm until about 1878, during which 
time he was engaged in buying stock on an extensive scale. In 
1878 he located in the village of Union, in the township by that 
name, where he merchandised and traded in stock, for about three 
years. He was married December 19, 1867, to Cordelia S. Garsh- 
wiler, who was born in Morgan County, Ind., December 30, 
1850. To this union two children have been born, one of whom 
survives. Our subject is quite an active Mason, being a member 
of Franklin Lodge, No. 107, F. & A. M., Franklin Chapter, No. 65, 
and Franklin Commandery, No. 23, and a member of the Ind- 
iana Consistory of Scottish Rite. In 1882 he was nominated 
bv the democrats of Johnson County, for the office of cir- 
cuit clerk, and was elected by a majority of 475 votes, and 
removed to Franklin in 1883, taking his position November 1, 
1883. He held the office of circuit clerk for four years. Janu- 
ary 1, 1888, he engaged in the insurance, pension and loan 
business in Franklin, purchasing the business of Samuel A. 
Wilson. Upon his retirement from the office of circuit clerk in 
1887, he was the recipient of a gold-headed cane at the hands of 
the court, bar and officials of Johnson County, as a token of the 
esteem and respect in which he was held by the members of the 
same as an efficient officer, good citizen and clever gentleman, and 
resolutions were adopted and spread on record as follows : Resolu- 
tions adopted September 24, 18S7, by the court, bar and officers 
of the Johnson County circuit court, in relation to Samuel Harris, 
retiring clerk of the court: "It being at this time suggested by the 
members of the bar, that before the convening of the next session 
of this court, the term of office of Samuel Harris as clerk thereof, 



6 1 4 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

will have expired, the court, on motion of Jacob L. White, ap- 
pointed Samuel P. Ovler, H. C. Barnett and W. J. Buckingham, 
to draft suitable resolutions expressing the esteem in which said 
retiring clerk is held by the court and the members of the bar of 
this county, and said committee reported the following resolutions: 

" The committee appointed to draft resolutions on behalf of 
the court and bar, relative to Samuel Harris, Esq., retiring clerk of 
this court, respectfully submit the following: First, That during 
the four years of Mr. Harris" services as clerk of the court he has 
displayed in the performance of the duties of that offi:e great in- 
dustry, promptness and accuracy, and now at the close of his of- 
ficial term we hereby express our acknowledgment of the able and 
efficient manner in which he has discharged his official duties. 
Second, That we desire to place upon the records of the court our 
said acknowledgments and approval, and our sense of his courtesy 
shown us in the discharge of his duties. Third, That these reso- 
lutions be spread upon the records of this court, and a copy fur- 
nished Mr. Harris at the close of his official term. S. P. Ovler, 
H. C. Barnett, W. J. Buckingham, Committee. Which resolu- 
tions were received by the court and ordered spread upon the rec- 
ords thereof, which was accordingly done." 

Eli P. Haymaker, farmer and stock-raiser, was born in Mont- 
gomery County, Ya., May 25, 1843, being the fourth in a family of 
five children born to Philip and Martha (Perterson) Haymaker, 
and is of German lineage. His father was born in Virginia, and 
died in that state about 1848; the mother, also a native of Virginia, 
was born in 1810, and now resides in that state. Our subject re- 
ceived a common school education in his native state, and worked 
on the farm until 1862. when he enlisted in Company F, Eleventh 
\ n-ginia Infantry, C. S. A., where he served three years, and dur- 
ing this time was promoted to the position of second sergeant. He 
was at the seven days' battle before Richmond; also Fredericksburg, 
Cold Harbor, and Druey's Bluff. In March, 1865, Mr. Haymaker 
came to Johnson County, and for a number of years worked by the 
month on a farm. In 1870, he settled on the farm he now owns, and 
is one of the most extensive farmers in Johnson County. His mar- 
riage occurred September 16, 1S69, to Miss Sarah, daughter of 
William R. and Louisa Ann (McRae) Poulter. Mrs. Haymaker is 
a native of Mercer County. Ky\, born April 13, 1S48. and is the 
mother of these children: Zora A., born August 13, 1870: Ira P., 
February 4, 1872: John W., April 18, 1S73. (deceased); Charles 
O., February 31, 1876: Lelie, January 26, 1879: Guy E., June 6, 
1880, and Clarence E., August 15, 1883. -Mr. Haymaker is a 
democrat, an Odd Fellow, and belongs to the Bargersville Horse 



FRANKLIN CITY AND TOWNSHIP. 6l5 

Thief Detective Company, and he and wife are members of the 
Presbyterian Church. 

[acob Hazelett, the subject of this sketch, is one of the lead- 
ing young republicans of Johnson County, and sheriff of the same, 
and is also engaged with his father, M. Hazelett, in the livery busi- 
ness in Franklin. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on April 19, 
1S50, and is the son of M. and Elenor (McClannahan) Hazelett, 
both of whom were born in Ireland and immigrated to America in 
1S49, and located in New York, thence to Cincinnati and thence 
to Franklin County in August, 1852. Both are living. Our 
subject was reared in the city of Franklin, and attended the 
city schools, securing a fair education. He engaged in the livery 
business in May, 1S66, and has continued up to the present date, 
he and his father now owning the leading stable in the city. In 
1882, he made the race on the republican ticket for sheriff, but was 
defeated bv 125 votes, and in 18S6, he was again re-nominated 
by the republicans for sheriff, and was elected by a majority of 101 
votes, being the only one on the republican ticket who was elected 
that year, and enjoys the honor and distinction of being the first re- 
publican sheriff of Johnson County. He is a member of the K. of P. 
order, of which he is also a member of the uniform rank. 

Harvey D. Henderson, farmer, was born on the farm where 
Albert List now resides, January 10, 1830; he is the son of Thomas 
and Mary (Demott) Henderson, and is of Irish-Dutch descent. 
His father was born in Virginia, June 17, 1796, and died September 
28. 1862, and was among the early pioneers of Johnson County. 
The mother of Mr. Henderson was born in Kentucky about 1802. 
In a family of eleven children, our subject is the fifth. He received 
a good education, and at twenty-one years of age, he embarked on 
his own responsibility on life's voyage, and, in 1858, settled on his 
present farm, which contains 167 acres. Mr. Henderson was mar- 
ried October 17, 1855, to Miss Nancy S. Wheat, born near where 
she now resides, November iS, 1833. The father of Mrs. Hender- 
son was born in Virginia, in 1808, and died in Franklin, in 1886; 
her mother was born in Kentucky in 1806, and died in Franklin in 
1881. To Mr. and Mrs. Henderson were born these children: 
Mary L., born 1856; William E., born 1858; Florence II., born 
1S59; J°hn E., born 1S62; Anna L., born 1863, (deceased, 1864); 
Emma and Ella (twins), born 1866; James M., born 1867, and 
Ethel, born 1879. In politics, Mr. Henderson is a republican, and 
he and wife are members of the' Hopewell Presbyterian Church, 
having united with this denomination in 1858 and 1S53, respect- 
ively. His father donated the ground upon which the Hopewell 



6l6 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Church, school-house and cemetery, are located. These people 
are highly respected, and both are representatives of early families. 

Stratiier Herod, farmer and carpenter, is a native of Putnam 
County, Ind., born November 14, 1S46, and is the fifth in a family 
of nine children born to Rev. E. D. and Lucinda (Kendall) Herod. 
His father was born in Kentucky, December 28, 181 5, and his 
mother, a native of the same state, was born in 1823, and died Jan- 
uary 30, 1888. In 1831, the father came to Indiana and settled in 
Putnam Countv, and later removed to Johnson Count} - , where he 
now resides. For almost fifty years he has been a Baptist minis- 
ter. The immediate subject of this biography was raised on the 
farm, and received a common school education. At the age of 
twenty vears he began life for himself, and in 1871 came to John- 
son Countv, and settled in White River Township, where he re- 
mained for one year, and then removed to Hensley Township, 
where he resided until 1SS1, when he came to Franklin Township, 
where he has a <rood farm. Mr. Herod was united in marriage 
September 1, 1881, to Mrs. Margaret E. Mullendore, whose maiden 
name was Nay. Mrs. Herod was born in Johnson Countv, Ind., 
April 22, 1S47. They have one child, Ralph T., born November 
25, 1SS5. At the time of her marriage to our subject, Mrs. Herod 
had these three children: Jesse V., Maude M. and Wilda W. In 
politics, he is a democrat, also a K. of P. and a member of the 
Baptist Church. Mrs. He rod is a member of the Christian Church. 

A. G. Hicks, the subject of this sketch, is proprietor of the 
photographic parlors of Franklin, Johnson County, Ind., and one of 
the leading young citizens of that place. He was born in Franklin, 
Ind., on Februaiy 23, 1S51, and is the son of Royal S. and Mary G. 
(Keen) Hicks. The father was born in Patriot, Ind., and was the 
son of Joshua Hicks. He subsequently held position in auditor of 
state's office at Indianapolis, and was also appointed to positions un- 
der the administration at Washington. He next located at Rock- 
port, Spencer Countv, Ind., where he engaged in the newspaper 
business. During the war he was elected to the office of circuit 
clerk, of Spencer County, and afterward was engaged in the practice 
of law at Rockport, at which he continued until his death, in 1883. 
He was one of the best-known men in the " Pocket," of the 
state. The mother died in 1869. To the parents nine children 
were born, of whom five are now living. Our subject was reared 
principally at Rockport, where he attended the public schools. He 
left Rockport and came to Franklin, in fall of 1S6S, and learned the 
profession at which he is now engaged, with John Nicholson. He 
continued with Mr. Nicholson for three years, and then purchased 



FRANKLIN CITY AND TOWNSHIP. 617 

the business, and has been conducting- same ever since. Does a 
general work in photographs of all sizes, and has exclusive control 
of business in town. He is a member of the K. of P. lodge. He was 
married in 1870, to Bettie Burton, who was born in Kentucky, and 
was the daughter of Mary Burton. She died in 1S73, and he was 
again married in 1875, to Sallie C. Jackson, of Franklin, daughter 
of Nathan Jackson. Both Mr. and Mrs. Hicks are members of 
Christian Church. 

Pleasant Huffman was born in Anderson County, Ky., June 
25, 1833, son of Henry and Barsheba (Craig) Huffman, and is of 
German-Irish descent. His parents were natives of Kentucky. His 
mother died in Kentucky in 1858, and his father died in this county, 
July 26, 1S65. The boyhood of our subject was spent on the farm, 
and at an earl)' age began life as a farm-hand, which he continued 
six years, and in 1858 located one and a half miles north of where 
he now resides, on a small farm of his own, and which he sold in 
1880. In 1875 ne removed to where he now resides, and here 
owns 140 acres, the same being a part of the Melvin Wheat es- 
tate. In 1858 Mr. Huffman was united in marriage to Miss Mar- 
garet H., daughter of Melvin and Mary Wheat. Mrs. Huffman 
was born near where she now resides, September 5, 1837. They 
have six children, as follows: Clara E., born in i860; Warren, 
1862; Emma A., 1864: Margaret L., 1867; John, 1870, and Henry, 
1873. H e is a republican, a successful farmer, and he and wife 
are members of the Hopewell Presbyterian Church. 

Robert P. Hunt is a native of Johnson County, Ind., born 
where Wasson McCaslin now resides, September 6, 1836, son of 
Joseph and Nancy (Garshwiler) Hunt, natives of Kentucky, the 
former born in 1802, and died in this county in 1872; the latter 
born in 1805, and died in this county in 1876. They were among 
the early pioneers, having removed from their native state to John- 
son County in 1828. His paternal grandfather, Simeon Hunt, a na- 
tive of North Carolina, died in this county, about 1847. The boy- 
hood of our subject was spent on the farm. In 1861 he enlisted in 
Company I, Eighteenth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, and was dis- 
charged in February, 1862, on account of physical disability. Re- 
turning home he engaged in farming in Nineveh Township, and 
there resided until 1882, when he removed to his present farm, 
which consists of eight}' acres of well-improved land. He was 
married in 1S65 to Miss Mary L. Mullikin, born in this county, in 
1843. Mr. and Mrs. Hunt are the parents of these children: Will- 
iam F., born in 1866; Georgia B., 1874, and Frank R., 1876. In 
politics, Mr Hunt is a democrat, and Mrs. Hunt is a member of the 
Baptist Church. 



6l8 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

William Jackson, councilman of the Second Ward of Frank- 
lin, Johnson Co., Ind., and foreman of N. M. Pittman's saw-mill, 
was born in Madison, Jefferson Co., Ind., on March 26, 1850. He 
is the third of ten children, born to James and Nancy (Loyd) 
Jackson. The father was born in Indiana in 182 1, and is the son 
of Samuel Jackson, a native of South Carolina. Samuel came to 
Indiana at an early date and located on a tract of land which he 
owned on Crooked Creek, in Jefferson Countv. He followed 
farming there until about 1867, and then removed to Johnson 
County, where he died in 1S69. The father came to Johnson County 
in 1864, from Ripley Countv, and located in Franklin. While in 
Jefferson Count} - , he followed farming, but since coming to Franklin, 
has not followed any particular calling. He now resides in Franklin, 
is a member of the Christian Church, and is a man respected bv his 
fellow-citizens. The mother was born in Kentucky in 1S19, and is 
the daughter of Giles Loyd, a native of South Carolina, who emigrated 
first to Kentucky and then to Jefferson Count}', where he died. She 
is a member of the Christian Church. Our subject was reared in 
Jefferson, Ripley and Johnson counties, and secured a common 
school education. He began work in a planing-mill in Franklin, 
for the Builders and Manufacturers' Association. He was next in 
the mill of Jones, Bergen & Co., and then at High & Son's planing- 
mill, and since that time has been with W. H. McLaughlin until the 
purchase of the mill by Mr. Pittman. He has always taken an in- 
terest in public affairs, is a republican in politics, and in 1885, was 
elected to represent his ward in the city council of Franklin, being 
elected for a term of four years. He is a member of Hesperian 
Lodge, No. 12, K. of P., a member of the Christian Church, and 
is generally respected by his fellow citizens. He was married 
February 26, 1877, to Clara A. Colbert, who was born in Ken- 
tucky in 1S48, and is the daughter of Martha (Colbert) King. To 
this union seven children have been born, four boys and three girls, 
six of whom survive. Mrs. Jackson is a member of the Christian 
Church. 

William H. Jennings, deceased, stands prominent among those 
citizens of Johnson County who have passed from theirfield of labor. 
He died in the prime of manhood, before his natural powers of 
body or mind were abated, but his life was well spent, his work 
well done, and he left indellible traces behind him of duties faith- 
fully discharged. He was a native of Mercer County, Ky., and of 
English extraction on his father's side. In an earlv dav, his father 
and mother, William and Mary Jennings, were united, and led a 
happy and successful life. They raised a large family, William 
H. among the rest, his birth taking place June 27, 1819. In 1832, 



FRANKLIN 



CITY AND TOWNSHIP. 6lO 



his father fell a victim to the devastation of cholera, and, in 1S35, 
his mother left their home in Kentucky and removed with her 
family to this countv, whither two of her sons had preceded her. 
Thev settled in White River Township, on Section 25. Here 
William H. grew to manhood, taking charge in the main, of his 
mother's farm. He had an early desire to obtain a good educa- 
tion, and, by earnest effort, obtained a fair share for one who 
lived in those days, working through the dav on the farm and prose- 
cuting his studies nights, with hickory bark for a candle. At the 
age of twenty-eight, he went to Greencastle and obtained a posi- 
tion as clerk in a store, where he remained about one year; then 
he returned to Franklin and employed with one Dr. Peggs, then 
in trade there; he remained with him not to exceed two years. 
In August, 1849, he was elected sheriff of Johnson Countv on 
the democratic ticket, and re-elected in 1S51, serving his two 
terms with honor and ability. In 1853, he was elected county 
treasurer, and was also elected to a second term in this responsi- 
ble position. In the meantime, on August 6, 1S50, he was mar- 
ried to Margaret J., daughter of Robert R. and Jane Lvons, of 
Scotch and Irish extraction. Her parents came from Mercer 
Countv, Ky\, to this state. To this union the following children 
were born: William B., Laura E., Robert D. (deceased), Harry 
B. and Emil H. The year after his marriage, in the fall of 1851, 
his mother died, having fulfilled her life's work, and leaving 
those whom she had reared to manhood and womanhood to mourn 
her loss. To his mother, the subject of this sketch was ever the 
same kind and affectionate son, and his nature was of that consid- 
erate kind that sought to relieve and assist his mother, wife, fam- 
ily and friends, and he was ever the happiest when doing some 
kind action. Immediately after Mr. Jennings' successful career 
in county politics, he received the nomination and election for 
state senator for Morgan and Johnson counties, and to till the 
vacancy occasioned by Capt. John Slater's abandonment of that 
office, and he served in the senatorial capacity at the special legis- 
lative session held in 185S, and again at the regular session held 
in 1859 and i860. He was somewhat wearied with political 
strife, and, after the expiration of his senatorial term, felt like 
taking a rest. He consequently devoted himself to private busi- 
ness, and, being the possessor of two farms, gave the most of his 
attention to them for a while, and afterward went into the mercan- 
tile business, changing to the agricultural implement trade, and 
dealing in real estate more or less. In fact, he was a man who suc- 
ceeded at almost all kinds of business, and took an active interest 
in public improvements, such as building pikes, etc. During the 



6lO JOHNSON COUNTY. 

war, he engaged in buying horses and mules for the government 
agents: also shipped to Atlanta and other points on his own account, 
always accompanying his consignments to their destination. At the 
close of the war, he again returned to the more quiet duties of pri- 
vate life for awhile. In the spring of 1870, he was nominated and 
elected mayor of Franklin; he was re-elected in 1872. The fact 
that the city was decidedly republican, and he was a democrat, 
showed plainly his strong hold upon the people. It was during his 
second term as mayor that his death occurred. He was stricken 
down in his fifty-third year, leaving a family when they most 
needed his advice and sympathy, and deeplv regretted by the com- 
munity of which he had made himself so prominent a factor. The 
cortege that followed him to his last resting place bore witness to 
the esteem in which he was held bv the citizens of his county. His 
wife is still living; she is a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and has done her part well in rearing her family and 
finishing what her husband left to her care. 

William B. Jennings, the subject of this sketch, is a promi- 
nent voung citizen of Franklin, an ex-official of Johnson County, 
Ind., and president of the Johnson County Creamery Company. 
He was born in Franklin, Ind., on January 4, 1852, and is the son 
of William H. and Margaret J. (Lyons) Jennings. He attended 
the public schools of Franklin until his seventeenth year, and then 
entered Hanover College, where he remained about two years. 
Returning home, he entered the county auditor's office as a clerk, 
under E. N. Woollen, auditor, and continued in that capacity 
for three and a half years. In June, 1876, he went to Indian- 
apolis and took a position as clerk in the auditor's office of Marion 
County, holding the same for about three years. In 187S, he was 
nominated by the democrats for county auditor of Johnson County, 
and was elected by a handsome majority. So satisfactory was his 
administration of that office, that in 1882, he was re-nominated and 
elected, thus holding the same for eight years, the constitutional 
term, retiring in 1887. In September, 1S86, he assisted in estab- 
lishing the Johnson Count}' Creamery Company, of which he was 
elected president, a position he now holds. In April, 1879, he was 
united in marriage with Mary E., daughter of William H. and Car- 
oline Donahev. 

John L. Jones. — Among the older citizens of Franklin, John- 
son County, Ind., none are more worthy of mention in a work of 
this character than the one whose name heads this biographical 
sketch. He is the oldest merchant in the place in point of local 
experience, and is one of the most honored and respected of the 
citizens. His grandfather was John Jones, who was a native of 



FRANKLIN CITY AND TOWNSHIP. 621 

Orange Countv, Va., and was a soldier of the Revolutionary War, 
being with the Continental Army at Yorktown, at the surrender of 
Cornwallis. He lived and died in Virginia. He raised a large 
family, the youngest son among the children being John L., father 
of the subject of this sketch, who was born in Orange County, Va., 
on August 7, 1797. John L. served in the War of 1812, being a 
mere bov at the time, and a year or so after the termination of 
that conflict removed to Shelby County, Ky., where, on October 2, 
181 7, he was united in marriage with Anna Lewis, who was born 
in the above countv and state, on March 22, 1799. John L. emi- 
grated to Indiana, in December, 1S22, and settled near where Red- 
ington now stands, in Jackson County. He remained there until 
December, 1S31, and then removed to Johnson County, and settled 
in a cabin about one-fourth of a mile north of where Union village 
now stands. He was one of the pioneers of that section, and his 
neighbors were Bennett Utterback, Guinnie Utterback, William 
Utterback, Willis and Wesley Deer, Josiah Simpson, James Rivers, 
Adam Lash, James Vaughn, and others, all of whom are now dead 
except Mahala Deer, widow of Wesley Deer. John L. Jones, 
father of our subject, was a pioneer preacher, of the Christian, or 
Disciple's faith, traveling and preaching as an evangelist in Johnson 
and adjoining counties, after coming to Johnson County. There 
were no roads in Union Township then, except one leading from 
Franklin to Bluffs on White River, there being only blazed traces 
through the woods for the accommodation of the settlers in going 
from one point to another. Deer and turkeys were frequently 
killed near the cabins, and the howl of the wolf was no unusual 
sound. There he resided and followed farming until about 1850, 
and then engaged in business at Waverly, in Morgan County, and 
next removed to Cannelton, Ind., and continued merchandising. 
He returned to Johnson County and carried on merchandising in 
Franklin until the beginning of the late war, and then removed to 
Indianapolis, where he died on December 20, 18S3. His wife also 
died in Indianapolis, on August 12, 1876. To the parents, nine 
boys and three girls were born, of whom our subject, John L., was 
the fifth in number. He was born in Jackson County, Ind.. on 
December 8, 1824. Early in life he received only a common 
school education, but in about 1845, he entered Franklin College, 
and attended the same for about one year. He located in Franklin 
in September, 1S53, and engaged in clerking in a store for several 
years, and then engaged in business for himself, and has continued 
uninterruptedlv up to the present, a portion of the time in co-part- 
nership with other parties, but most of the time by himself. He 



622 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

was married September 19, 1847, in Clark County, Ind., to Eliza 
Deaderick, was was born near Utica, X. Y., in about 1822, and is 
the daughter of Daniel and Adaline Deaderick. To this union 
three children have been born, all of whom are living. The wife 
and children are members of the Christian Church. 

J. T. Jones, M. D. — The subject of the following sketch is 
the oldest physician and surgeon now in active practice in Franklin, 
Johnson Co., Ind., being now in the forty-second vear of his pro- 
fessional life. He was born in what is now Blue River Township, 
on a farm about two miles east of Amity, in a log cabin which was 
without a floor, on January 23, 1825 (the da}- upon which this 
sketch is written being his sixty-third birthday). His father was 
Jefferson D. Jones, who was born in Virginia, in i799> an d emi- 
grated to Kentucky when a boy, locating in Mercer County. While 
living in Kentucky he was married to Eleanor Frary, the wedding 
occurring in 1S20 or 182 1, in the town of Harrodsburg. Eleanor 
Frary was born in Mercer County, Kv., in 1801. In 1823, they 
came to Johnson County and settled on the farm where our sub- 
ject was born. In about 1835, they exchanged farms with his 
brother and removed to the same, which was east of the Franklin 
College, and is now partly in the corporate limits of Franklin. The 
father died January 10, 1877* an cl the mother died August 26, iSSv 
To the parents six children were born, of which our subject was 
the second; a brother and sister are the only surviving members of 
the children, save our subject. The brother is William L., who 
was born June 30, 1838, and is now a practicing physician of Marvs- 
ville, Utah, and the sister is the wife of William L. Peggs, now 
living near Indianapolis, Ind. Our subject was reared on the farm, 
and secured his early education in the Franklin schools and college. 
He began reading medicine in the office of Drs. Webb and Thomas 
in Franklin, Ind., and in 1S46, began practicing. In the fall of 
i860 he entered the University of Ann Arbor, Mich., graduating 
from the medical department of that institution in the spring of 
1861. He returned to Franklin and resumed his practice, and has 
continued up to the present. He has held various public positions 
of trust, among which were those of city councilman of Franklin 
four years, secretary of the county board of health, and is at pres- 
ent city health officer, and coroner of Johnson County, having been 
elected to the latter office in 18S6. He was married December 28, 
1S47. to Isabella Peggs, who was born in Trimble County, Ky., 
December 23, 1825, and is the daughter of Jacob Peggs, now a 
resident of Franklin Ind., and probably the oldest citizen of John- 
son County, being in his ninety-fourth year. His wife died July 7, 



FRANKLIN CITY AND TOWNSHIP. 623 

1SS4. To this union nine children were born, of whom five are 
living-, three daughters and two sons. In politics, the Doctor is a 
democrat, and is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

William C. Jones is the third son of Bazil G. and Maria S. 
(Tucker) Jones, born near where he now resides August 17, 
1S44. His father was born in 1S02, and died in this count}', May 
9, 1847; his mother born in Kentucky, in 181 1, and died in this 
county October 30, 1881. The paternal grandfather of our sub- 
ject, was Horatio Jones, born in 17S3, and died in Johnson County, 
in i860. This family came to this count)- in a very early day, and 
some of them were prominent in local politics. At sixteen years of 
age our subject began life for himself, and for some time supported 
the family. In 1877, Mr. Jones settled where he now lives, and 
owns 118 acres of good land, and in addition is engaged in stock- 
raising. The marriage of Mr. Jones occurred in 1874, to Miss 
Maggie Painter, a native of Hendricks County, Ind., born in 1846. 
They have these four children : Estella, Lela, Chester C. and Nora. 
In politics:, he is a true republican, a K. of P., and a member of the 
Christian Church. Mrs. Jones is a member of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. Mr. Jones is an honest, upright citizen, esteemed 
by all who know him. 

Joshua P. Jordan, miller, and one of the leading citizens of 
Franklin, Johnson Co., Ind., was born near Georgetown, Brown 
Co., Ohio, on February 16, 1820, and is the son of Joshua, who 
was born in Ripley, Brown Co., Ohio, and was a soldier of the 
War of 1812. He emigrated to Indiana in about 1850, and located 
in Jennings County, where he followed the carpenter's trade, and 
died in 1873. The maiden name of our subject's mother was Mary 
Williams, who died at his birth. Our subject served an apprentice- 
ship at the cabinet-maker's trade in Clermont Count}', Ohio, and 
came to Indiana in 1840, and located in Jefferson County. He fol- 
lowed his trade until about 1S50, but in about 1S45, began milling. 
He removed to Jennings County in about 1862, and came to Frank- 
lin in 1865, and has been milling up to the present time, being for 
seventeen years in the employ of Baldwin & Payne. He assumed 
charge of the Franklin mills in January, 1887. He became a mem- 
ber of the Christian Church in about 1870, and is now an elder of 
the Franklin Church of that denomination. He was married in 
August, 1841, to Casandria Clematis, who was born in Jennings 
County, Ind., August 8, 1822, and is the daughter of John Clemans. 
To this union eleven children have been born, nine of whom survive. 

Thomas J. Kelly, farmer, is a native of Clark County, Ind., 
born November 14, 1833, being the eldest of six children, to the 
marriage of Madison and Elizabeth (Patterson) Kelly, natives of 






624 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Kentucky; the birth of the former occurred February 14, 1S09, 
and his death April 21, 1857, the latter was born in 1S12, and 
died in 1S50. The paternal grandfather of Mr. Kelly was Anthony 
Kelly, a native of Virginia, born February 26, 1774, and his death 
took place February 15, 1844. The Kelly family came to Johnson 
County in 1837. Our subject grew to manhood on the farm, and 
was a student at the subscription schools. His life has been that 
of a farmer, and in 1875, settled on his present farm, just outside 
the corporation limits of Franklin. In 1861, Mr. Kelly was united 
in marriage to Miss Letta J. Bone, a native of Butler County, Ohio, 
born June 21, 1836. They have five children : Thomas E., born 
1863; Smith, 1S65; Harry, 1867; Lillie, 1870, and David B., 1876. 
He is a republican in politics, and he and wife are members of the 
Presbyterian Church. 

James Kerlin, deceased. — Among the citizens of Johnson 
County, Ind., worthy of mention in a work of this character, none, 
perhaps, are more so than the subject of this brief biographical 
sketch. James Kerlin was the son of George and Rachel (Banta) 
Kerlin, and was born in Henry Count} - , Ky., on February 12, 1S25. 
His parents were natives of Kentucky, and emigrated to Johnson 
County, Ind., in about 1S32, when their son was but seven years of 
age. The parents upon coming to Johnson Count)', located in 
Union Township, where they lived out their lives, and died on the 
old homestead. The mother survived her husband, and for many 
years was fondly and tenderly cared for and comforted by her son, 
our subject. He was reared of the farm, and secured a good com- 
mon school education, to which he added by means of a vigorous 
brain and desire to improve himself, a fund of practical knowledge 
which made him conversant with literary works, and particularly 
with the Scriptures, all of which he read with an understanding, 
grasping and retaining the true inwardness and purport of the 
works he read. With the exception of three years spent in manu- 
facturing coverlids, in Indianapolis, and two years at Union village, 
Johnson County, in the saw-milling business, his life was spent on 
the farm in Union Township. He was an excellent farmer, 
a very fine manager, and was very successful in life, leav- 
ing his family a comfortable home. He was united in mar- 
riage on August 24, 1871, near Knobnoster, Mo., to Miss Lou 
J. Tyler, who was born near Louisville, Ky., September 24, 1838, 
and is the daughter of Milton W. and Mary (Seaton) Tyler, na- 
tives of Kentucky, who removed thence to Johnson County, Ind., 
where the)- resided for about eighteen years, and then removed to 
Johnson County, Mo., where the} - reside at present on the farm. 
To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Kerlin, one son and two daughters 



FRANKLIN' CITY AND TOWNSHIP. 62$ 

were born, as follows: Seaton Tyler, born November 23, 1S72; 
L. Leona, August 24, 1875, and M. Wyota, May 7, 1877'. Mr. 
Kerlin died July 8, 1887, from heart trouble, his death occurring 
very suddenly, leaving a widow and the three children to mourn 
his sudden death. He was an exceptional man in point of integ- 
rity, honesty and purity of character, and led an upright and vir- 
tuous life, and by his example wielded an influence for good on all 
who came in contact with him. He was a practical Christian, 
read and believed in the Scriptures, and more, followed out their 
teachings to the letter, and had been converted, but had never 
joined anv church organization. He was a devoted and kind 
husband and companion, a wise and loving father, and was in 
return loved and venerated bevond power of speech by his deso- 
late and grief-stricken family who to-day sadly mourn his loss. 
To know him was to love and respect him for his many virtues, 
and he is to-day remembered by a host of friends and acquaintances 
who followed his remains to the burial ground, and keep fresh and 
green his memory. Mrs. Kerlin and family removed to Franklin 
on September 8, 18S7, in order to give her children an opportunity 
of securing good education. She is a woman who was a fit com- 
panion for her deceased husband, and is no doubt able to complete 
the life-work begun and laid down by her husband — that of rear- 
in''' and making g-ood men and women of their children. Mrs. 
Kerlin is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. 

L. W. Knobe, proprietor of one of the leading retail grocery 
houses in Franklin, Ind., and in local experience the oldest grocery 
dealer in the city, was born in Jennings County, Ind., September 
29, 1840, and is the son of Balzer and Magdaline Knobe, the 
former being a native of France, and the latter of Germany. The 
parents were married in Europe, and emigrated to America in 
about 1838. They at once came west to Indiana, and located on a 
farm in Jennings County, where both died in 1849, of cholera, their 
deaths occurring within a week of each other. To the parents live 
children were born, three of whom survive. After the death of his 
parents, our subject went to live with a cousin, and at the age of 
fourteen years was " bound out" to a lady at Madison, Ind. He was 
subsequently in the employ of D. J. Vawter, at Vernon, and with 
that gentleman came to Franklin, and altogether spent five years 
in his employ. He was next with Brooks & Jones, grocerv dealers, 
and, in 1859, engaged in the restaurant business in Franklin, and 
continued until Jul)', 1861, when he volunteered in Company I, 
Eighteenth Regiment Indiana Volunteer Infantry, of which he was 
appointed orderly sergeant at its organization. Eight months later 
he was promoted second lieutenant, and in 1863 he was promoted 



626 JOHNSON' COUNTY. 

first lieutenant. He served as such until September I, 1S63, when 
he resigned on account of physical disabilities. Returning to 
Franklin, he entered into co-partnership for the purpose of doing a 
grocery and bakery business. March 5, 1865, his business was 
entirely destroyed by fire, upon which he had not a cent of insur- 
ance. Receiving support from friends, however, he was enabled 
to make another start in the same business, with his former partner. 
This firm, which had done a prosperous business, continued for three 
years, and his partner then sold out to James Hamilton, who, about 
eighteen months later, sold out to James Richer. Our subject 
next bought out William Mains, who was dealing in groceries and 
provisions, and has since carried on that business, together with a 
full line of candies, fruits, toys, etc., and has now probably the 
leading store of the kind in Franklin, and does an immense busi- 
ness. Mr. Knobe was married on March 10, 1S65, to Damaris 
Kimbel, who was born in the State of New York, and to them have 
been born four children, three of whom survive. Both Mr. and 
Mrs. Knobe are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and 
he is a member of the G. A. R., Wadsvvorth Post, No. 127, at 
Franklin. 

A. B. Lagrange, the subject of this sketch, is a dentist and 
grocery dealer of Franklin, Johnson County, Ind., and was born in 
Johnson County, on August 18,1841. lie is the son of Aaron and 
Catherine (Banta) Lagrange. The father was born in Kentucky, 
and came to Johnson County, when but eighteen years of age, with 
his parents, who were among the pioneers of the county. He was 
a farmer by occupation, and was in the Black Hawk War. He is 
now a citizen of Franklin; is a Presbyterian in religion. The 
mother died in 1847. Her father was Peter Banta, an early settler 
of Johnson County, Ind. To the parents of our subject, four child- 
ren were born, of whom he is the second, and the oldest of three 
boys (one sister), all survive. He was reared on the farm, and at- 
tended the schools at Hopewell. Later heattended Franklin College. 
He entered the Federal Army in 1863, joining Company G, of the 
One Hundred and Thirty-second Indiana Regiment of Volunteers, 
and served until his discharge in the fall of same year (ninety days' 
enlistment). He taught school in Kansas for several years after 
the close of the war, and, in 1S70, entered the medical department, 
of Ann Arbor (Mich.) University, where he graduated in 1S72. 
He then returned to Franklin, and engaged in the dental profes- 
sion, and has continued up to the present. He was connected with 
the grocery business in 1883, doing good business. He was mar- 
ried in 1S72, to Fanny Butler, of Johnson County, who was born 
in Ohio, and is the daughter of Eli Butler. To this union is one 



FRANKLIN CITY AND TOWNSHIP. 627 

son, George, who was born in 1877. Mr. Lagrange is a member 
of the I. O. O. F., and he and wife are members of the Presbyterian 
Church; he is also a member of Wadsworth Post, No. 127, G. A. R. 

Daniel C. Lagrange, retired farmer, was born in Mercer 
Countv, Ky., February 9, 1826, son of Peter and Lemima (Co- 
vert ) Lagrange, and is of French-German lineage. His parents 
were natives of New Jersey, and in 1826, came to Johnson County, 
and settled in Franklin Township, where they died. Mr. Lagrange 
is the youngest of three living children, and received a common 
school education. At the age of twenty-two years he began farm- 
ing for himself, and now owns 167 acres of line land in this town- 
ship. Mr. Lagrange has lived at Hopewell, for eighteen years. 
His marriage to Miss Catherine List, occurred in 1S48. Mrs. La- 
grange was born in Switzerland Count}', Ind., in 1829. They 
have four children: Maggie, Samuel, John and Edith. In politics, 
Mr. Lagrange is an ardent republican, and is a representative of 
one of the early families of this county. He and wife are members 
•of the Presbyterian Church. 

W. H. Lagrange, vice president of the National Bank of 
Franklin, Ind., was born three and one-half miles northwest from 
Franklin, Johnson Co., Ind., on January 13, 1841, and is the son of 
Peter D. and Patsy M. (Ransdell) Lagrange, both of whom were 
natives of Mercer County, Ky. The father was born in 1S02, and 
was the son of Peter Lagrange, a native of Virginia. Peter, the 
elder, removed to Kentucky, and thence to Johnson County, Ind., 
in 1826, and was one of the early pioneers of the county. Peter D. 
was a farmer, and died on the old. homestead near Franklin, in 187S. 
The mother was born in 1806, and was the daughter of Wharton 
Ransdell, who lived and died in Kentucky. She died in Johnson 
Countv in 1873. To the parents seven children were born, two of 
whom survive. The subject of this sketch was reared on the farm, 
and secured a limited education in the district schools. In 1875 he 
left the farm and located in Franklin, and in January, 1878, was 
elected president of the Second National Bank of Franklin (now 
defunct), of which he was at the head for rive years. He was 
then elected vice president of the National Bank, and holds that 
position at present. He was married in 1862, to Clarinda J., 
daughter of Daniel Brewer, who was born near Franklin in 1844, 
and to their union six children were born, as follows: Jasper W., 
Mary O., Frank E., Elenore J., Charles B. and Clarinda L., all 
living. Mr. Lagrange and wife are members of the Presbyterian 
Church. 

John A. Lane, junior member of the Erm of Whitesides & 
Lane, proprietors of the Franklin Steam Laundry, was born in Madi- 
40 



628 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

son, Jefferson Co., Ind., on September 17, 1S57, and is the son of 
W. E. and A. L. (Reynolds) Lane, the former being a native of 
Baltimore, Md., and the latter of Madison, Ind. The father located 
in Franklin in 1S73, and his family followed the next year. They 
are now residents of this city, the father being employed at the 
planing-mill of Robert Waggener. Our subject was reared in 
Madison, where he obtained a very good education, graduating 
from the public schools of that place. He learned the trade of ma- 
chinist, and for several years followed the same, and then for two 
years was employed as clerk in a grocery store, and then next en- 
gaged in the laundry business. He was married January 19, 1885, 
to Jessie F. Ritchev, daughter of Leon Ritchey. His wife died 
October 16, 1SS5. and on December 29, 1887, he was married to 
Bessie Kerling, of Franklin. Both Mr. and Mrs. Lane are members 
^Qf the Christian Church. 

James Lee, hotel and livery stable proprietor, of Franklin, Ind., 
was born in Shelby County, Ind., on Februaiy 13, 183S, and is the son 
of John and Sally A. (Bonner) Lee, the father being a native of 
West Virginia, and the mother of Ohio. Thev immigrated to 
Shelby County in about 1825, and located in that county, where 
thev were married. The father died in 1878, and the mother in 
1S76. Both were members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
Our subject was reared on a farm, and received his education in 
district schools. He located in Franklin in December, 1S71, and 
was merchandising in Shelbv Countv for four years, previous to 
1871. He began the livery business upon coming to Franklin, 
and sold out a year later, and engaged in the restaurant and livery 
business, and in i!S86 took charge of the Hotel Lee, and conducts 
that popular hotel, and a livery stable, at present. In 1S61 he was 
married to Mollie Landram, who died in 1S65, leaving two child- 
ren, who are now living. In 1876 he was married to Mollie Bar- 
nett, daughter of William H. Barnett, recorder of Johnson County, 
and to their union six children have been born, all living. 

Richard M. Lee was born in Jefferson Countv, Ind., on Sep- 
tember 8, 1848, and is the son of H. J. and Lucy (Short) Lee, 
both natives of Jefferson County, Ind. The father was born in 
1822, and the mother in 1S26 or 1S27, and died in 1856. The 
father is a farmer, and lives in Jefferson County, Ind. The father's 
second marriage was to Miss Lizzie Mathews. Four children 
were born to the first marriage, three of whom are living. To his 
second marriage ten children were born, seven of whom are living. 
Our subject was reared on a farm, attended the schools in Jefferson 
Countv, and enlisted in 1863, in Company H, of the Tenth Indiana 
Cavalry. His brother, John M.. was in the Third Indiana Cavalry, 



FRANKLIN CITY AND TOWNSHIP. 629 

and died in Andersonvflle prison. Our subject was mustered out 
at Vicksburg, Miss., in 1865. He returned to Jefferson County 
and fanned until 1869, and then went to Nebraska, and remained 
three years farming. He returned to Indiana in 1S73, and came 
to Franklin in 1SS1, and has resided here since, carrying on farm- 
ing. He was elected councilman of Franklin, in 1885, to rep- 
resent the Third Ward, served two years, and was appointed street 
commissioner in May, 1SS7, and resigned in March, 1888. He 
then went to farming again. He was married March 27, 1877, 
to Mrs. Nancy A. Cooper, born in Johnson County, Ind., on April 
10, 1857, and daughter of Martin and Sallie Beard. She was a 
widow. One daughter has been born to them. She is a member 
of the Christian Church. 

Albert List was born in Henry County, Ky., October 4, 
1832, son of Garrett and Elizabeth (Voris) List, and is of German 
descent. His father was born in Kentucky, in 1808, and is now a 
resident of Marion County, Ind.; his mother, also a native of Ken- 
tuckv, died in this county. Our subject is the eldest of 
eight children, three of whom are now living. In 1S34 he 
came with his parents to this count)', and settled near Hopewell 
Church. He received a common school education, and at the age 
of sixteen years, began working by the month as a farm hand, 
which he continued six years, when he began farming for himself, 
in Marion County, Ind., having removed to that county about 1853. 
In 1875 Mr. List returned to Johnson County, and located on his 
present farm, which consists of no acres of well-improved land. 
In 1878 he began the dairy business, and now has thirty Jersey 
cows. During the year 1887, he sold 5,019 pounds of butter. In 
addition to this, he has given his attention to the cultivation of 
small fruits, at which he has been very successful. The marriage 
of Mr. List occurred in 1S56, to Miss Eliza Hoefgoen, a native of 
Pennsylvania, who died in 1872. To this marriage were born 
three children : Maria A., Ella and Mattie M. Mr. List was mar- 
ried again in 1874, to Miss Amelia Lockwood, a native of Ohio. 
They have one child, Mary L. Politically, Mr. List is a republican, 
and he and wife are members of the Presbvterian Church. 

Tunis Calvin List, of Franklin Township, is one of four 
children to the marriage of Theodore and Susan ( Yannuys) List, 
and is of Scotch-Irish origin. The parents of our subject were 
natives of Kentuckv; his father's birth occurring in that state in 
1797, and his death in Johnson County in 1877. The mother was 
born in Mercer County, and died in this county, at about seventy- 
five years of age. The family came to Johnson County in 1838. 
Here the boyhood days of our subject were spent, and here in a 



63O JOHNSON COUNTY. 

log-house which stood where the Hopewell school building now 
stands, he was educated. Mr. List has followed farming success- 
fully all his life, and is the present owner of a good farm of 150 
acres, upon which he has resided twenty-seven years. His mar- 
riage occurred in 1852, to Miss Mary C. Luyster, a sister of Capt. 
H. H. Luyster, mayor of Franklin. Mrs. List was born in 1836, 
where she now lives. The}- are the parents of four children: Luna 
May. born 1S56; Robert M., born 1858; Samuel W., born 1863, 
and William, born 1866. Politically, Mr. List is a republican, and 
cast his first presidential yote for John C. Fremont, and since that 
time has yoted for every republican nominee. Samuel W. List, a 
brother of our subject, was a soldier in the late war, a member of 
Company F, Seventh Indiana Volunteers. He was wounded at 
Petersburg. Va., and died at City Point, July 4, 1864. Mr. and 
Mrs. Tunis C. List are members of the Hopewell Presbyterian 
Church. 

H. H. Luvster, the subject of this brief sketch, is one of the 
prominent citizens of, and mayor of, the city of Franklin, Johnson 
County, Ind. He was born three miles west from Franklin, hid., 
on November 14, 1832, and is the son of Stephen and Mary 1 Van- 
diver) Luvster. The father was a native of Pennsylvania, where 
he was born in 1797. His father was Cornelius Luyster, a Hol- 
lander bv birth, and on his (Stephen) mother's side was a de- 
scendant of the Van Ordens, one of the prominent Knickerbocker 
families of New York. From Pennsylvania, Cornelius removed to 
Kentucky, when Stephen was a boy, where he died. From Ken- 
tucky, Stephen removed to Butler County, Ohio, and, in 1829, 
came to Johnson County. Ind.. and was one of the pioneers of the 
county. He learned and worked at the wagon-making trade, but 
in later life followed farming. He died in 1^79. The mother was 
born in Kentuckv. in 1S00. and was the daughter of Henry Van- 
diver, of Mercer County, Ky. The parents were married in Ken- 
tuckv. She died in 1S76. Both were members of the Hopewell 
Presbyterian Church, after its organization. To the paients 
five children were born, four of whom are living. Our sub- 
ject was the youngest. He was reared on the farm, and 
secured a common school education. In May, 1864, he was in- 
strumental in organizing Company G, One Hundred and Thirty- 
second Regiment Indiana Volunteers, which was organized for the 
100 days' service, and of which he was chosen captain. He was 
discharged at Indianapolis in September, 1864. He engaged in 
merchandising, in 1867, in merchant tailoring and boots and shoes, 
but made his home on the farm, and in 1871 located his family in 
Franklin. He retired from business in 1874. 1° May, 1884, he 



FRANKLIN CITY AND TOWNSHIP. 



631 



elected mayor of Franklin, on the republican ticket, and in 1886 
was was re-elected. He is a member of the G. A. R. post, and 
has been a member of the Presbyterian Church since he was six- 
teen years old. He was married, in 1855, to Miss Mary I. Carna- 
han, who was born in Tippecanoe County, Ind., and is the daughter 
of Rev. James A. Carnahan, a pioneer minister. To this union six 
children have been born, three of whom are living. She is a mem- 
ber of the Presbyterian Church. 

Dr. J. O.Martin, deceased. — Among the citizens of Johnson 
County, Ind., worthy of mention in a work of this character, none, 
perhaps, are more so than the deceased citizen, whose name heads 
this brief biographical sketch. Dr. Martin was born in Fayette 
County, Penn., on January 15, 1S21, and was the son of John and 
Elizabeth (Cotton) Martin, both natives of Pennsylvania. He was 
reared on the farm, and was given a good common school educa- 
tion. He remained on the farm until grown, and during the latter 
part of his life on the farm, taught school several years. During 
the forties he came to Indiana, and having found teaching was not 
a suitable life vocation, he entered the office of Dr. Ullery, at Ris- 
ing Sun, and began the study of dentistry. He had previously 
read medicine with Dr. James, at Catlettsburgh, Ky. In 1849 he 
returned to his native state, and locating at Dunbar, began practic- 
ing his profession — dentistry. He returned to Indiana, in 1S52, 
and locating in Franklin, succeeded in building up a name and 
business, both professionally and otherwise, which survives him. 
Socially he was affable, sunny and genial, and his cheery disposi- 
tion naturally attracted many friends and acquaintances, who keep 
fresh his name in their memory. He was a member of the Pres- 
byterian Church, and also of the Masonic lodge, by which frater- 
nity he was buried on January 9, 187S, his death having occurred 
the 7th of the same month, from that fatal malady, " Bright's Dis- 
ease.*' On May I, 1849, -Dr. Martin was united in marriage with 
Charity Denton, the daughter of Joseph and Mary (Voorhess) Den- 
ton, who was born on January 18, 1829, in the State of New York. 
The parents were natives of New York State, and came to Indiana 
in 1S31, locating in Switzerland County, where they lived and 
died. To Dr. Martin and wife three children were born, as follows: 
Mary Elizabeth, born on February 8, 1S30, married Dr. Voorheis, 
of Columbus, Ind., and died December 27, 1886; Sarah C, born 
July 6, 1851, and died January 22, 1854, and John D., born July 25, 
1853, now living in the west, thus leaving a widow and one son 
survivers of the family. Dr. Martin was one of the leading men in 
the procuring of the charter of the city of Franklin. He served as 
clerk of Franklin after it had a city charter, for many years; was 



632 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

one of the leading characters in the building of the cit}* school 
building, also in buying and laying out the new cemetery. 

William J. Mathes, deceased, was born in Culpepper 
County, Ya., August 1, 1818, and was the son of Joseph and Sarah 
(At wood) Mathes, both natives of Virginia. Joseph Mathes came 
to Johnson County in 1S25, and resided on a farm near Edinburg 
until his death. He reared a family of nine children. After his 
death, Mrs Mathes and William J., our subject, removed to a farm 
in Nineveh Township, where her death occurred in 1856. Mrs. 
Mathes wis a Baptist. March 22, 1S45, William J. Mathes was 
married to Miss Rachel Mullikin, whose mother was born in Henry 
County, Ky., Februar}' 13, 1823, of Irish descent. To this union 
five children were born, three of whom are now living: Joseph L., 
Clara B., wife (if Smith B. Fesler, and Sarah E. Our subject was 
a merchant at Williamsburg, several years, and held the office of 
postmaster, and township trustee. In September, 1S63, he removed 
to Franklin, where he resided until his death, which occurred 
October 9, 1886. Here he engaged in the mercantile business, in 
connection with which he run a livery and sale stable. He was 
elected countv commissioner three terms, and held that office at the 
time of his death. He was a democrat. Joseph L. Mathes was 
born in Johnson County, May 30, 1S51. He received a common 
school education, and began life for himself at the age of twenty-one 
years, and for eight years, was engaged in the mercantile business 
in Franklin. In 1873, he engaged in farming. In 1873, he mar- 
ried Mary J- Coleman, a native of Johnson County, who has borne 
him these children : William J., Mary E., and Hugh Q. He is a 
democrat, and a member of the K. of P. order, and with his wife, 
belongs to the Christian Church. 

Allen McCaslin, a highly respected pioneer and citizen of 
Johnson County, was born in Shelby Countv, Ky., September 30, 
1S18, son of David and Mary (Marrs) McCaslin. The former was 
born in Wythe County. Ya., about 1767, and his death occurred in 
Johnson County, Ind., December 17, 1850; the latter was born in 
Pennsylvania about 1777, and died May 18, 1S41. The subject of 
this biographical sketch came to Johnson County in 1829 and 
settled on the farm where he now resides. He attended school 
in the old log school-house, which stood near where the Presbyterian 
Church of Franklin, now stands. By occupation Mr. McCaslin is 
a farmer, and owns a valuable farm. He was united in marriage 
November 5, 1S40, to .Miss Margaret Ditmars, a native of Somer- 
set County, N. J., born October 3, 1S20, daughter of Garrett and 
Sarah (Verbryck) Ditmars. Mr. and Mrs. McCaslin have had five 
children, two of whom vet live, namely: William O., born i85i,and 



FRANKLIN 



CITY AND TOWNSHIP. 



633 



Harriet D., 1855. ^ e ' ias been a member of the Presbyterian 
Church for fifty years, and for forty years has been an elder, and 
for fortv-eight years his wife has been a member of the same 
church. Politically, he was formerly a whig, but is now a repub- 
lican, and cast his first vote for William H. Harrison. 

Everett M. McCaslin, a native of Johnson County, Ind., was 
born February 24, 1855, and is the son of Wosson and Jane S. 
(Winchester) McCaslin. The subject of this biography grew to 
manhood upon the farm, and received a common school education 
at the Hopewell Academy. In 1876, he began farming for himself 
in Osage County, where he remained four years, and then returned 
to this county and, in 1886, settled where he now resides. The 
marriage of Mr. McCaslin occurred September 6, 1876, to Miss 
Belle Ditmars, daughter of Cornelius and Catherine (Banta) Dit- 
mars. Mrs. McCaslin was born in Franklin Township, September 
6, 1855. To the above marriage two children were born: Her- 
bert D., born March 8, 18S2, and Caroline, April 30, 1886. In 
politics, Mr. McCaslin is an ardent republican, and cast his first 
presidential vote for R. B. Hayes. He and wife are members 
of the Hopewell Presbyterian Church, of which he is an elder. 
Mr. McCaslin is a leading young farmer, industrious, and a liberal 
supporter of all laudable public enterprises. 

John McCaslin is a native of Scott County, Ind., born Sep- 
tember 25, 1825, being the eldest of six children, four of whom are 
now living. His father, Alexander McCaslin, was born in Mercer 
County, Ky., January 23, 1801; his mother, Elizabeth (Sellers) 
McCaslin, was born in Shelby Count}-, Ky., in 1804, and died in 
Johnson County, Ind., in September, i860. The McCaslin family 
came to Indiana in 181 5, and in 1829 located in Johnson County, 
two miles south of Franklin. The immediate subject of this sketch 
attended school in Franklin, in a hewed-log school house that stood 
near where the Presbyterian Church now stands. About 1S48 he 
began farming in the southern part of Franklin Township, and in 
1864 removed to his present farm, which consists of 354 acres of 
good land. For twenty-live years Mr. McCaslin has been breed- 
ing short-horn cattle, and now has a herd of seventy. Mr. Mc- 
Caslin was married in 185 1 to Miss M. J. Alexander, born near 
Greenville, Tenn., December 29, 1829. They have five children, 
viz.: George A., born 1852; Robert N., born 1856; Martha B., 
born 1866; John A., born 1871, and William E., born 1875. Mr. 

.McCaslin is a republican, and he and his wife are members of the 

Presbyterian Church. 

John II. McCaslin is the fourth son of Wasson and Jane S. 

(Winchester) McCaslin, and is of Scotch-Irish lineage. He was 



634 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

born in Franklin Township, Johnson Co., Inch, October 22, 
1859, an< * grew to manhood upon the farm. Mr. McCaslin re- 
ceived a common school education, and at the age of twenty-one 
years, embarked on his own responsibility in life's voyage, as a far- 
mer, and by industry and good management has secured a valuable 
farm, upon which he located in 1S86. Mis residence, which was 
built in 1SS6, at a cost of $1,500, is one of the finest in the town- 
ship. The marriage of Mr. McCaslin occurred October 20, 1886, 
to Miss Anna E. Woods, born at Greenwood, this county, April 13, 
1863, daughter of Alfred C. and Elizabeth (Smock) Woods, the 
former born in East Tennessee, December 17, 1821; the latter born 
at Greenwood, March 30, 1829, and died in 1876. Politically, he is 
a republican, and cast his first presidential vote for the lamented Gar- 
field. Mr. and Mrs. McCaslin are members of the Franklin Pres- 
byterian Church. 

William McCaslin, deceased. — Among the citizens of John- 
son County, Ind., probably no one was more prominent than the one 
whose name heads this biographical sketch. He was born in Virginia, 
February 7, 181 7, and was the son of natives of Virginia. The 
parents removed from Virginia to Mercer County, Ky., and from 
there came to Johnson County, Ind., in about 1827. At that time 
the subject of this sketch was about ten years of age, and he was 
given a common school education, and when a young man taught 
school. He was possessed of a fine business education, which he 
secured in practical business pursuits, and was recognized as one 
of the ablest financiers of the county. He remained on the farm 
until i860, and then removed to Franklin, where he resided until 
his death, which occurred June 5, 18S3. He was a Christian in the 
true sense of the word, and was a member of the Presbyterian 
Church, of Franklin, and for several years led the choir of the 
same. He began life with a farm of eighty acres, given him by 
his father, and as evidence of his financial ability it is only neces- 
sary to state that he left an estate valued at about $50,000. His 
nature was charitable, and many need} - persons were the recipients 
of his generous bounty. As a citizen he was progressive and en- 
terprising, and always stood in the front row, when a move was 
made toward the advancement of the town and county. He was 
nited in marriage three times. The first time was in 1838, when 
he was married to Charity Vannuvs, who died April 11, 1S39, 
aged twenty-two years. His second marriage was solemnized 
on November 1, 1S39, to Cynthia ( King) Shafer, who was born 
October 21, 1814, and died March 2, 187S. To this marriage 
three children were born : V. Brainard, born November 2,1840, 
died June 6, i860; Elizabeth A., born Jul}- 11, 1843, and died Sep- 



FRANKLIN CITY AND TOWNSHIP. 



635 



tember 24, 1S45, and B. K., born April 28, 1S49, and died 
September 4, 1850. He was married the third time on December 
25. 1879, t0 Marguerite Mullen, who was born near Carlisle, Pa., 
May 7, 1838, and is the daughter of Sampson and Sarah (Golden) 
Mullen, of Welsh and Irish descent, respectively- Both parents 
died when their daughter was a child, she being but two years of 
age at the death of her father, and six at the death of her mother. 
Mrs. Caslin was married to our subject in Thomasville, Ga., where 
she was spending the winter season, her home being at the time in 
Minneapolis, Minn. She is a member of the Presbyterian Church, 
and has a large circle of friends in Franklin. Mr. McCaslin's por- 
trait appears in this volume. 

Wosson McCaslin, an old and respected citizen of Franklin 
Township, was born June 18, 1827, in Scott County, Ind., being 
the third in a family of seven children born to the marriage of David 
and Polly (Sellers) McCaslin, the former born in Mercer County, 
Ky., in 1797, and died in Johnson County in 1873, and the latter 
was born in Kentucky in 1801, and died in this county in 1871. In 
the fall of 1827, the family emigrated to Johnson County and set- 
tled in Franklin Township, just west of the city of Franklin, where 
the subject, of this biographical sketch grew to manhood. He at- 
tended school at the old log school-house, that was located in Frank- 
lin, near where the Presbyterian Church now stands. The life of Mr. 
McCaslin has been that of a farmer, which he began for himself at 
twenty-one years of age, and, in 1856, settled on his present farm, 
and now owns 360 acres of excellent and well improved land. 
As a farmer and stock-raiser, Mr. McCaslin is progressive and up 
with the times. He was united in marriage November 13, 1S50, 
to Miss Jane S. Winchester, born in this county, September 28, 
1828, being a daughter of Serril and Mary A. (Miller) Winchester. 
The father of Mrs. McCaslin was born in Hardin County, Ky., in 
1804, and died in this county in 1S54; her mother was born in 
North Carolina in 1S03, and died in this county in 1867. The 
Winchester family came to Johnson County in 1826, and were 
among the early pioneers of this part of Indiana. To the union of 
Mr. and Mrs. McCaslin are these seven children : David S., born 
1853; Everett M., born 1855; Josie, born 1857; John H., born 
1859; Florence, born 1861; Laura J., born 1863, and Ezra W., 
born 1873. Politically, Mr. McCaslin is a republican, and he and 
family are members of the Presbyterian Church. 

Samuel J. McClkllax, agent of the J., M. & I. R. R. Co., 
and one of the leading young citizens of Franklin, Johnson Co., Ind., 
was born in Franklin, on September 14, 1849. ^ e ' s tne son °^ 
James H. and Isabella H. (Bryan) McClellan. James H. was bora 



6t,6 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

in Trimble County, Ky., on February 21, 1818, and was the son 
of William McClellan, a native of Virginia. James H. early came 
to Johnson Countv, Ind., and clerked in a dry goods store. 
He next engaged in business for himself (books). He was ap- 
pointed postmaster under the administration of President Pierce, 
and was re-appointed under Buchanan's administration, holding the 
office for eight years, and was the last democratic postmaster of 
Franklin until the Cleveland administration. After leaving the 
postoffice he entered the court house, and was engaged for several 
months as assistant in the different offices. In April, 1S61, he 
entered the employ of the Jeffersonville Railroad Company, and 
three months later was appointed agent of the same at Franklin. 
Upon the consolidation or the Jeffersonville, Madison and Indianap- 
olis railroads, in 1864, he was made agent at Franklin, of the two, 
and continued as agent until his death, which occurred February 27, 
1882. Politically, he was a democrat, and though he never held a 
county office, he was respected and appreciated as a citizen. He was a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The mother was 
born in Shelby Countv, Ky., and is the daughter of Thomas 
and Elizabeth Bryan, who emigrated from Kentucky to John- 
son County, Ind. She is a member of the Christian Church. 
To the parents three children were born, two of whom survive. The 
children are: Mary (deceased), Sam J., our subject, and Bettie, 
now the wife of W. II. Riley. Our subject was reared in Frank- 
lin, and secured a good education in the public schools. At the 
age of about seventeen years he set out to learn telegraphy, and was 
next appointed operator at the J., M. & I. depot, and remained as such 
until March 4, 1882, when he was appointed agent to succeed his 
father, and holds that position at present. He is a K. of P., and 
in religion, belongs to the Presbyterian Church, and in politics, is a 
democrat. 

W. II. McCoy, one of the leading citizens and merchants of 
Franklin, Johnson Co., Ind., and member of the firm of Yager & 
McCoy, book and stationer}- dealers, was born in Clark Countv, 
Ind., on the old homestead, on April 26, 1837, and is the son of 
Collins and Nancy ( McDoneld 1 McCoy. Collins was born on the 
same farm as his son, in Clark County, on April 17. 1S07, and was 
the son of Maj. John McCoy, an officer of the militia; and James 
and Rice, two brothers, were in the battle of Tippecanoe, and 
were later in life Baptist ministers of some note. The greatgrand- 
father was Elder William McCoy, a native of Pennsylvania, and a 
Baptist minister. James McCoy was the great great grandfather 
who came from Scotland at the age of sixteen years. The McCoys 
came from Pennsylvania to Kentucky, and then to Indiana in 1S00. 



FRANKLIN 



CITY AND TOWNSHIP. 



637 



The mother was born in Indiana on March 16, 1816, and was the 
daughter of John McDoneld, who came to Indiana from Ohio. 
Phoebe Richardson was her mother. The father died on August 27, 
1872, and mother on October 20, 184S, leaving five children, four beys 
and one girl. Our subject was the eldest. His sister, Sarah J., is 
wife of Prof. F. W. Brown, of the Latin chair in college. Our 
subject was reared on the farm, and secured an early education in 
common country schools. In 1854, he entered Franklin College, 
of which his grandfather was one of the founders. He graduated in 
1861. He then taught school, first at Seymour, where he was prin- 
cipal of schools, and next elected professor of mathematics at 
Moore's Hill College, Indiana, and remained there one year. He 
then engaged in merchandising at Greensburgh, Ind., and next re- 
turned to teaching, and was principal of schools at Old Vernon. In 
1869 he returned to Franklin, and engaged in business at his present 
stand, in the stove and tinware trade. He next engaged in the drug 
business, and in 1S72, his father dying, he went to the farm in Clark 
County, and remained ten years, coming here again in 1882, and 
going in the hardware business with R. A. Alexander. Eighteen 
months (1SS4) later, he entered his present business, and has been 
here since. Was married in 1863 to Miss E. A. Potter, who was 
born near Greensburgh, Decatur Co., Ind., in 1843, and is a 
daughter of X. J. M. Potter. He has four children. He and his 
wife are members of the Baptist Church. 

A. W. McLaughlin, city treasurer of Franklin, Johnson 
Co., Ind., is a native of Johnson County, Ind., and was born in 
Franklin Township, August S, i860, and is the son of W. H. and 
Kate (Tilson) McLaughlin. (See sketch of W. H. McLaughlin.) 
He was reared on the farm, and secured a good education in the 
district schools, and public schools of Franklin. He engaged in the 
saw-mill of his father in Franklin until May 4, 1 886, when he was 
elected to his present position as a republican, receiving a majority 
of about 162 votes. He was elected for two years. December 19, 
1883, he was married to Miss Stella Thompson, who was born in 
Edinburg, Ind., in i860, and is the daughter of I. M. Thompson, of 
the firm of Thompson, White & Co., proprietors of the Franklin 
Starch Works. To this union, a son, Harry A., was born Feb- 
ruary 27, 1885. Mr. McLaughlin is a member of the K. of P., 
uniform rank, and his wife is a member of the Christian Church. 

W. H. McLaughlin, one of the leading citizens of Franklin, 
Johnson County, Ind.. and junior member of the firm of Waggener 
& McLaughlin, planing-mill and lumber dealers, of Franklin, was 
born in Muskingum County, Ohio, on January 8, 1S33, and is the 
second of five children, born to L. K. and Esther (Hunter) Mc- 



638 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Laughlin. Our subject was born in Norwich, Ohio, but reared 
principally in McConnellsville, that state, where he attended the 
public schools, securing a limited education. After leaving school 
he learned the carriage-maker's trade, and in 1S50 removed to 
Franklin, Ind., and continued at his trade until 1S57. He then 
married Miss Kate Tilson, on April 30, 1857, who was born in 
Johnson County, Ind., on January 4, 1839, anc ' ' s t ^ e daughter of 
Stephen Tilson. He removed to the farm the same year, where he 
remained until the spring of 1863, and where a daughter and son 
were born. He engaged in the saw-mill business in 1S63, 
and ran a mill for one year. Soon after he went to Tipton 
Countv, where he remained for about two and a half years, and 
then purchasing an interest in a mill, removed it to Cass County, 
Ind., where he remained from 1866 to 1869. He next returned to 
his farm and spent a year there, being at the same time engaged 
in the lumber business. In 187 1, he located in Franklin, and en- 
gaged in dealing in walnut lumber exclusively. From that time 
on, until about 1883, he was engaged in the lumber business, saw- 
milling and planing-milling, with different parties, and then pur- 
chased a mill of his own and ran the same up to August, 1887, 
when he sold the same to X. M. Pittman. In the early spring of 
1888, he formed a partnership with Robert Waggener, and with 
him is engaged in the planing-mill, saw-mill and contracting and 
building business. In 1S62, he volunteered in Company F, of the 
Fifth Cavalry, Ninetieth Regiment of Indiana Volunteers, and 
served for seven months, resigning on account of disabilities. 
At the organization of the regiment he was given the position of 
a supernumerary lieutenant, and soon afterward was elected first 
lieutenant, which position he held until his resignation, serving 
under the command of Col. Isaac P. Gray, now governor of Ind- 
iana, being on detached duty, and with the governor was on the 
celebrated Bedford raid. Our subject has always been quite promi- 
nent as a citizen, taking an active interest in town and county 
affairs. He has served in the city council several terms, and on the 
city school board a number of times, and is a member of the board 
at present, and serving out his second term. He is a republican in 
politics, and stands high in his party, and in 1SS2, was chosen by 
His party to make the race for clerk of the countv, and in 1SS4 was 
nominated for treasurer. He is a member of the Masonic, Knights 
of Pythias, and Knights of Honor fraternities, and is a member of 
the Baptist Church. To the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. McLaughlin 
four children have been born, all of whom survive. The children 
are: Lena, wife of C. N. Hall, of Peru, Ind.: Arthur, now city 
clerk of Franklin; Annie, who lives at home with her parents, and 



FRANKLIN CITY AND TOWNSHIP. 639 

Thad, who clerks in a clothing store at Peru. Mrs. McLaughlin 
and the eldest daughter are members of the Baptist Church. 
Lewis K, father of our subject, was born in Columbiana County, 
Ohio, in 1S03. He was a graduate of the Eclectic School of 
Medicine, and practiced his profession in Ohio, for eighteen years, 
and removed to Franklin, Irid., in 1849, and practiced until his 
death, which occurred in September, 1851, with cholera, which he 
contracted while on a visit to Cincinnati, Ohio. The mother of 
our subject was born in Muskingum County, Ohio, in 1809, and is 
now a resident of Franklin. Stephen Tilson, father of Mrs. W. II. 
McLaughlin, was one of the pioneers of Johnson Count}', coming 
from Virginia at a very early date, and locating here when the 
country was almost a wilderness. 

Rev. E. M. McMillen, pastor of the Presbyterian Church of 
Franklin, Johnson County, Ind., and a leading young minister of the 
place, is a native of Lawrence Countv, Ohio, having been born 
in Burlington, on the Ohio River, on October 1, 1S57. He is the 
only child of the Rev. Archibald J. and Gertrude (Merrifield) 
McMillen, both of whom were natives of Ohio. The father was 
born in 1829, and was the son of Isaac and Winifred McMillen, 
from near Zanesville Ohio. He was educated for the ministry at 
the old Miami University, at Oxford, Ohio, graduating from that 
eminent institution in the class of 1S54. He began his ministerial 
work in about 1856, at Ashland, Ky., and subsequently had charge 
of the Presbyterian congregations at Greenup, Ky., Burlington, 
New Plymouth, Athens, Ohio, and Ravenswood, W. Ya., having 
charge of the church at the latter place for a period of eleven 
years, and dying there on April 2, 1878. He was a fine classical 
scholar, possessed of a strong mind, and was of broad and liberal 
views, though he held close to the teachings of his faith. He was 
eminently pious, and possessed the full confidence and esteem of the 
people of the different charges he presided over. He was chap- 
lain of the Fourteenth Regiment of U. S. Kentucky Infantry for 
two years, and during that time led an active life, during which 
time he contracted a cold, from which came the asthma, and of the 
latter affliction he died. His brother, John McMillen, was a major 
in one of the volunteer regiments of the Union Army, and was 
captured at Chancellorsville, and imprisoned at Andersonville, 
where he died. The mother was born at New London, Huron 
County, Ohio, in 1833, and was the daughter of James and Huldah 
Merrifield, natives of New Hampshire. She died in 1858, when 
our subject was fourteen months of age. In 1863 Rev. Archibald 
McMillen was united in marriage with Miss Eugenia A. Samuels, 
who was a native of Virginia. To this union two sons — Egede C. 



64O JOHXSOX COUNTY. 

and Herbert C, were born. Egede is a resident of Huntington. W. 
Ya., and Herbert is a student at Hanover College, Indiana, while 
their mother resides at Barbersville, Ky. Our subject's early edu- 
cation was secured in the public schools of New London, Athens, 
Ohio, and Ravenswood, W. Ya. He entered the preparatory de- 
partment of the Merrietta College, Ohio, at the age cf fourteen 
years, and six years later, in 1878, graduated from that college. 
In the fall of 1878, he entered the Lane Theological Seminary at 
Cincinnati, Ohio, and graduated from the same in 18S1. From 
there he went to Paris. Ky.. and took charge of the General As- 
sembly Presbyterian Church, where he remained oyer five years. 
He next took charge of the Lebanon (Ky.) Presbyterian Church, 
and in November, 1SS6, came to Franklin, Ind., and took charge 
of the Presbyterian Church, which is the leading church organiza- 
tion of the place. He was married on October 26, 1886, to 
Laura D. Ray, who was born in Marion County, Ky., in 1858, and 
is the daughter of Philip and Sarah Doneghy, both natives of 
Kentucky. Rev. McMillen, though a young man in years, is an 
able and eloquent divine, and his stay in the different charges, and 
particularly in Franklin, has been characterized bv vigorous work, 
filling each pulpit with satisfaction to his congregation. During 
the first three months of 1887. a wonderful revival blessed his 
work in Franklin, resulting in the conversion and accession to the 
Presbyterian Church of more than 220 persons. 

W. A. McNaughton, the subject of this sketch, is one of the 
leading young citizens and business men of Franklin, Johnson 
Co., Ind., and proprietor of the largest dry goods and carpet estab- 
lishment in the city and county. He was born at Leavenworth, 
Crawford Co., Ind., on November 4. 1849. He is the son of Rev. 
S. W. and Sarah (Forbes 1 McNaughton. The father was born in 
Indiana, in 1S26, and is a minister of the Methodist Church, and 
has been a member of the Indiana Methodist Episcopal Conference 
for about thirty-five years, during which time he has occupied pul- 
pits at many points in the southwestern portion of the state. He 
is now stationed in Yanderburg County. The mother was born in 
Pennsylvania, and died in 1S68. To this union eight children have 
been born, two of whom are dead. The father has since married. 
Our subject was reared from his thirteenth year in Edinburg, John- 
son Co., Ind., and secured a limited education in the public schools. 
He began life as a cash boy in the store of Harvey Lewis, at Ed- 
inburg, and thence was promoted to a clerkship, and later was 
cashier and book-keeper in the bank of Mr. Lewis, remaining with 
that gentleman until his retirement from business in about i s 7-. 
He next took an interest in the dry goods store of John Walsh, and 



FRANKLIN 



CITY AND TOWNSHIP. 64I 



in 1SS0 the firm removed to Franklin. Upon the retirement of 
Mr. Walsh, from the business, in 1883, our subject assumed full 
proprietorship of the business, and continues the same at present. 
He is a member of the K. of P. order, uniform rank, and of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. He was married December 27, 
1870, to Annie C, daughter of John Walsh, who was born in Ed- 
inburg. To this union live children have been born, all of whom 
are living. Mrs. McNaughton is a member of the Catholic Church. 
John C. M. McNutt, a member of the law firm of Thompson 
& McNutt, of Franklin, Johnson Co., Ind., was born in Hensley 
Township, Johnson County, Ind., on Ma} - 25, 1S63. His father 
was James McNutt, who was also born in Hensley Township, John- 
son County, on the 10th day of March, 1S36, and was the son of 
John McNutt, who came to Indiana and located in Johnson County 
at a very early date, in the history of the county. James McNutt, 
the father of our subject, was a farmer by occupation. The 
mother of our subject was Cyntha J. Hunt, who was born in John- 
son County, December 16, 1840, and is the daughter of William R. 
Hunt, who was a native of Kentucky, and immigrated to Johnson 
County in about 1826. He was born in 1818, and died in 1886. 
To the union of Mr. and Mrs. Hunt five children were born, four of 
whom survive. The mother was married in July, 18S3, to Jacob M. 
Cooper, deceased, a resident of Johnson Count)'. She is now 
a resident of Morgantown, Ind. Of the children, our subject was 
the second in age. He was reared on the farm until he was sixteen 
years of age. He, early in life, attended the district schools of his 
native township, in Johnson Count}-, and finished his education by 
graduating from the Morgantown (Ind.) high school. At the age 
of seventeen years, he began teaching school, and for five years 
continued at the same, studying law in the meantime. He read law 
with an uncle, C. F. McNutt, at Terre Haute, Ind., and also with 
S. D. Luckett, at Bedford, and then in the office of. R. M. Johnson, 
of Franklin, now of Washington, D. C. He was admitted to the 
bar in 1884, and in the spring of 1886, formed a co-partnership with 
William C. Thompson, and began practicing his profession in 
Franklin, and has continued up to the present. The firm also 
have a complete set of abstract books of Johnson Countv, and make 
abstracting a specialty. He married, July 7, 18S6, Ruth Neelv, 
who was born in Brown Countv, Ind., April 22, 1S65, and is the 
daughter of Jacob M. and Sarah A. Neely, of Morgantown, Ind. 
Mr. McNutt is a member of Johnson Lodge, No. 76, I. O. O. F., in 
which he at present occupies the chair of N. G. Mrs. McNutt is 
a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In the spring of 
1888, he was nominated on the democratic ticket as candidate for 



642 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

prosecuting attorney for the district composed of Shelby and John- 
son counties. 

Dr. D. H. Miller, druggist of Franklin, Johnson County, 
Ind., was born in Hendricks Count}', Ind., on December 5. 1842, 
and is the son of Scott and Mary J. (Stout) Miller. The father 
was born in Scott County, Kv., in 1S14, and was the son of Henry 
Miller. Henry Miller removed to Hendricks County, Ind., in 1830, 
and was one of the pioneers of that county. He was a farmer, as 
was also his son. The mother of our subject was born in Hamil- 
ton County, Ohio, about 1S24, and was the daughter of Thomas J. 
Stout, who removed to Indiana, and located near Indianapolis, in 
Marion Count}'. He was a soldier of the War of 1812, and was 
one of the " Bloodv Three Hundred " who went from Indianapolis 
to the Black Hawk War. Scott Miller entered the Federal Army, 
in August, 1S61, and was elected captain of Company I, Seventh 
Regiment of Indiana Volunteers, bv a unanimous vote at its organi- 
zation, and served as such until 1863, when he resigned on account 
of heart trouble, and returned home. He died in Paris, Texas, in 
1879, while on a business visit to that place. The mother died in 
1876. The subject of this sketch was the only child born to the 
parents. He was reared on the farm, and received his early 
education in the Danville Academy, situated in his native county. At 
the age of eighteen years lie enlisted in the federal service, going 
as a private in his father's company ( Company I ),of the Seventh Regi- 
ment of Indiana Volunteers, and served for about eight months, 
when he was discharged for physical disability, resulting from a se- 
vere attack of typhoid fever. Returning to Indiana he almost im- 
mediately began reading medicine at Indianapolis, and during the 
years 1S65-6-7, attended the Ohio Medical College of Ohio, from 
which he graduated in March of the latter year. In January, 1868, 
he located in Franklin and established his present drug business. 
A large and complete stock of drugs, toilet articles, fancy goods, 
and cigars and tobacco is carried, besides a prescription department. 
The business has flourished since its establishment, and is one of 
the leading drug stores of the city. He was married in 1S70, to 
Parintha Williams, who was born on a farm in Rush County, Ind., 
and is the daughter of Thomas Williams, and to this union, one 
daughter, Gertrude M., has been born. Mr. Miller is a republi- 
can in politics, is president of the city school board, a member of 
the Masonic and Knights of Pvthias fraternities, and with his wife, 
is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

Joseph II. Mullendore was born November 3, 1855, in 
Shelby Count}', Ind., son of Lewis and Harriet E. (Record) Mullen- 
dore, the former born in Miami County, Ohio, in 1823, and the latter 



FRANKLIN 



CITY AND TOWNSHIP. 



643 



born in 1S31. In iS57the family removed from Shelby County to 
Johnson County, and here our subject was reared and educated. 
By occupation he is a farmer, and by industry and good manage- 
ment has secured a valuable farm comprising 160 acres, upon 
which he settled in 1S7S. He has a good residence, erected in 
1886, and a substantial barn built in 1S87, also one of the best 
drained farms in that localitv. Mr. Mullendore was married Oc- 
tober 14, 1S77, to Miss Sarah E. Mitchell, a native of this county, 
born October 20, 185S. daughter of William and Lucinda Mitchell, 
the former born in 1837, the latter in 1S42, and died in 1861. To 
this union were born these children: Elzora E., born July 8, 1SS1, 
Gracia E., born April 1, 1885, and Alonzo E., born August 15, 
1878, and died December 15, 18S5. Politically, Mr. Mullendore is 
a republican, and he and wife are members of the Christian Church. 
William M. Neal, the subject of this sketch, is one of the 
leading citizens of Johnson County, Ind., and is engaged in the 
general blacksmithing and repair business. He was born in Jessa- 
mine County, Kv., on the ground where Camp Nelson was located 
during the late war, on December 1, 1844. His father was Moses H. 
Neal, who was a native of North Carolina, and emigrated from 
there to Kentuckv. In Januarv, 1854, rie emigrated to Indiana, 
locating in Johnson County. In 1S63, he removed from Franklin 
to Elizabethtown, Bartholomew Countv, and 'in 1867, removed 
thence to Jennings Count}', where he died in 1872. The mother 
was Matilda Bain, and was born in Greenville District, S. C, and 
died in Jennings Countv, in 1874. To the parents six sons and six 
daughters were born, only two (our subject and an older brother, 
John A. Neal, of Bartholomew County), survive. Our subject 
was reared on a farm three miles east from Franklin, Ind., and 
secured a good education in the district schools. In August, 1^62, 
lie enlisted in Companv I, of the Seventieth Indiana Regiment of 
Volunteer Infantry, under Col. Benjamin Harrison, ex-U. S. Senator. 
He served until the close of the war, losing but three days during 
service, and was mustered out of the service at Washington, D. C, 
on June 9, 1865. He returned to Franklin in November, 1S66, and 
engaged in blacksmithing, and has been here ever since carrying 
on his business, which has grown to a considerable enterprise. In 
1S78, he was elected by the democrats of Johnson County, as 
sheriff, receiving a majority of 769 votes, earning every township 
in the county. He was re-nominated by acclamation, and re-elected 
in 1880, by a majority of 680 votes, holding the office four years. 
He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and is a Knight Templar. 
He is also a member of the Knights of Pythias lodge. He was 
married June 6, 1867, to Hattie E. Mozingo, who was born injohn- 

41 



644 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

son Count)', and is the daughter of Joseph and Julia (Owen) 
Mozingo. To this union three children have been born, all of whom 
survive. 

Rev. Albert Ogle, pastor of the Franklin (Ind.) Baptist 
Church, is a native of Indiana, and was born in Switzerland 
County, on April 10, 1839, being the fourth of two sons and seven 
daughters, born to Achilles and Charlott (Bakes) Ogle. The 
father was born in Westmoreland County, Ya., in 1809, and is the 
son of Hiram Ogle, a Virginian. In 1813 Hiram, the grandfather, 
emigrated to Switzerland County, Inch, where he lived until his 
death, following-farming. Achilles, the father, also followed farm- 
ing in Switzerland County, and is now an honored citizen of 
Vevay, the county seat of that countv. The mother of our 
subject was born in Switzerland County, Ind., in 1S16, and 
was the daughter of John Bakes, a native of England, who 
emigrated to America at the beginning of the present century. 
She died in Vevay, Ind., in August, 1886. She was a member of 
the Baptist Church, of which her husband is also a member. Our 
subject was reared on the farm, and secured the rudiments of his 
education in the common schools of his native county. He entered 
the Franklin College in 1858, and attended that institution three 
years, and in 1864, entered the Theological Seminary at Upper 
Alton, 111., where he continued his studies and preparations for the 
ministry, and graduated from the same in 1867. He became a 
member of the church at about the age of fourteen rears. Upon 
leaving college he went directly to Mitchell. Ind., where he had 
been called to assume the pastorate of the Baptist Church, and at 
which place he was ordained in October, 1867. In 1871, he 
accepted a call to Seymour, Ind., where he occupied the Baptist 
pulpit until November, 18S5, and then came to Franklin. He was 
married April 6, 1864, to Mary Cotton, who was born in Switzer- 
land Countv, Ind., on January 17, 1842, and is the daughter of 
Robert and Lavinia Cotton. To this union six children have been 
born, four of whom survive. 

Prof. D. A. Owex. the subject of this sketch, was born in 
Greene Countv, Ind., December 11, 1852. He is the second son 
and third child in a family of five children, all of whom are still 
living. His father is Wilson Owen, also born in Indiana, son of 
Josiah Owen, a native of North Carolina, and grandson of Thomas 
Owen, who was a soldier in Cornwallis" army, and a native of the 
city of London, having been wounded, previous to the surrender 
of Yorktown: was left in America at the close of the Revolutionary 
War. As was usual with the boys of his age, our subject worked 
upon his father's farm during the summer, and attended district 



FRANKLIN CITY AND TOWNSHIP. 645 

school in the winter, with no peculiarity of habit to distinguish him 
from his associates, unless it be the awkwardness with which he 
handled edged tools, some of the evidences of which are plainly- 
visible to-day. At the age of eighteen, having a desire for better 
opportunities for obtaining an education, than was furnished by the 
district school, he employed a hand to take his place upon the farm, 
and went two terms to the Point Commerce high school. At the 
expiration of these two terms, he obtained a license, and taught two 
terms, beginning at his home school. In the spring of 1S73, still 
desirous of knowing more of the facts stored up in books and na- 
ture, he came to Franklin College and completed the classical 
course, graduating in 1878. After graduating, he was elected prin- 
cipal of the Salem high school. Before one year had been com- 
pleted in this position, he was chosen instructor in the department 
of Natural Science* in Franklin College. While holding this posi- 
tion, in the vear 1S81, he was elected superintendent of Johnson 
County; these positions he held for two years, teaching in the col- 
lege in the forenoon and attending to the county work in the after- 
noon. In 18S3, he was elected professor of Natural Science in 
Franklin College, which position he held until 1887, when the de- 
partment was divided into the chairs of physics and chemistry, and 
geologv and botany, the latter of which he occupies at the present 
time. He is a member of the Indiana Academy of Science and 
the American Association for the Advancement of Science. In 
June, 1880, he was united in marriage to Nettie Paynter, of Salem, 
Ind., from which union there has resulted one child, who bears the 
name of the lamented botanist, Asa Gray. 

Samuel P. Oyler was born in Hawkhurst, Eng., August 26, 
1 8 19, second son of Samuel and Sophia (Rabson) Oyler. His 
father was a farmer and a free-holder in England. The early 
years of Samuel Oyler were spent principally in London, where he 
attended school for several years. He afterward went to school 
in Westminster for some time. In 1834 ne immigrated to 
America, settling in Rochester, N. Y., where he continued his 
studies as best he could. In 1841 he came to Indiana and settled 
in Tippecanoe County, where he farmed and studied theology 
until 1843, when he united with the Universalist Church, and 
preached continuously for eight years in that cause, dividing the 
time equally between Ohio, Indiana, Kentucky and Illinois. Feb- 
urary 4, 1845, he was married to Julia A. Wooding, of Switzer- 
land County, Ind. She died in November, 1S47, and in December, 
1849, he was married to Lucy Howe, daughter of Solomon 
Hicks. This lady is his present wife. In 1850 he removed to 
Franklin, Johnson Co., Ind., and commenced the study of law with 



& 



646 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Gilderoy Hicks, then an attorney at Franklin. Finding the law 
fitted to his abilities, he relinquished the ministry, aod was admitted 
to the Johnson Count}' bar in 1S51. He readily passed examina- 
tion to practice before the supreme court in 1852, and subse- 
quently, upon examination, was also admitted to practice before the 
supreme court of the United States. He devoted himself assid- 
ulously to the practice of law after he was admitted to the bar. 
In 1852 and 1854, he served as prosecutor for his district, and con- 
tinued working faithfully and successfully in his chosen profession 
until 1861, when he left everything and entered the union army. 
He was one of the first to enter the service, and by his own efforts 
raised the first company of volunteers in this county, which was 
the third raised in the state. He was elected captain, and subse- 
quently commissioned as major of the Seventh Indiana Volunteer 
Infantry. He served during the campaign in West Virginia, re- 
turning home in August. He then resumed his law practice, but 
for a short time only, as in 1862 he organized the second company 
of the Seventy-ninth Volunteer Infantry; was commissioned lieu- 
tenant colonel, and assigned to duty in the Army of the Cumberland. 
He was first with Buell, and afterward with Rosecrans, taking part 
in those memorable campaigns that aided so materially in bringing 
the war to a close. He was in the battles of Chickmauga and 
Chattanooga, where his regiment suffered severely. He returned 
to Chattanooga the day after the battle of Chickamauga, with 1,900 
men, all that were left of the twenty-first corps, of which he was 
the ranking officer. He had the honor of leading the charge at Mis- 
sion Ridge, and his regiment, with the Eighty-sixth Indiana Volunteer 
Infantry, was the first to scale the ridge, and capture the works of 
the enemy. During the winter of 1863 and 1864, he was stationed 
in the valley of the Tennessee and the following summer, was 
with Sherman in his march upon Atlanta, but in July, was disabled 
by sickness, and in October, was compelled to resign his commission 
and return home. Upon his return home, he was at once 
chosen by the republicans to represent his district in the state senate, 
and he did his duty as well in the halls of legislation, as on the Held 
battle, serving his country in both positions with honor and distinc- 
tion. He served two regular, and one extra session in the senate, 
was made chairman of the committee on organization of courts, and 
a member of the judiciary committee, and in 1868, he was appointed 
judge of the sixteenth judicial circuit, serving till 1870, since which 
time he has been engaged in the practice of his profession in Frank- 
lin. In 1866, he was a delegate and member of the platform com- 
mittee of the soldiers' convention held in Pittsburg. Col. Oyler 
has always taken a deep interest in local affairs, is, and has been, 



FRANKLIN" 



CITY AND TOWNSHIP. 



647 



earnest in his efforts to advance the cause of education. As an 
attorney, he ranks among the best in Johnson County, and has 
acquired a handsome competence by his practice of law. He is a 
worthy citizen, and highly esteemed where known. 

D. B. Patterson, of Franklin, Ind., was born in Needham 
Township, Johnson Co., Ind., September 3, 1835, and is the son of 
Thomas and Frances (Harris) Patterson. Thomas Patterson was 
born irf-Fayette County, Ky., April 24, 1S01, and is the son of 
Robert and James (Henderson) Patterson. Thomas came with 
his parents to Clark County, Ind., in 1S11, and later came to 
Johnson Countv, and now resides on his farm in Needham Town- 
ship. The mother of our subject was born at North Middleton, 
Bourbon Co., Ky., and died in 1835. To that union seven child- 
ren were born, live of whom survive. In August, 1838, the father 
married Nancy Hardest}', by whom he had six children, four of 
whom survive. Our subject was reared on the farm, and attended 
the district schools. He has followed farming as a vocation all 
his life, and removed to Franklin in March, 1885, but continues his 
farming. January 14, 1862, he was married to Eliza A. Beatty, 
who was born in Fayette County, Ky., September 30, 1830, and is 
the daughter of John and Sarah (Patterson) Beatty. Both Mr. 
and Mrs. Patterson are members of New Pisgah Presbyterian 
Church. 

J. B. Payne, the subject of this sketch, is senior member of 
the firm of Payne, Johnson & Co., millers, and proprietors 
of the Pearl Roller Mills, of Franklin, Johnson Count)', Ind. 
He was born at Vernon, Jennings Count)-, Ind., on June 21, 1S49, 
and is the son of Leland and Julia (Butler) Payne. The father 
was born at Newburg, Ohio, October 26, 1818, and was the son of 
George M. Payne, who was born at Lebanon, Conn., on January 
9, 179 1 ) and he was the son of Stephen Payne, a native of Connecti- 
cut (see sketch of Dr. P. W. Payne). Our subject's mother was 
born in Jennings County, Ind., on September 2S, 1822, and was the 
daughter of James Butler, a native of Virginia, and came to Indiana 
in 1818. She died on March 6, 1850, while our subject was but 
nine months old. Leland Payne came to Franklin in 1S54, and en- 
gaged in the milling business in co-partnership with Ebenezer Bald- 
win, whose daughter he married the same year. Mr. Baldwin 
retiring from the mill in 1881, and Mr. Payne took as a 
partner in the business, John W. Ragsdale, in July, 18S2. In 
April, 1SS4, Mr. Payne retired from the firm, and his death oc- 
curred the same year. Until 1854, our subject was reared on a 
farm in Jennings County, by an aunt, and at that time joined his 
father in Franklin. He was educated in the public schools of 



648 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Franklin. After finishing school, he clerked in the woolen mills of 
Baldwin & Payne (his father) for two years, and next entered 
the flour mills of the same firm as a clerk. In 1S71, he engaged 
in the drug business in Franklin, at which he continued until 1873, 
when his health failing him, he spent a year in Minnesota. Re- 
turning to Franklin, he engaged in the planing-mill business, and 
continued until 1879, an< ^ then removed to the farm, where he re- 
mained until 1884, when he returned to town and engaged in his 
present business. He is a member of the Masonic and Knights of 
Pythias fraternities, and a member of the Christian Church. In 
187 1, he married Ellen Williams, of Wayne County, Ind., who was 
born in Rush Count}-, Ind., on August 8, 1850. and is the daughter 
of Thomas Williams. To this union three children have been born. 
Mrs. Payne and two of the children are members of the Christian 
Church." 

Philander W. Payne, M. D. — Among the leading and older 
members of the medical profession of Johnson County, Ind., is 
Philander W. Payne, physician and surgeon of Franklin. He was 
born at Bedford, Ohio, on March 9, 1832, and came with his par- 
ents to Jennings County, Ind., in 1839. At the age of sixteen 
years he left the farm and entered Jennings County Seminary, 
where he attended for three years, occasionally teaching school, the 
income from which occupation was necessary for paving expenses 
at school. Upon leaving the seminary he taught school for two 
years, and then commenced a regular collegiate course at Wabash 
College, at Crawfordsville, Ind. On account of a disease of the 
eyes he was compelled to leave college before completing the full 
course, but the degree of A. M. was afterward conferred on him 
by the faculty of the college. Choosing the medical profession, he 
began reading medicine with Dr. A. Parks, of Vernon, Ind., and in 
1855 he entered the medical department of the Ann Arbor Univer- 
sity. Michigan, from where he entered Jefferson Medical College, 
at Philadelphia, from which school he graduated in 1S58. He 
afterward attended the College of Physicians and Surgeons, and 
also Bellevue Hospital College, New York City. He then 
began practicing in Franklin, and has continued up to the pres- 
ent. In 1863 he was appointed by Governor Morton, one of 
of the special surgeons for the relief of Indiana soldiers at Stone 
River, Term., and spent some time in the service. By efficient and 
faithful practice he has established an enviable name and standing 
in professional circles, and as a citizen, has earned a place in the 
front rank. He was one of the original founders of the Franklin 
Gas Works, and helped that enterprise from an experiment to a 
solid and flourishing industry. He was for a time trustee of 



FRANKLIN 



CITY AND TOWNSHIP. 



649 



Franklin College, and held a similar responsible position in the In- 
diana College of Physicians and Surgeons, at Indianapolis. He 
was married May 4, 1862, to Mary A. Forsythe, the daughter of a 
well-known merchant of Franklin, and to this union three sons and 
four daughters have been born. Politically, he is a republican, and 
religiously is a Methodist Episcopalian. His father was George M. 
Payne, who was born at Lebanon, Conn., on January 9, i79 x > a "d 
was the son of Stephen Payne, who was a native of Connecti- 
cut, and a descendant from several families who emigrated from the 
mother country at a very early date, and located in the New Eng- 
land and Southern States. "George M. emigrated to Ohio, in 
1814, and thence to Jennings County, Ind., in 1839, and came 
to Johnson County in 1854. He died in Franklin, January 24, 1883, 
in his ninety-third year. The mother of our subject was Susan 
Holcomb, who was born at Panton, Vt., August 9, 1794. She was 
the daughter of Benjamin Holcomb, a native of Connecticut, who 
served for eight years in the Revolutionary War, entering as a 
captain, but rising at once to a colonelcy, and serving as such 
most of the time of his service. He was with the Continental Army 
at Valley Forge, and present at the capture of Trenton. The 
mother died at Queensville, Ind., December 12, 1866. To the par- 
ents, who were married at Madrid, St. Lawrence County, N. Y., 
January 16, 1S15, seven children were born, of whom our subject 
is the only surviving one. The children were as follows: Livonia, 
born at Newburg, Ohio, September 12, 1816, and died at Queens- 
ville, Ind., on March 31, 1861; Leland, bora at Newburg, Ohio, 
October 26, 1S1S, and died at Franklin, Ind., in 1884: Minerva P., 
born at Newburg, Ohio, June 12, 1821, died at Vernon, Ind., 
February 2, 1849; George J., born at Newburg, Ohio, April 26, 
1824, died at Vernon, Ind., September 15, 1850; William N., born 
at Newburg, Ohio, March 26, 1827, died .at Vernon, Ind., March 
15, 1846; Rollin, born at Bedford, Ohio, November 21, 1829, died 
at Harrodsburg, Ind., November 2, 1854. Upon emigrating to 
Ohio, George M., the father, located on a farm, which ground is 
now in the Sevententh Ward of Cleveland. He followed merchan- 
dising principally in Ohio, and farming in Indiana, up to his removal 
to Franklin, when he engaged in the furniture business, and con- 
tinued until about fifteen years previous to his death. 

T. C. M. Perry, auditor of Johnson County. Ind., was bora at 
Gallipolis, Ohio, June 29, 1847. His father was Thomas L. Perry, 
who was born in Wheeling, W. \"a.. in [818, and his mother was 
Joannah Brunnemer, who was bora in Covington, Va., in 1822. 
In 1846, the father moved to Gallipolis, Ohio, and two years later 
came to Indiana and located at Waverly, Morgan County, where 



650 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

he died in 1S64. His wife died the same year, and within a week of 
the death of her husband. The paternal grandfather of our subject 
was an Englishman, and the paternal grandmother was a native of 
Ireland, while the maternal grandparents were both Germans, the 
grandfather being a native of Germany, and the grandmother of 
America. To Thomas L. and Joannah, the parents, six children 
were born, as follows: Sarah (now deceased), Mary E., now de- 
ceased, Jennie, Francis, (now deceased), T. C. M., and Aldice. 
Upon the removal of the parents to Indiana, the subject of this 
sketch was but one year of age, and his boyhood days were spent 
in Waverly, in Morgan County. He was given an academic edu- 
cation, and later conceived the idea of fitting himself for the legal 
profession, and to that end read law for awhile, but was not ad- 
mitted to the bar, having abandoned his studies. He removed to 
Johnson County in 1872, and engaged in merchandising at differ- 
ent points in that county, for a number of years, the last point at 
which he was so engaged being Providence. In 18S2, he was 
elected trustee of Union Township, and held that office for four 
years, being at the same time engaged in the stock business. On 
March 18, 1886, he was nominated by the democratic county con- 
vention for the office of auditor of Johnson County, and the follow- 
ing November, he was elected to that office by a majority of 396 
votes, and took charge of the same on November 5, 1887, at which 
time he removed to Franklin. He is a member of Union Village 
Lodge, No. S45, F. & A. M., and of Waverly Lodge, No. 818, 
I. O. O. F. He was united in marriage in 1881, to Mary A. Farris, 
who was born in Bargersville, Ind., and to this union two children 
have been born, both deceased. 

N. M. Pittmax, lumber dealer, and saw-mill proprietor, of 
Franklin, Johnson Co., Ind.. was born in Monroe County, Ohio, on 
April 19, 1845, and is the eldest of seven children born to Isaac 
and Eliza J. (Moore) Pittman, both of whom were natives of Ohio, 
the father, born April 26, 1822, and the mother on July 5, 1827. 
Isaac Pittman came to Bartholomew Countv, Ind., in 1850, where 
he followed farming until his death, which occurred in iS67- His 
father was William Pittman, who was a Pennsylvania!! by birth, re- 
moving from that state to Ohio, and thence to Indiana in i860. 
The mother is the daughter of Solomon Moore, a native of Ohio, 
who came to Indiana in 1846, settling in Bartholomew County, 
where he died in 1856. The mother now resides in Bartholomew 
Countv. Our subject was reared on the farm, and secured a good 
common school education. Leaving school, he, in 1S6S, began to 
learn the carpenter's trade, and worked at the same until 1870, 
when he began saw-milling in Monroe County, Ind. He remained 



FRANKLIN 



CITY AND TOWNSHIP. 



6<ii 



in Monroe Count}- until 1S72, and thence removed to Johnson 
County, and located at Union village (now Providence). He con- 
tinued in the saw-mill and lumber business at that point until 1887, 
and then removed to Franklin, and purchased the business he now 
operates. He has one of the only two saw-mills in town, and does 
an extensive business, both in sawing, and in the lumber trade. He 
was married January 11, 1872, to Elizabeth Small, who was born 
in Kentuckv, on January 9, 1850, and is the daughter of William 
Small, of Johnson County, Ind. To this union the following chil- 
dren have been born: Flora, Harry, Oscar, Frank, Annie and 
Nettie. Our subject is a member of the Masonic fraternity, and 
he and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. He is a re- 
publican in politics. 

Jackson Powell, leading stock-dealer and liveryman of Frank- 
lin, Ind., was born in Mercer County, Ky., on December 24, 1832, 
and is the son of John and Mary (Thompson) Powell. The father 
was a native of Virginia, who removed to Kentucky at an early 
date, and was one of the pioneers of Mercer County, when he died 
there in about 1843. The mother was born in Kentucky, and came 
with her children to Johnson County, Ind., in about 1857. Her 
death occurred in July, 1874. Our subject was reared on the 
farm. In 1S55 he went to Missouri, where he remained until 1861, 
and then located in Johnson County, near Franklin. Six years 
later he located near the town of Whiteland, and in 1884 removed 
to Franklin, where he has since resided. Recently he engaged in 
the livery business, which he carried on in connection with his 
stock dealings. He is one of the substantial citizens of Johnson 
County, and is a man respected and esteemed by all who know 
him. Mr. Powell was married in October, 1S52, to Lydia M. 
Thompson, who was born in Kentucky, and to this union two sons 
and two daughters have been born. Mr. and Mrs. Powell are 
members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

John Powell, farmer and stock-dealer, of Franklin, Johnson 
County, Ind., was born in Mercer County, Ky., on December 7, 
1841, and is the son of John and Mary (Thompson) Powell. (See 
sketch of Jackson Powell for sketch of parents.) Mr. Powell was 
reared on the farm, and like other youths of his day obtained but a 
limited education. With his parents he came to Indiana, when 
about sixteen years of age, and in about 1857, began life for him- 
self by hiring out as a farm laborer, by the month. His first land 
was a tract containing about thirty-six acres, located about two and 
one-half miles from Franklin, which he purchased in about 1869. 
A year later he disposed of the same, and purchased 120 acres of 
land two miles north of Franklin. He at present owns altogether 



652 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

about 205 acres. For the last fifteen years he has been buying 
and trading in stock of all kinds. Mr. Powell was married on 
September 26, 1861, to Juna A. Ransdell, who was born in Johnson 
Count}', Ind., October 10. 1S41, and is the daughter of William 
P. Ransdell. To this union eight children have been born, as fol- 
lows: Alonzo, born 1862; Wjlliam I., born 1S65; Ora, born 18671 
George, born 1S69: Susan E., born 1872: John, born 1S74: Myrtle, 
born 1878, and Bessie, born 1883. Mr. and Mrs. Powell and three 
children are members of Hurricane Baptist Church. 

Lovkn G. Pkitciiard. — Among the representative citizens of 
Johnson County, Ind., worthy of mention in a work of this char- 
acter, none are more so than Loyen G. Pritchard, of Franklin. 
Me is the son of Daniel and Abigail (Parkhurst) Pritchard. 
The father was born in Maryland, on January 15, 1781, and was 
the son of James Pritchard, a native of England, who emigrated 
from his natiye land to America at an early date, and located in 
Maryland, and thence removed to Henry County. Ky\, where he 
died. The mother was born in Tennessee, September 29, 1785, 
and was the daughter of Ezekiel Parkhurst, a natiye of North 
Carolina. The parents of our subject were married May 20, 1803. 
Daniel Pritchard remoyed with his father to Henry County. Ky.. 
and in January, i s -3- came to Indiana, crossing the Ohio Riyer at 
Madison, on the first day of that year. He located at what is now 
Edinburg. on Blue Riyer, where he raised two crops, and then on 
account of the ague, remoyed, in 1824, to Nineveh Township, 
where he entered a homestead of 160 acres near the center of the 
same. He followed farming as a life yocation, and though an 
uneducated man, met with remarkable success, and out of a fam- 
ily of nine children he gaye each a farm'of about 135 acres, he 
having in his possession at the time our subject came of age, 
over 1,000 acres of land. The records show that he entered 
more land than any other one citizen of Johnson County, 
among which were eighty acres which were entered by him 
and sold to George King, who sold it to the county, and upon 
that tract Franklin, in part, was built. He was a man who pre- 
ferred the quiet and independent life of the farmer to that of a pub- 
lic servant, and hence never sought or filled any public official 
positions. He was a member of the religious organization then 
known as " The Western Predestination Two-Seat Baptists," but 
abandoned that belief two years prior to his death. In March, 
1S52. he disposed of his property in Johnson County, and remoyed 
to Jasper County, Ind., where he died on October 11, 1852. The 
mother died in Johnson County, on March 9, 1854. To the par- 
ents, twelve children were born, as follows: David P., September 



FRANKLIN CITY AND TOWNSHIP. 653 

16, 1S04; Walker D., July 3, 1806: Roland, February 3, 1S09; Jona- 
than H., February 10, 1811; Sallie, March 16, 1813; Allen M., 
April 19, 1815; Lewis, March 6, 1818; Curtis, July 15, 1820; 
Loven G., November 12, 1822; William I., May 15. 1S25: Matilda 
M., December 6, 1831 ; all of whom arc deceased, leaving our subject 
the only surviving member of the family. lie was reared on the 
farm and secured a limited education in the log school-houses of the 
district, under the old " blue beech system," when, if a scholar did 
not succeed as rapidly as the teacher thought he should, the beech 
switch was liberally used. Nevertheless he secured the rudiments of 
an education, to which he has since added a large fund of practical 
information, sufficiently to make a success of his life. He has 
followed farming as a life vocation, and now owns a fine farm of 
115 acres in Needham Township. He removed to Franklin in 
1886, and remained for about one year, and then returned to the 
farm. In January, 1888, he again removed to Franklin, and is now 
a citizen of the town, residing on his own property, a neat cottage 
residence. He has always taken an interest in public affairs, and 
in 1854, was elected justice of the peace from Nineveh Township. 
He was a democrat until the Kansas troubles in 1854, when he 
joined the republican party, and has since affiliated with that organ- 
ization. He was married February 20, 1848, to Nancy Keaton, 
who was born in Nineveh Township, Johnson Co., Ind., on Decem- 
ber 25, 1830, and was the daughter of Judge William Keaton. To 
this union nine children were born, three of whom survive. The 
wife died February 20, 1887. He was a member of the Christian 
Church. He was again married January 25, 1888, to Sarah (Gra- 
ham) Poffinberger, a native of Ohio. Our subject is a member of 
the Masonic fraternity, and of the Christian Church, and stands well 
as a citizen, being generally respected by all who know him. 

Fraxk S. Records, a native of Bartholomew County, Ind., 
was born February 19, 1827, son of William P. and Elcey (Har- 
vey) Records, and is of English descent. His father was born in 
Pike County, Ohio, November 23, 1801, and his mother in New 
York, in 1806. His paternal grandfather, Spencer Records, was 
born in Sussex Count}', Del., in 1760, and died in Shelby 
County, Ind., in 1850. He was a man of more than ordinary abil- 
ity: he was a soldier in a number of Indian battles in Kentucky, 
and his father was a Revolutionary soldier. The maternal grand- 
father of our subject, was Longstreet Harvey, a native of New 
Jersey, who died in Shelby County, Ind., in 18S2, at an advanced 
age. In 1835, the immediate subject of this biography removed 
with his parents to Shelby County. Here he attended the country 
schools, and through his own effort has acquired a valuable and 



654 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

practical education. In 1848, he came to this count}- and settled in 
Nineveh Township, and, in 1854, settled where he now lives, and 
owns 235 acres of fertile land. Mis residence, built in 1883, at a 
cost of $2,500, is one of the finest in the township. For about 
twenty-five years Mr. Records has been giving his attention to 
breeding thorough-bred hogs, and now has a number of very fine 
Poland-China hogs. December 19, 1S49. Mr. Records was united 
in marriage to Miss Susan M. Utterback, born near Lexington, 
Ky., February 25, 1S29, daughter of Perry and Matilda (Dewitt) 
Utterback, natives of Kentucky, who came to Johnson County, in 
1831. Her father died in Iowa, and her mother in this county, 
when she was about fifteen years of age. Of eight children born, 
four are living: Mary V., Jennette A., John N. and Hattie E. He 
was formerly a whig, but is now a republican. Mr. and Mrs. 
Records are members of the Christian Church: he is an honest, 
upright citizen, esteemed for his many good qualities, by all who 
know him. 

Riley Riggs, one of the leading farmers of Franklin Town- 
ship, was born in Iowa, March 1, 1S49, anc ^ * s t ' ie son °^ Horace 
and Sarah (Helterbrand) Riggs, natives of Shelby County, Ind.; 
the former born in 181 6, and died about 185 1, and the latter born 
about 1824. In i860 she married Richard S. Verbryck, and now 
resides in Kansas. When four years of age the immediate subject 
of this sketch came with his mother to Johnson Count}-, and here 
was educated in the common schools. In 1881, Mr. Riggs pur- 
chased his present farm, and the same is well improved, and lo- 
cated about two miles from Franklin. Mr. Ri^ijs was married in 
1875, to Miss Carrie Byers, a native of this county, born in 1851. 
She is the daughter of Henry S. Byers, Sr., and a member of the 
Baptist Church. 

Joseph A. Schmith, one of the leading young merchants of 
Indiana, was born in Madison, Ind., December 16, 1853. His pa- 
rents were Anthony and Rebecca (Sterling) Schmith. The father 
war born in Alsace in 1825, and died in November, 1867. The 
mother was also born in Alsace, in 1S24, and is a resident of Frank- 
lin. The parents were married in Madison, Ind., in November, 
1 85 1. In August, 1S65, the parents removed to Franklin. To 
them were born the following children: Joseph A., our subject; 
John H., born July 3, 1856; Frank A., October 6, 1858, and died 
May 27, i860; Philip. March 31, 1861, and died November 30, 
1877; Benedict, October 19, 1862: Mary L., June 17, 1867. Our 
subject was reared in Franklin, and attended the public schools of 
the place. He began clerking as soon as he left school, and con- 
tinued at such until 1881, when he engaged in the grocery busi- 



FRANKLIN 



CITY AND TOWNSHIP. 



655 



ness for himself, being given the assistance of W. C. Wheat, who 
furnished the capital. He now owns the business in full, and has 
built up one of the leading grocery trades in Franklin. 

Luther Short. — As the public press is said to be the guar- 
dian of the people and their liberties, it is of interest to know some- 
thing concerning those who, in their capacity as editors, are the 
ruling spirits of the press. The Democrat, of Johnson Count}-, is 
a paper that ranks among the best county papers in Indiana, and it 
is of its editor, Luther Short, that we would briefly speak. His 
great grandfather, John Short, was born in the Shenandoah Valley, 
Virginia, in 1756. When quite young he moved to Russell County, 
Ya., where he remained till the fall of 1S02, when he again 
changed his home to Pulaski County, Kv., near Somerset, where 
he died. Wesley Short, son of John, was born in Russell County, 
Va., December 20, 17S0, where, in the spring of 1S02, he married 
Rebecca Owen, and the following fall moved to Pulaski County, 
Ky. Part of the farm which he owned at that time is now occu- 
pied bv the depot of the Cincinnati Southern Railroad, at Tates- 
ville. He was one of the pioneer ministers of the Christian Church, 
and held a prominent place in this denomination when he died. 
Milton Short, the father of Luther, and son of Wesley, was born 
in Pulaski County, Ky., May 18, 1S07: he lived there till March, 
181S, when he came to Indiana and remained about ten years, 
then returned to Kentucky in the fall of 1828, where he taught 
school, and on January S, 1829, married Mary, daughter of Robert 
and Winnie ( Atkinson) Tate. He made his home in Kentucky 
until 1836, farming and teaching, when he returned to Indiana, 
locating at Springville, Lawrence County. He bought a piece of 
land adjoining the town, and some time after this, attended college, 
preparing himself for a physician by taking a medical course. He 
engaged in the practice of medicine until 1854, when he went into 
the mercantile business, and remained in it until 1S6S, when he 
moved away from Lawrence County, and after making numerous 
moves, returned to Favettville, where he died April 27, 1S87. 
There were born to himself and Mary Tate eight children, some in 
Kentucky and some in Lawrence County; of these, four were sons and 
four daughters. At the present time, two of the sons are physicians, 
one an attorney, and Luther an editor. The mother, Man' (Tate) 
Short, died in Lawrence County December 13, 1864; she was a 
good wife and mother, and was sincerely mourned by her family. 
Luther's great grandfather on his mother's side of the house, 
John Tate by name, was born in Virginia, where he spent his life, 
and where his son, Robert Tate, was born July 3. 1768. Robert 
was married to Winnie Atkinson about the year 1807. Their 



656 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

daughter, Mary, wife of Milton Short, was born December 5, 181 1. 
Luther, son of Milton and Mary (Tate ) Short, was born at Spring- 
ville, Lawrence Co., Ind., May 14, 1845, where he lived until 
sixteen years of age, spending a portion of his time farming in 
the interest of his father, who, it will be remembered, had pur- 
chased land for the purpose of furnishing his boys employment, 
wishing to raise them in industry rather than idleness. In 1S61, 
and at the call of the government for volunteers, Luther enlisted 
in Company F, Fortv-third Indiana Volunteer Infantry, where he 
served three years and two months, when he was honorably dis- 
charged, the last of October, 1864. A part of his time in the 
army he held a position as non-commissioned officer, and took 
part in all the engagements of the regiment. On leaving the 
army, he returned home and engaged in the mercantile business, 
which vocation he followed until the fall of 1866. In September, 
the same year, he began a collegiate course by one year's attend- 
ance at the Northwestern Christian University at Indianapolis. 
In the spring term, 1868, he attended Asbury College, Greencastle, 
Ind. From there he went to the State University, Bloomington, 
Ind., graduating in 1S69, and in a class of thirty-one. In the fall 
of 1869, he entered the law department of the University of 
Michigan, at Ann Arbor, remaining there two years, graduating 
in the class of 1871. During the summer of 1870 and 1871, he 
spent his time in the agricultural implement house of J. Braden, In- 
dianapolis, wholesale and retail dealer, as general manager. He 
then located in Little Rock, Ark., where he engaged in the 
practice of the law until April, 1874, when he returned to Indiana 
and settled in Franklin, Johnson County. In January, 1875, Nvas 
appointed deputy prosecuting attorney under W. S. Ray. In June, 
1879, he formed a co-partnership with George E. Finney. July 1, 
1S79. 'hey having leased the Herald-Democrat, changed its name 
to the Democrat. March 29, 1S80, Mr. Short bought his partner's 
interest in both paper and office, to which he has since added over 
$2,500 in presses and material. The circulation of the Herald- 
Democrat did not exceed 700 copies at the time of the lease, but 
under the new management, and in its new dress, it has increased 
to over 1,600, proving conclusively that in adopting the profession 
of editor he did not make a mistake, but has been able to fill that 
difficult position successfully. The Democrat is the organ of the 
democratic party in Johnson County, of which organization Mr. 
Short is a prominent member and supporter. April 9, 1S83, he 
was married to Miss Emma W. Ileineken, daughter of Mr. and 
Mrs. Samuel P. Heineken, of Franklin, and in company with his 
wife, started the same day for an extended trip through Europe. 




FRANKLIN 



CITY AND TOWNSHIP. 



657 



Thev were gone about four months, and during that time visited Ire- 
land, Scotland, England, France, Italy, Switzerland, Germany, 
Austria, Belgium and Holland. Mr. Short, of late years, has taken 
an active interest in Masonry, and is now the eminent commander 
of Franklin Commandery of Knights Templar. He has also taken 
the thirty-two Scottish Right degrees. 

W. F. Sibert, book-keeper for Payne, Johnson & Co., millers 
of Franklin, Ind., was born in the above place on May 5, 1S57, 
and is the eldest of two children, born to Henry and Minerva C. 
(Schaffer) Sibert. The father was born in Lancaster, Penn., Sep- 
tember 10, 1830, and was the son of Jacob Sibert, a native of 
Europe. Jacob, the grandfather, came with his family to Johnson 
County, Ind., in 1S40, and located in Franklin. Henry, the father, 
engaged in the grain business, and died December 13, 1877. The 
mother of our subject was born in Johnson County, at the place 
called Furnace Mills, in 1831, and is the daughter of William 
Schaffer. She now resides in Franklin. The subject of this sketch 
was reared in Franklin, and attended the public schools. After 
leaving school he entered the flouring mill business, under the firm 
of Baldwin & Payne (now Payne, Johnson & Co.), and in 1885 
was given charge of the books of the mill. Mr. Sibert is a mem- 
ber of the F. & A. M., and K. of P. lodges, being a member of 
the uniform rank of the latter, and is a member of the Christian 
Church. 

Joseph C. Smith, cashier of the First National Bank, of 
Franklin, Johnson Co., Ind., was born in Vincennes, Knox Co., 
Ind., May 9, 1854, and is the son of the Rev. John F. Smith, 
a minister of the Presbyterian Church. The father was born in 
York County, Penn., in January, 1822, and was the son of Hume 
Smith, a native of Pennsylvania, in which state he followed farm- 
ing and milling during his life. The Rev. John F. was educated 
for the ministry, and graduated from Jefferson (now Washington 
and Jefferson) College, a Presbyterian institute situated at Cannons- 
burgh, Penn., and also from Princeton (N.J.) Seminary. He began 
his ministerial work at Bardstown, Kv„ in about 1844, and was 
next located at Owensboro, Ky., and subsequently was stationed at 
Vincennes, Ind., Richmond, Ind., and in 1859, came to Hopewell, 
Johnson County, three miles west of Franklin. In February, 
1864, he entered the Christian commission, designed for work 
among the Federal soldiers in the held, and was stationed at Chat- 
tanooga, Tenn. During his stay at that point, and while on duty 
in the hospitals, he was afflicted with "camp fever," from which 
he died at the old home in York County, Penn., the same year 
(1864), he being, at the time of his death, on his way to attend 



658 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

the general assembly of his church, as a delegate, which was 
called to meet at Newark, N. ]. His remains were buried at 
Lower Chanceford grave yard, York County, Penn. The mother 
of our subject was Mrs. £). M. Collins, who was born in York 
County. Penn., in the year 1822, about six months after the birth 
of her husband. She is the daughter of David Collins, and is now 
a resident of Franklin, hid. To the parents six children were born, 
four of whom survive. Of the children, our subject was the fourth. 
He was reared at Hopewell, Johnson Co., Ind., and secured a good 
education in Hopewell Academy. In 1S71, he engaged as clerk 
in the grocery store of L. W. Knobe, of Franklin, where he spent 
seven months. He next spent a year in school, first at Hopewell 
Academy, and next took a business course at Commercial College, 
Indianapolis. He next engaged for a year with David G. Yawter, 
in the dry goods business in Franklin, and then for six months w as 
with J. P. Banta & Co., merchant clothiers of the same place, and 
then for three months was with Dunn & Wheat, successors of the 
above firm. He was next emploved as messenger in the First Na- 
tional Bank, of Franklin, until the collapse of that institution in 
1877, and was then appointed receiver of the same, and served as 
such until October, of the same year. He is the only surviving 
officer of that bank, save one director. In October, 1S77, he en- 
gaged as salesman for an Indianapolis wholesale house, where he 
remained until January 1. 1878, and then took a position as book- 
keeper in the Second National Bank of Franklin. November, 
1881, failing health compelled him to resign his position in the 
bank, and for a year he remained out of active business, recuper- 
ating' lost energies. Upon the organization of the National Bank, 
of Franklin, in August. 1882, lie was elected cashier of the same, 
and holds that position at present. He is a member of the Masonic 
lodge, and of the Presbyterian L'hurch. In October, 1SS3. he was 
married to Kittie Ellis, who was born in Franklin, Ind., August 27, 
1857, and is the daughter of Capt. W. B. Ellis, of Franklin. To 
this union a daughter, Christine, was born March 30, 1887. Mrs. 
Smith is a member of the Presbyterian Church. 

J. M. Storev, dealer in hardware, stoves, tinware, No. 6 Jeffer- 
son Street, opposite Court Square, established in 1869, and continued 
until 1872, and then removed to Indianapolis, and continued in 
hardware business until 1S77. and then returned to Franklin, and 
began business again, and continued up to the present carrying an 
average stock of about $7,000. Business has always been flourish- 
ing, having a share of trade of the county. "Was born in Vernon, 
Jennings County, Ind., on October 17, 1S40, and is the son of 
Thomas J. and Jane (Yawter ) Storey. The father was born in 



FRANKLIN CITY AND TOWNSHIP. 659 

Tennessee, and came to Indiana when it was a territory. He was 
a carpenter by trade, and died in Vernon in 1SS1. The mother 
was the daughter of John Vawter (see John T. Vawter). She died 
March 8, 1864. To the parents nine children were born, seven of 
whom survive. Our subject was reared in Virginia, and was edu- 
cated in the public schools of that place, and in Franklin College, 
and also at Hanover College. lie enlisted July i, 1S61, in Co. H, 
of the Twenty-sixth Indiana Regiment of Volunteers, as a private, 
and served four years four months and fifteen days, being dis- 
charged January 15, 1866. Promoted first orderly sergeant, then 
first lieutenant and then captain, and as such retired. Served quite 
a time as aide de camp in General Vandiver's staff: was 
wounded at the battle of Provin Grove, Ark., on December 7, 
1S62, by a rifle ball passing through his cap and striking him in 
the center of the forehead. Was in the hospital for two weeks. 
Was captured twice while dispatch-bearer one morning, in Mis- 
souri, but succeeded in making his escape each time. Was dressed 
both times in citizen's clothes. At the close of the war he returned 
to Vernon, but soon went to Columbus and engaged in milling, and 
in 1869, came to Franklin, Ind., and engaged in his present busi- 
ness. He is a member of the Masonic order in all its branches, 
including K. T., of K. of P., and at present is inspector general of 
uniform rank of Indiana. Member of Wadsworth Post, No. 127, 
G. A. R., and is a post commander. He is a member of the 
Christian Church. Mr. Storey was married April 21, 1864, to 
Lucia M. Barnum, of Vernon, and to this union rive children have 
been born, four of whom survive. Mrs. Storey is also a member 
of the Christian Church. 

Rev. W. T. Stott, D. D., was born May 22, 1836. His 
father was Rev. John Stott, a Baptist minister, who was born near 
Frankfort. Ky„ in 1S11. His father was William T., a Baptist 
minister, who was born in Kentucky in 178S. William T. came to 
Indiana at about the time Indiana was admitted into the Union, and 
resided there until death, near Vernon, in 1S77. He was regarded 
as a very eloquent preacher, and of his denomination was consid- 
ered in the front ranks. He was a most earnest and intelligent citi- 
zen, and always took active interest in public affairs. Rev. John 
was a minister of forty years' standing, during which time he ac- 
complished much work. He came to Johnson County from Jen- 
nings County, in about 1884, and died December 29, 1SS7. He 
celebrated his golden wedding in 1884, near Vernon, The mother 
was Elizabeth Vawter, who was born in Kentucky, in 181 1, and 
was the daughter of Rev. William Vawter, of Kentucky, who 
came to Indiana at an early date and located near Vernon, Jennings 
4 2 



660 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

County. She is now living hear Hopewell, Johnson Co., Ind. To 
the parents live children were born, one of whom died in infancy. 
Of the children our immediate subject was the third. He was 
reared near Vernon, Jennings County, on the farm and in 
the tan yard. His early education was secured in the common 
schools, which he attended until about his sixteenth year, and then 
entered Sardinia Academy, at the village of that name, in Decatur 
County, Inch, which he attended three years. He then taught 
school for a number of terms, and in the college year of 1856 and 
and 1857, he entered Franklin College as a student, and attended 
four years, graduating from the classical course in June, 1861. He 
enlisted in the army in July, 1S61, as private in Company I, Eighteenth 
Regiment Volunteer Infantry. In 1863, he was made captain 
of his company, and served as such, and commanded regiment 
in battle of Cedar Creek, in Virginia. He was mustered out De- 
cember 10, 1864, at Winchester, Va. He then returned to Jen- 
nings Count}-, and almost immediately entered the Rochester 
(N. Y.) Theological Seminary, where he remained three years, 
graduating in 1868. He then returned to Indiana, and for one 
year was pastor of the Baptist Church, at Columbus, and was next 
called to act as president of Franklin College in 1869; also rilled 
chair of natural science, acting as president for one year; in 1872, 
was called to chair of natural science in Kalamazoo, Mich., Col- 
lege, where he remained one year. In 1872, was called to Frank- 
lin College, as president, and has remained ever since, filling chair 
of philosophy, mental and moral. He was married in May, 1868, 
to Miss Arabella R. Tracy, of Rochester, N. Y., and to this union 
four children have been born. 

George C. Stuart, a leading citizen of Franklin, Johnson 
County, Inch, who was born in Pleasant Township, Johnson County, 
September 15, 1843, and is the son of James R. and Mary ( Pearce) 
Stuart, both natives of Wythe Count}-. Va. He was reared on the 
farm, and received a good common school education. In 1882 he 
was elected by the democrats to the office of sheriff of Johnson 
County, and leaving the farm, removed to Franklin. He was re- 
elected sheriff in 1884, holding that office four years, the constitu- 
tional term. He is a member of the Masonic and K. of P. frater- 
nities, and in the former has received the Knight Templar and 
Scottish Right degrees. He was married December 21, 1865, to 
Angeline Trace}-, who was born in Pleasant Township, Johnson 
Count}-, Inch, in September, 1849, anc ' ' s tne daughter of John 
Trace}-. Upon retiring from the sheriffs office, in 1887, he was 
presented with a gold-headed cane hv the court, bar and officers, 
and the following resolutions were adopted and spread on record: 



FRAXKLIX CITY VXD TOWNSHIP. 



66 1 



" Resolutions adopted by the bar and court at April term of the 
Johnson circuit court, and ordered spread on the records. [Rec- 
ord Book, No. 28, page 203. Adopted April 24, 1S87] : At this 
time, it being suggested to the court that the term of office of 
George C. Stuart, the present sheriff of this count}-, will expire be- 
fore the next term of this court, the court, on motion, appointed a 
committee to draft a resolution expressing the feeling of the court, 
members of the bar and officers of the court, and the esteem in 
which lie is held. Thereupon the court appointed Jacob L. White, 
William A. Johnson and Robert M. Miller, attorneys of this court, 
to prepare suitable resolutions in accordance with said motion. 
Thereupon said committee retired, and returning into court sub- 
mitted the following: Whereas, This is the last term of this court 
at which George C. Stuart will be present and officiate as sheriff, 
by reason of the expiration of his term of office, the court and bar 
of Johnson Count}- embrace the opportunity of placing upon the 
records of this court the following testimonial: Resolved, That 
during his consecutive terms of office as sheriff of this court we 
have found in George C. Stuart an honest, energetic and obliging 
officer, an upright gentleman, and a genial and courteous com- 
panion. That by his impartiality in the selection of juries, in his 
treatment of the members of the bar, and of litigants and the pub- 
lic at large, he has secured our entire confidence, sincere friendship 
and respect. That the foregoing be spread on record as an expres- 
sion of the unanimous feelings of this court, its officers and the bar." 
James Terhune, an old and highly respected citizen of Johnson 
County, Ind., was born in Mercer County, Kv., February 3, 1821, 
and is the son of Garret and Nancy (Davis) Terhune. Garret was 
the son of William, who was born in New Jersey in 1756, served in 
Revolution, and died in Kentucky, 1S28, Garret wasborn in New Jer- 
sey, on November 15, 1791, and died January 24, 1875. Other 
children of William were: John, James, William, Stephen, Rule 
and Patsy. Nancy Davis, daughter of Edward and Sarah Davis, 
was born in Tennessee on April 9, 1794, and died on February 18, 
1851. She was the daughter of Edmund and Sarah Davis, both 
natives of Tennessee. To this union were born the following: 
Lewis, Julius. Samuel, Alpha, Nancy, Polly, Ann, Eliza, Absalom 
and John, died in Kentucky, in boyhood, of yellow-fever, also 
mother Davis. Garret and Nancy were married August 15, 181 3, 
and to them were born children as follows: Sarah, born August 10, 
1S14; Mary A., August 25, 1815; Harvey, March 22, 1S17; Will- 
iam, July 4. 1819; James, February 3, 1821; Martha, July 3, 1822: 
Margaret, August 7, 1824; Lucinda, March 8, 1:826; Ida R., 
October 5, 1829; Davis, September 23, 1831 ; Minerva J., January 10, 



662 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

1834; Obadiah G., April 10, 1836; of the above the two sons and six 
daughters survive. Garret Terhune was thrice married, the second 
time on August 3, 1S51, to Jane Forsyth, who was born Septem- 
ber 30, 1787, and died February 2, 1856, and the third time 
September 4, 1857, to Nancy Pickerell, who was born on 
February 3, 1794- No children were born to the last two marriages. 
Garret Terhune left New Jersey with his parents in about the year 
1792, and located in .Mercer Count}', Ky. In the year 1^30. he 
came to Johnson County, Inch, and settled west from Franklin, on the 
Franklin and Martinsville road six miles southwest of the formertown, 
on an eighty-acre tract of land which he entered about 1 8 26, while living 
in Kentucky'. In 1839, he removed to another eighty-acre tract 
near the present town of Trafalgar, where he resided until his 
death. lie was a member of the Christian Protestant Church, and 
so also was his first wife, Nancy Davis. Jane Forsyth, the second 
wife, was an old-school Baptist, and Nancy Pickerell, the third wife, 
a Methodist. James Terhune, the immediate subject of this sketch, 
was reared on a farm, and secured only a limited education. Be- 
ginning life for himself when about twentv-one years of age, he 
located on a farm about nine miles west from Franklin, which con- 
tained forty acres. A few years later he sold that farm and pur- 
chased sixty acres in Nineveh Township, which he also sold, and 
later purchased ninety-five acres in Henslev Township; to which he 
subsequently added forty acres, and the farm, now embracing 135 
acres, he owns at present. In July, 1S81, he purchased eight acres 
of land in the suburbs of Franklin, and, after erecting a suitable 
residence, removed there, too, and retired from farming. Mr. Ter- 
hune was married on March 17, 1842, to Eusebia N. Nay, who 
was born in Oldham County, Ky., on October 11. 1825, and is the 
daughter of Asa B. and Lucinda (Whitesides) Nay. Her great 
grandparents were John and Katie. Asa B. was born in Oldham 
County, Ky., on November 30, 1799, and was the son of Samuel 
Nay, who was born in Culpepper County, Va., on March 9, 1763. 
From Virginia Samuel Nay emigrated to Oldham Count}-, Ky. 
To him, and his wife Nancy, the following children were born: 
Catherine, born August 29, 1784; Bennett, April 3, 17S7; James, 
August 23, 1789; John, June 13, 1791; Mary, August 25, 1793; 
Nancy, August' 6, 1795; Samuel, June 3, 1797; Asa B., November 
30, 1799; Rhoda, March 7, 1S02; Elizabeth, June 27, 1S05; Pres- 
ley, June 17, 1808; Phcebe, February 19, 1810; Lucy, October 20, 
1813. Of this family, Phcebe survives. Samuel Nay was a soldier 
of the Revolutionary War. Asa B. Nay was an old-school Baptist 
preacher, and removed to Johnson County, Inch, in 1833. His 
wife, Lucinda, was born in Oldham County, Ky., on June 2, 1806, 



FRANKLIN 



CITY AND TOWNSHIP. 



66-. 



and was the daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Button) White- 
sides, who lived and died in Kentucky. Their children are: 
John T., November 19, 1823; Eusebia, October 11, 1825; James 
A., March 3, 1828; Joseph W., April 11, 1831: Samuel M., April 
2, 1834; William S., April 6, 1837; Asa F., April 29, 1840; 
Nathan W., April 29, 1S40; Robert M., August 11, 1843; Mary E., 
September 19, 1846; infant son, October 9, 1850; Leander T., 
June 20, 1852. Of the children, one daughter and five sons are 
deceased. Asa B. Nay, father of Mrs. Terhune, died December 
1,1876. His wife died March 8, 1876. The maternal grandparents, 
Joseph and Elizabeth (Button) Whitesides, were parents of four chil- 
dren : John, Mathew, Lucinda, and William. To our subject and wife 
the following children have been born: Thomas L., April 17, 
1844; Asa G., September 29, 1846; William D., August 11, 1849; 
Lucinda M., November 18, 1852; John W., May 5, 1856, and died 
October iS, 1S79; Ermina A., January 5, 1S61; Dillard W., Jan- 
uary 7, 1864, and died November 7, 1865. Both our subject and 
wife are members of the Baptist Church. Stephen, the great 
grandfather, was a native of Holland, and came to the United 
States in colonial times. 

Isaac M. Thompson, one of the leading citizens, and a member 
of the firm of Thompson, White & Co., proprietors of the Franklin 
Starch Works, was born in Blue River Township, Johnson Co., 
Inch, August 22, 1S31, and is the son of James and Susan (Collier) 
Thompson. (See sketch of James Thompson, deceased, else- 
where in this work for history of parents.) Our subject was edu- 
cated in common schools of Edinburg. He engaged in the milling 
and mercantile business with his brother in Edinburg, in 1S59, and 
continued at the same until 1868, and then dropped the mill, but is 
at present engaged with his brother in merchandising at Edinburg. 
In 1S71:, Mr. Thompson was elected as a republican, to the office 
of circuit cierk, of Johnson Countv, and taking the office in 1872, 
served eight years, being re-elected at expiration of first four years. 
In 1880, he engaged in the starch business at Franklin. He is a 
member of the Masonic order, is a Knight Templar, and is also a 
member of the K. of P. lodge. He was married on March 7, 1858, 
to Harriet A. Pinney, who was born in Vermont, and is the daugh- 
ter of Haskel N. Pinney. To Mr. and Mrs. Thompson four 
children have been born: Laura E., born September 6, 1859; 
Jesse B., October 29, 1861; Alfred C, May S, 1864; George 
Edna, July 7, 1868. The whole family are members of the Chris- 
tian Church. 

R. S. Thompson, general blacksmith, and a representative citi- 
zen of Franklin, Johnson Co., Ind., was born in Jennings County, 



664 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Incl., on January 18, 1835, and is the son of Harrison and Delilah 
(Finney) Thompson. The grandfather was Robert Thompson, a 
native of Kentucky, his father being a native of Virginia. Robert, 
the grandfather, emigrated to Indiana at an early date, and was one 
of the pioneers of Jennings County. He and his son Harrison and 
all the family were pioneers and frontiersmen by nature. Harrison, 
the father, lived and died in Jennings County. He was a hunter. 
The mother was born in Jennings Countv, and died when our sub- 
ject was between four and five years of age. The Thompsons 
were of Scotch, and the Finneys were of Irish, descent. Both 
parents are dead. To the parents three children were born, and 
two are dead. The father re-married, and to this union eight chil- 
dren, seven girls and one boy, were born. Our subject was reared on 
the farm until his twenty-third year. He secured a limited educa- 
tion, attending school three months during winter, and worked during 
summer. He was married on October 20, 1858, to Abigail Will- 
iams, who was born in Jefferson Countv, Ind., in 1840. He 
learned a trade after marriage, in Jefferson and Jennings counties, 
and came to Franklin on the 25th of January, 1868, and went to 
work for David Tagg. He next was in the employ of Alex- 
Turner, and in 1S78 engaged in business for himself, and now 
runs a shop. He has met with success and has a good trade, is a 
good workman, and his trade is increasing. He is a member of 
the Masonic fraternity, and of the Presbyterirn Church, of which his 
wife is also a member. To our subject and wife three children 
have been born: William H. and Lillian L., and Marilous. A 
curious feature of this family is the representation of three gener- 
ations, Robert, S. W. H., and Fred, father, son and grandson, all 
born on January 18, a most singular affair. 

William C. Thompson was born at Greenfield, Highland Co., 
Ohio, February 6, 1856. His father, John C. Thompson, was su- 
perintendent of the public schools of that place at the time of our 
subject's birth, but died when he was but a week old. His mother, 
Lucinda (Craven) Thompson, was a daughter of Rev. Thomas 
Craven, formerly of Oxford, Ohio, but afterward a resident of 
Jefferson County, Ind. I lis grandfather, Joseph Thompson, was a 
resident of New Jersey, and lived at Monmouth, in that state, until 
after the birth of our subject's father. He moved west and settled 
at Middleton, Ohio, about the year 1818, and afterward removed 
to Lebanon, Ohio. His father spent his early years on a farm, 
and then learned the carpenter's trade, and afterward attended 
college at Miami University, at Oxford, Ohio, where he graduated 
in 1843. He followed the profession of teaching until his death. 
His death left his family in reduced circumstances, and with four 



FRANKLIN CITY AND TOWNSHIP. 665 

small children, the oldest being but eleven years of age, and the 
youngest but an infant, the subject of this sketch. In September, 
1S56, his mother removed from Ohio to Lancaster, Jefferson Co., 
Inch, to take care of her aged parents. He lived there until seven- 
teen years of age, working on a farm in summer and attending dis- 
trict schools in winter. He also attended the College Hill Academy 
at the same place, for two or three winters, and in the summers of 
1S71 and 1S72, worked as a hired hand on a farmnear Greenwood, 
in this countv. In March, 1873, he removed with his mother to 
Franklin, and immediately began working at the printer's trade, 
and continued working at this trade, with the exception of a few 
months spent in the Franklin high school, until September, 1 S 7 5 , 
when he entered Franklin College. He continued at college with 
the exception of teaching a district school one winter, until 1880, 
when he graduated. In the year 1880-81, he was a tutor in the 
preparatorv department of Franklin College, and at the same time 
filled the office of the clerk of the city of Franklin, to which office 
he was elected on the republican ticket in Ma\ , 1880. He began 
the study of law in 1878, during his summer vacation, and was ad- 
mitted to the bar in September, 1881. In May, 1882, he was 
elected mayor of the city of Franklin, and served one term in that 
office, since which time he has been engaged in the practice of 
law, giving especial attention to abstracts of title. He has also 
been a member of the board of trustees of Franklin College since 
1882, and held the position of secretary of that body for three 
years. He has also held the position of secretary of the Building, 
Loan and Savings Association for about three years. He was 
married October 19, 1S82, to Miss Georgia P. Marrs, a formei 
teacher in the public schools of Franklin, and daughter of James A. 
Marrs, late of Marion Count}', Ind. He is a member of the Bap- 
tist Church, and in politics is a republican. 

Harvey Townsend was born where he now resides, in Frank- 
lin Township, March 16, 1838, son of Major and Phebe (Briggs) 
Townsend; the former born in Maryland, and died in Franklin 
Township; the latter born in Clark County Ind., about 1805, and now 
resides in this county. The family came to this county in i73 T - 
Our subject is the sixth in a family of eight children, and received 
a limited education. At the age of twenty-one years he began 
farming for himself, and now owns 22S acres of well improved land. 
In 1861, Mr. Townsend was united in marriage to Miss Mary \ an- 
diver, born in this countv in 1836. To this union are these four 
children: William S., born 1866; Joseph M., 186S; Sarah E., 1872; 
and Jesse T., 1875. He is a true republican, and cast his first vote 
for A. Lincoln. For fifty years he has lived in this county, and is 



666 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

an honest, upright citizen, esteemed for his ma good qualities by 
all who know him. He and wife have been members of the Chris- 
tian Church about thirty years. 

Cornelius D. Vannuys, retired farmer, was born in Shelby 
County, Kv., October 18. 1S24. son of Tunis and Catherine Vannuys. 
Our subject was a student at the country schools of Kentucky, and 
at the age of twelve years came with his parents to Johnson County, 
and here attended a private school at Franklin, and subse^ucntly 
spent some time at Hanover College. In the spring of 1S45, he 
began farming for himself, settling on a farm in Union Township, 
where he remained until the winter of 1S4S, when he removed to 
a farm just south of Hopewell, and in the fall of 1S7S, removed to 
his present residence at Hopewell. As a farmer he was very suc- 
cessful, and by industry and good management has secured a good 
farm, and a comfortable home. In May, 1S64, he enlisted in Com- 
pany G, One Hundred and Thirty-second Indiana Volunteers, and 
was honorably discharged in September, 1S64. The marriage of 
Mr. Vannuys, occurred March iS, 1S45, to Miss Jane Ditmars, 
born in New Jersey, December 5, 1819, daughter of .Garrett and 
Sarah (Verbryke) Ditmars. They have had four children, one of 
whom is vet living; Chauncy L., born April 10, 1S52. Those de- 
ceased were: Electa J., Sarah B., and Cornelius. Chauncy L. was 
married October 3, 1S77, to Miss Anna Powers, who died May 25, 
1884, leaving two children: Nina A., born 1878, and Rosco G., 
born 1S82. Mr. Vannuj-s was formerly a whig, and since the birth 
of the republican party, has been one of its most ardent supporters. 
He has been a member of the Presbyterian Church since 1839, ant ^ 
his wife became a member of the same church in 1840. He is a 
thorough-going, industrious and liberal supporter of all laudable pub- 
lic enterprises. 

[SAAC X. V annuys was born in Franklin Township, Johnson 
County, April 30, 1830, being the second in a family of ten chil- 
dren born to Samuel and Anna (List) Vannuys; the former born 
in Shelby County, Ky., in 1803, the latter a native of the 
same state, and died in this county at an advanced age. The fam- 
ily came to this county in a very early day. Our subject was a 
student at the Hopewell school-house. Mr. Vannuys makes 
farming and stock-raising his principal employment, and by indus- 
try and good management, has secured a valuable farm comprising 
ninety acres of well-improved land, which he purchased in the 
spring of 1862. He was married in February, 1852, to Miss 
Minerva A. Lagrange, born in Franklin Township, April 25, 1S33, 
daughter of Peter D. and Patsy (Ransdallj Lagrange. To the 
above marriage are these three children : Mattie, born November 



FRANKLIN CITY AND TOWNSHIP. 667 

10, 1S60; Emma V., January 22, 1865, and Samuel W., November 
7, 1S66. In politics, Mr. Vannuys is an active republican, and 
since 1845, has been a member of the Hopewell Presbyterian 
Church. Mrs. Vannuys became a member of the same church 
in 1S4S. He is an honest, upright citizen, esteemed for his man}' 
good qualities by all who know him. 

John Henry Vannuys was born in Shelby Count}', Ky., Au- 
gust 16, 1S20, being the tenth in a family of fifteen, born to Tunis 
and Catherine (Demaree) Vannuys, and is of Holland-Dutch ex- 
traction. His father was a native of Somerset County, New Jer- 
sey, born in 1772, and died in Johnson County, Ind., in 1847. His 
mother was born in Pennsylvania, and died in this county, in 1844. 
The family came to Johnson County in 1836. The subject of this 
sketch received a good common school education, having attended 
school in Kentucky, and afterward, the public schools and Baptist 
College of Franklin. In the fall of 1847, Mr. Vannuys settled on 
his present farm, which consists of 175 acres of valuable land. 
Since 1878, he has been engaged in dairy business, and now has 
fifty head of Jersey cattle, and during the year 18S7, sold to the 
Gualt House at Louisville, 6,500 pounds of choice butter. Mr. 
Vannuys was married April 15, 1840, to Miss Caroline Ditmars, a 
native of New Jersey, born in 1821, and died in 1872. Of five 
children born to this union, three are yet living: John D., Charles 
C. and Mollie Kate. The eldest child, Samuel W., born January 
22, 1S41, was a soldier in the late war, enlisting in the fall of 
1S61, Company F, Indiana Volunteer Infantry. He was first 
made a captain, and at the time of his death, which occurred Sep- 
tember 29, 1S64, while making a charge at the battle before 
Richmond, held the rank of assistant adjutant general. He was 
a true and brave soldier, and a man of rare attainments. The 
second marriage of Mr. Vannuys occurred in 1S74, to Mrs. Nannie 
E. Voris, whose maiden name was Richie. Mrs. Vannuys is a na- 
tive of Jefferson County, Ind., born December 25, 1832. Politi- 
callv, our subject was formerly a whig, but is now a member of 
the republican party, and has been a justice of the peace. In 
1835, ne united with the Presbyterian Church in Kentucky, 
with which denomination he has since been a leading and con- 
sistent member, and since 1872 has been an elder in the church 
at Hopewell. Mrs. Vannuys is a member of the same church. 

Abram A. Voorhies was born where he now resides, May 25, 
1846, son of Andrew C. and Ann (Lagrange) Voorhies, natives 
of Mercer County, Ky., and died in Johnson County, Ind. Our 
subject is the fifth in a family of six children, only two of whom 
are now living, three brothers being killed in the late war. Mr. 



668 JOHNSON" COUNTY. 

Voorhies has always lived on his present farm, which was entered 
bv his paternal grandfather, John Voorhies. and which centains 129 
acres of good land. Mr. Voorhies was married in 1S67, to Miss 
Mattie Wheat, a native of this county, born near her present resi- 
dence. May 17, 1846. To this marriage were born seven children: 
Mary H., Vassie L., Emma K., Gilbert and Gertrude (twins), 
Leta G., and Mel sin W. Politically, Mr. Voorhies is a staunch 
republican, and he and wife are members of the Presbyterian 
Church. 

Hervey D. Vories, superintendent of public schools of Johnson 
County, Ind., was born in Ilensley Township, that count}', on 
August 27, 1855, and is the son of Hervey and Alazannah (Carter) 
Vories. Hervey, the father, was born in Kentucky in January, 
1S22. and immigrated to Johnson County, Ind., in about 1830, with 
his father, John Vories. He has followed farming as a life vo- 
cation, and is at present a citizen of Ilensley Township. Alazannah, 
the mother, was born in Virginia in 1816, and with an uncle came 
to Johnson County during the thirties. To the parents eight child- 
ren were born, five of whom survive. The early life of the sub- 
ject of this sketch was spent on the farm. He attended the 
district schools, not a great deal, however, until after he was seven- 
teen years of age. Then, attending school for about seven months, 
he began teaching, and in the summer of 1875, entered the Val- 
paraiso, Ind., College, where he remained for nearly five years, 
graduating August 19, 1880. He was soon afterward appointed 
superintendent of the Oscoda (Mich.) public schools, where he 
remained for three years, and then removed to Trafalgar, Johnson 
Co., Ind., where he taught for two terms, and a summer normal. 
In 1SS0 he taught a normal in Franklin, the first one ever held in 
Johnson County, and altogether has taught seven normals in John- 
son and Brown counties. He was appointed superintendent of 
public instruction of Johnson County, in June, 18S5, and the fol- 
lowing August removed to Franklin. He was re-appointed in 
June, 18S7. Mr. Vories was united in marriage with Emma M. 
Ragsdale, in December, 1881. Mrs. Vories is the daughter of 
Rev. John W. Ragsdale, of Morgantown, Ind., and was born in 
Brown County, Ind., in 1855. Both Mr. and Mrs. Vories are mem- 
bers of the Baptist Church. 

Harrison R. Voris, one of the pioneers of this county, is a 
native of Mercer County, Kv.. born September 27, 1829, and a son 
of Isaac and Jane (Vanarsdall) Voris. The father of Mr. Voris 
was born in 1804, and died in Johnson County at a good old age, 
and the mother of our subject is a native of Kentucky, born in 
1807, and now resides in this county. Mr. Voris came to Johnson 



FRANKLIN C1TV AND TOWNSHIP. 669 

Count)' in the fall of 1S29, and grew to manhood on the farm, and 
at twenty-one years of age settled on his present farm, where he is 
now the owner of 190 acres of good land, for which he paid $65, 
per acre. The marriage of Mr. Voris occurred in 1S56, to Miss 
Mary J. Voris, who was born in Kentucky, and died in Johnson 
County, March 13, 1S86, at forty-eight years of age. To the mar- 
riage relation there were born these two living children, viz. : Will- 
iam M., born 1859, anc ^ J esse > born 1870. Edward, another son, 
was killed in July, 1886, by a vicious mule. In politics Mr. Voris 
is a democrat, and in religion is a Presbyterian. By energy and 
strict economy Mr. Voris has been successful in life, and is now in 
good circumstances. 

Robert Waggener, contractor and builder, and proprietor of 
the City Planing Mill, at Franklin, Johnson County, Ind., was born 
in Shelby County, Ind., about six miles from Franklin, on August 
27, 1830. He is the seventh of fourteen children born to Purges 
and Nancy (Shipp) Waggener. Our subject was reared on the 
farm until his eighteenth year, and attended the common schools 
and Franklin College. In 1849, he seryed an apprenticeship at the 
cabinet-maker"s trade in Franklin, and for the next year followed 
his trade at Edinburg. In about 1853, he located at Trafalgar, 
Johnson County, and began contracting and building, and remained 
at that place for about a year. He located in Franklin, in January, 
1865, and continued contracting and building. In February, 18S2, 
he leased the planing-mill of Payne & Payne, and was burned out 
the following year. Previously, in 1S72, he was one of the organ- 
izers of the Builders and Manufacturers' Association, of which he 
served for a while as president. In 18S3, he leased the brick build- 
ing, formerly used as Baldwin & Payne's woolen-mills, and fitted it 
up with planing-mill machinery, and in 1SS7, purchased the build- 
ings. He manufactures doors, sash, blinds, mouldings, brackets, 
mantles and all kinds of finished lumber, and deals extensively in 
pine and hard wood lumber. He also carries on contracting and 
building. During his life he has erected the following buildings, 
beginning with a small frame school-house near Jolity, Shelby 
County (his first contract), which building was occupied first as a 
school, taught by the present recorder of Johnson County; high 
school buildings at Trafalgar and Williamsburg; new high school 
building and colored school building: Presbyterian and Baptist 
churches, and he now has the contract for the erection of 
the college building, at Franklin, J., M. & I. depot at Edinburg, 
Presbyterian Church at Martinsville, and numerous other public 
buildings, all monuments of his skill and ability as a contractor and 
workman. His building is about 30x60 feet, three stories, with wing 



67O JOHNSON COUNTY. 

same height, 25x50 feet, and employs about twenty men during the 
season. It is furnished with new and improved machinery, and 
forty horse-power engine. He is now making arrangements for 
putting in a saw -mill plant. Me is a member of the K. of H. fra- 
ternity, and also of the Baptist Church. He was married, January 
3, 1850, to Nancy Shipp, who was born in Shelby County, Ind., 
June 12, 1830, and was the daughter of Easton and Xellie (Brock- 
man) Shipp. She died in 1861. To their union seven children 
were born, three of whom survive. Mr. Waggener was married 
a second time, January 1, 1863, to Martha J. Alexander, who was 
born in Johnson County, Ind., in 1838, and was the daughter of 
Thomas Alexander. She died April 28, 1875. To this union six 
children were born, two of whom survive. On January 13, 1876, 
he was again married to Nancy Bryan, who was born November 17, 
1842. To this union three children have been born, all surviving. 
Burges Waggener, the father, was born in Culpepper County, Ya., 
in 1798, and was the son of Herbert, who at an early date emi- 
grated with his family to Kentucky, where he died. Burges emi- 
grated from Kentucky to Shelby County, Ind., in 182 1, and settled 
on Blue River, being one of the pioneers of this portion of the 
state. At that time the country was a vast wilderness, covered with 
a thick undergrowth of hazle-brush, game abounded and he has 
many times stood in his door and killed deer. He was a deacon of 
the Baptist Church, and was a charter member of the first Baptist 
Church organized in Johnson County, the same being in Blue 
River Township, and is known as Blue River Baptist Church. 
This, it is claimed was the first church of any kind in Johnson 
County. He died October 20, 18S0, after a long and useful life, 
his death occuiring near Bloomington, Monroe Co., Ind., to which 
county he had removed in about 1875. The mother of our subject 
was born in Hardin County, Ky., March 18, 1800, and was 
the daughter of Richard and Mary Shipp, natives of Virginia and 
North Carolina, respectively. She died in Monroe County, Ind., 
in 1S67. 

D. D. Waldren, carpenter and contractor of Franklin, John- 
son Co., Ind., was born in Nineveh Township, Johnson Co., Ind., 
on December 22, 1842, and is the fourth of twelve children, born 
to Middleton and Mary J. (Johnson) Waldren. Middleton was 
born in east Tennessee in 1813, and the mother was born in Mercer 
County, Ky., in 1818. Father died the 3d of February, 1S83, in 
Johnson County, Ind., three and one-quarter miles south of Frank- 
lin. The mother died October 18, 1887. The father removed to 
Indiana and located in Johnson County, at a very early date. He 
was a farmer by vocation, and left a farm of forty-five acres. 



FRANKLIN CITY AND TOWNSHIP. 67 1 

Our subject was reared on a farm, and left the farm and enlisted 
on August 17, 1S61, in Company I, Eighteenth Indiana Infantry, 
enlisting as private, and was promoted to corporal. Was wounded 
in the knee of the left leg at Pea Ridge, x\rk.., on March 17, 1862, 
and at the battle of Magnolia Mills, Miss., in the rear of Vicks- 
burg, on May 1, 1862, in the left hip. At Winchester, Va., on 
September 19, 1864, in the left shoulder and wrist. Is deaf in the 
left ear from the bursting of a shell at Vicksburg. Was mustered 
out August 28, 1865, at Darien, Ga. Returning to Indianapolis, 
was paid off, and then went to his home on the farm. Began to 
learn the trade in 1870, and has been at it ever since. Was married 
June 13, 1866, to Elizabeth Ware, who was born in Franklin Town- 
ship, Johnson Co., Ind., July 21, 1S44, and is the daughter of Will- 
iam Ware. One child was born: Frankie O., April 7, 1867, and 
died March 9, 1S70. Both are members of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. Mr. Waldren is a member of Franklin Lodge, 
No. 107, F. & A. M., Franklin Chapter, No. 65, and of Command- 
ery No. 23, of K. of P., and G. A. R. 

Elmer E. Walker. — Among the younger of the representa- 
tive citizens of Franklin, none, probably, are more worth}' of a 
notice in a work of this character, than the one whose name heads 
this brief biographical sketch. He was born in Franklin, Ind., 
October 5, 1861, and is the son of Michael and Mary (Andrews) 
Walker. (See sketch of M. Walker.) Our subject was edu- 
cated in the public schools, going through the same. After leav- 
ing school he entered his father's cooperage establishment, and in 
18S6 erected a cooper-shop of his own. The building was 60x30 
feet. In 18S7 he consolidated with his father's, and two shops run 
by Walker & Sons. He was married March 16, 1886, to Mary 
Wallace, who was born in Morgan County, Ind., on June 20, 1S64, 
and is the daughter of James Wallace. To this union . one 
daughter, Mary, was born December 18, 1887. In 1S81 he joined 
Hesperian Lodge, No. 12, K. of P., and is also a member of 
Sam Oyler Division, uniform rank, K. of P. He has filled all 
the chairs, and has represented Hesperian Lodge in the Grand 
Lodge at Indianapolis. He joined Franklin Lodge, No. 107, F. & 
A. M., and is at present, master of the same, having passed 
through all chairs up to that position. Mr. Walker is a member 
of the Christian Church, and is a republican. 

M. Walker, a cooper and leading citizen of Franklin, Johnson 
Co., Ind., was born in Baltimore, Md., on September 21, 1831, and 
is the son of Benjamin and Ann (Blaklev) Walker. Benjamin 
Walker was born in Hull, England, in 17S4, and emigrated to 
America in 1829, and located at Baltimore. The mother was a na- 



672 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

tive of York, England, and was born in 1799. The father was a 
potter by trade, and in 1834 removed to Milford, Ohio. He died 
in 1847/ The mother died in 1S7S. in Cincinnati, Ohio. To the 
parents seven children were born, of whom only two survive. Our 
subject was reared in Milford, Ohio, and attended the schools of 
that place. He came to Indiana in 1854, and located in Indianap- 
olis, and engaged in the coopering business. His establishment 
was destroyed in 1855, by fire, and then he came to Franklin and 
worked at his trade. In the year 1S61, he opened a shop of his 
own. and has continued here up to the present, and together with his 
two sons, owns and operates the only cooperage establishments in 
Franklin. He was married in 1854, to Mary Andrews, who was 
born in Cincinnati, Ohio, on May 20, 1S33. and was the daughter 
of Thomas Andrews. She was a devout Christian, and a member 
of the Christian Church. She died July 5, 1885, leaving three 
children out of four born. The living children arc-: Alonzo B., 
now a citizen of Martinsville. End. : Ada B., living with her father, 
and Elmer E., a citizen of Franklin. Our subject is one of the 
most highly respected citizens of Franklin, and has served two 
terms in the citv council. He is a great secret society man, and is 
a member of the Masonic, Odd Fellows and Knights of Pythias 
fraternities. Also a member of the Christian Church. Mr. 
Walker is a republican in politics, and has voted for every republi- 
can candidate for president of the United States. 

John S. Webb was born in Shelby County, Ind., November 
11, 1833, son of Zachariah and Nancy (Hough) Webb, and is of 
English descent. His father was born near Lexington, Ky., April 
9, 180S. The mother of our subject was born near Xenia, Ohio, 
in April, 1S12, and died January 14, 1S87. The Hough family 
came to Shelby County in 1820. His paternal grandfather, Joseph 
Hough, was a native of Pennsylvania, and died in Shelby County, 
Ind.. about 1844. He was a lifer in the War of 181 2. The Webb 
family came to Indiana about 1818, and settled in Clark County, 
and in the spring of 182 1 removed to Shelby Count}', Ind. The 
immediate subject of this biography grew to manhood on his 
father's farm in Shelby County, and for a brief period attended the 
country schools. In 1S59, ne came to Johnson County and settled 
in what is now Needham Township, and, in 1875, removed to his 
present farm, which contains 193 acres of excellent land. .The 
marriage of Mr. Webb was solemnized March 13, 1S59, to Miss 
Nancy E. Welliver, born in Butler County, Ohio, May 20, TS42. 
daughter of Isaac and Nancy ( Sample 1 Welliver, natives of Ken- 
tuckv, the former born in 1804, and died in 1849, and the latter 
born in 1S09, and died in 1886. They have these ten children : 






FRANKLIN 



CITY AND TOWNSHIP. 



673 



Nina, bora in 1S62; Allena A., 1S64; Lula E., 1867; Emily F., 
1869; Daniel C, 1871; Jesse C, 1S74; Samuel J., 1877; Homer 
J., 1879; Marquis D., 1881, and Mary E., 1885. In politics, he is 
a staunch democrat, and since 1846 has been a member of the Bap- 
tist Church. Mrs. Webb became a member of the same denomi- 
nation in 1855. 

Thomas White, leading citizen of Franklin, Inch, and member 
of the firm of Thompson, White & Co., proprietors of the starch 
works, was bora in County Tipperary, Ireland, February 4, 1847. 
Our subject is the son of John and Mary (Duffy) White, both 
natives of Ireland. Parents left Ireland in 1850, emigrating to 
Cape Town, Africa, and in 1855, came to America, landing in 
Boston, Mass.; a month was next spent in New York, then a year 
in Cincinnati, Ohio, and in 1856, the family located in Bartholomew 
County, Ind., six miles north of Columbus. They came to Johnson 
County in 1S58, but subsequently returned to Bartholomew Count}-. 
In 1861, they located in Edinburg, Ind. The mother died in 1876, 
and the father in 1882. Our subject received a common school 
education, and in 1863, enlisted in Company M, Twenty-first 
Indiana Heavy Artillery, and served until January 22, 1866, vet- 
eranizing in the meantime. Returning to Edinburg, he entered the 
postoffice as clerk, in 1S66, and continued there until 1869, and then 
began clerking for C. C. Winterburg, at Edinburg, at which he 
continued until 1870, when he began keeping books for the Edin- 
burg Starch Company. November 1, 1880, he located in Franklin. 
Mr. White was married February 3, 1869, to Nannie Appleton, 
who was born in Johnson County, and to this union four children 
have been born, two of whom survive. 

Xort Whitesides, one of the live, energetic merchants of 
Franklin, Ind., and proprietor of the leading clothing and gents' 
furnishing establishment in the city, was bora in Johnson County, 
three miles northeast from Franklin, on December 22, 1853. and 
received a fair education in the district schools and Franklin Col- 
lege. He remained on the farm until his eighteenth year, and in 
1873, entered a store in Franklin as clerk, at which he continued, 
with different parties, for a number of years. On December 17, 
1 87 7, he engaged in the clothing, hats, caps, and gents' furnishing 
business, for himself, in Franklin, beginning on a small scale, in- 
vesting not to exceed $1,500. His business has prospered, and 
has been enlarged from year to year, until he now carries an aver- 
age stock of about $15,000, and dues an immense business an- 
nually. He carries the largest stock in his city, and has a large 
and commodious room, and in fact has an establishment equal to 
those found in large cities. He was married February 14, i s 77- 



674 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

to Miss Maggie Slater, daughter of M. R. Slater, of Franklin. 
Mrs. Whitesides was born in 1858, and died in 1884, leaving one 
son, Virgil, who was born March 12, 187S. Mr: Whitesides is a 
member of the K. of P. lodge, and of the uniform rank of same. 
The father of the subject of this sketch is John Whitesides, one of 
the leading farmers of Johnson County, who was born in Oldham 
Counlv, Kv., in 1816, and located in Johnson County, in 1835. 

S. S. Whitesides, senior member of the firm of Whitesides & 
Lane, proprietors of the Franklin, Ind., steam laundry, was born in 
Johnson County. Ind., on October 19, 1843, and is the son of John 
and Sallie (Tilson) Whitesides. The father was born in Kentucky 
(See Nort Whitesides" sketch). The mother was born in Vir- 
ginia, and died in 1850. Our subject was reared on the farm, and 
secured a limited education in the public schools. He has follow ed 
farming and stock-trading, and located in Franklin in October, 1886. 
He engaged in his present business in February, 1887. He was 
married in January, i> s J2, to Mary Conover, who was born in 
Shelby County, Ind., in 1S50, and is the daughter of Nelson Con- 
over. To this union two children have been born, one of whom is 
deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Whitesides are members of the Baptist 
Church. 

John M. Winchester, deceased, was born in Jefferson County, 
Ind., on March 23. 1826, and died October 28, 1887. His parents 
were Serrill and .Mary A. (.Miller) Winchester. The father was 
born in Hardin County, Kv., on March 4, 1804, and the mother in 
Rutherford County, X. C, on April 2, 1803. Their deaths occurred 
October 1, 1854. and June 3, 1867, respectively. To the parents 
the following children were born: John M. (subject) ; Nancy S., 
June 16, 1827; Jane S., June 28, 1828; William R., March 1, 1830, 
died November 18, 1844; Harvey C, March 16, 1832; Minerva, 
September 17. 1833. died March 20, 1861; Jordan M., January 23, 
1835, died Septembers, 1858; Malissa A., born May 31, 1837; 
Washington N., December 27, 1838, died July 13, 1841: Louisa, 
born June 27, 1844, died June 27, 1844. The subject of this sketch 
followed farming as a vocation, and returned to Franklin, in Au- 
gust, 1881. On August 20, 1851, he was married to Har- 
riet B. Demaree, and to this union eight children were born, 
fwi^ of whom still survive. The wife died October 17, 1864, and 
on December 26, 1865, he was married to Mrs. Elizabeth A. 
Fisher, who was born in Johnson County, Ind., on January 
20, 1839, and is the daughter of James H. and Jane (Dob- 
bins) Graham. James Graham was born in Shelby County, Kv., 
on June 6, 1809, and died April 29, 1886. Jane Graham was born 
in Pendleton District, S. C, on November 10, 1815. They were 



^- 



FRANKLIN CITY AND TOWNSHIP. 675 

married March 13, 1834. To this union the following children 
were born: Mary A., born March 24, 1835; Charles H., Novem- 
ber 14, 1836, who served in Company F, Fifth Indiana Cavalry, 
and was a prisoner in Libbv, Salisbury and Andersonville prisons, 
escaping from the latter; John F., born December 30. 1S40, served 
in Company I, Seventeenth Indiana Regiment, died in West Vir- 
ginia in 1861; Robert G., born October 15, 1843, deceased; Mar- 
garet J., September 3. 1845, deceased: Thomas W., February 12, 
1849; James W., December 24, 1850; Belle C, i\pril 12, 1853; 
Washington F., October 22, 1856. To the union of our subject 
and Mrs. Elizabeth Fisher, no children were born. On October 
29, 1857, Elizabeth A. Graham, widow of our subject, was mar- 
ried to James M. Fisher, who was born December 15, 1839, in 
Johnson County, Ind. He enlisted in August, i86i,in Company F, 
Seventh Regiment Indiana Infantry, and left Franklin August 29, 
of the same vear. He was a non-commissioned officer of the com- 
pany, and was killed in the skirmish line on North Ann River, Vir- 
ginia, during the Wilderness campaign. On May 24, 1864, and 
his remains were buried in Arlington National Cemetery, Virginia. 
To the union of Mr. Fisher and Elizabeth A. Graham, two sons 
were born, as follows: Irwin, August 14, 1S58, and Charles L., 
August 15, 1S60. 

William J. Williams, A. M., superintendent of public schools, 
Franklin, Ind., was born at Welsh Hills, Licking Co., Ohio, June 
4, 1845. His father, John Williams, was a native of Brecenshire, 
South Wales, and emigrated with his parents to this country when 
sixteen years of age. He located in Ohio, first in Delaware Count)', 
then in the city of Columbus, and finally in Licking County, where 
he continued to reside until his death, which occurred in March, 
187S. At the age of thirty-seven years, he married Miss Esther 
Jones, also a native of Wales. The result of this union was six 
sons and five daughters. Mr. Williams, until ten years of age, 
attended school continuously, but after that period his lessons were 
limited to a winter term of four months. At twelve years of age 
he began to contribute to his own support, and from that time to 
the present all the money he has expended, whether in acquiring 
an education or in procuring the necessities of life, has been the 
product of his own efforts. At the age of sixteen he prepared to 
enter Denison University, when his plans were frustrated by a ser- 
ious accident which befell his father. Being the eldest son, the 
farm work devolved upon him, and the idea of obtaining a col- 
legiate education was for a time teein»" abandoned. His father's 
recovery gave the young lad an opportunity to take a school dur- 
ing the winter. He taught three months, receiving therefor $50 

43 



676 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

as remuneration. This he considered fair wages in compai ison 
with farm work, which averaged from 25 cents to 40 cents per 
day. He next conducted a successful school and with what re- 
mained of his salary at the close of the session, paid his way through 
the spring term at college. He began a regular classical course in 
September, 1S62, and continued it for three months, when, his 
funds becoming exhausted, he was compelled to stop. During 
his connection with the university he taught different terms. He 
remained in college seven years, graduating in the scientific and 
classical courses. After obtaining his diploma, he was undecided 
which of the professions, teaching or the ministry, he should adopt. 
It should be remembered in this connection, that he had united 
some years previouslv with the Baptist Church, at Greenville, 
but a year later removed his membership to the church at Welsh 
Hill. By this last organization he was given a license to preach. 
The Ohio Baptist Educational Society voted him sufficient aid to 
begin a theological course at Newton Center, Mass. He chose to 
teach instead, and went to Bradford, Ohio, where he opened a 
private school, but ill-fate seemed to have singled him out as 
its victim. He had taught but two weeks, when the prevalence 
of small pox in town broke up tire attendance. To his great joy 
he succeeded a few weeks later in obtaining the position of 
principal of the Winamac high school. Here he remained two years. 
From Winamac he removed to Rochester, Ind., and became su- 
perintendent of public schools, from 1873 to 1S81, when he was 
elected co-superintendent, and served two terms, after which he 
was called to take charge of the teachers' department of Franklin 
College, which position he held for two years, when he was 
elected superintendent of the public schools of Franklin, Ind. 
The political affiliations of Mr. Williams have always been with 
the republican party. He was married June 20, 1S7S, to Miss 
Rosa Brackett, daughter of Dr. Charles Brackett, who died in the 
service of his country, at Helena. Ark., February 23, 1863, where 
he was stationed as surgeon of the Ninth Illinois Cavalry. Mrs. 
Williams combines all the qualities of the "excellent woman." She 
is a lady of education and refinement, and possesses those graces 
of mind and heart that make her especially attractive. Their union 
has been blessed with one son and two daughters: Fred. Mar- 
gorie and Edith. Mr. and Mrs. Williams are highly esteemed 
where ever known. 

Thomas W. Woollen was born in Dorchester County, Md., 
April 26, 1S30. He was the, second son of Edward and Anna 
Woollen, whose maiden name was Wheeler. The Woollens are of 
English descent. In the forepart of the seventeenth century, Mr. 



FRANKLIN 



■CITY AND TOWNSHIP. 



677 



Woollen, wife, and several children , emigrated from London to this 
country, and on the voyage the father and all the children died of 
disease incident to such journeys, the wife alone, who was encicnte, 
reaching Philadelphia. This woman afterward gave birth to a sun, 
from whom sprang all of the name now known to be in this country, 
so far as their history has been traced. In 1642, when Capt. Lam- 
berton led an English colony from New Haven into Delaware, 
John Woollen, who seems to have been something of a backwoods 
linguist, and who is supposed to have been the son of Mr. Woollen, 
before mentioned, was employed by Lamberton as Indian interpreter. 
Mr. Woollen drifted down the peninsula to the eastern shore of 
Maryland, where there was an English settlement, and settled upon 
Taylor's Island, in the Chesapeake Bay. Thomas W. Woollen's 
grandfather, William Woollen, was born on Taylor's Island, some- 
thing over a hundred vears after old John Woollen settled there. 
The youngest son of William Woollen was Edward, the father of 
the subject of this sketch, who was born in 1S03, in the same 
county that his fathers had lived in for a century and a half. Edward 
Woollen was a farmer in moderate circumstances. During the 
summer months Thomas worked upon his father's farm, and in 
the winter he attended the country schools. At fifteen years of age, 
he removed to Baltimore. He applied himself to the carpenter's 
trade, studying every book to which he had access. With none to 
guide him in the selection of books, it may well be supposed his 
reading was of a very miscellaneous character, but even such read- 
ing was better than none. In 1844, his brother, William Wesley 
Woollen, left home and went to Madison, Ind. There he was suc- 
cessful in getting public employment, and of course wrote the fact 
to friends at home. Upon a boy far in his teens, this news could 
have but one effect. Thomas W. laid aside his miter-box and hand- 
saw and set out for Indiana; this was in the spring of 1848. John 
Taylor was at that time clerk of the Jefferson circuit court, and 
William Wesley Woollen had been his deputy. Adeputyship open- 
ing for him in the auditor's office, Thomas was installed as deputy' 
in the clerk's office under Taylor. There he continued up to the 
spring of 1852, when he became deputy treasurer under his brother, 
who had in the meantime been elected to that office. In the fall 
of that year, Col. John Chambers was elected county treasurer, 
and he continued Thomas in the office as deputy up to 1854, when, 
his term being about to expire, the deputy was placed in nomina- 
tion as the democratic candidate for the office itself. But that 
was a disastrous year for democratic nominees all over the coun- 
try. Know-Nothingism, which had sprung up in a night, met 
witli great triumphs that year, and of those who failed to with- 



678 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

stand its assaults was the democratic candidate for treasurer in 
Jefferson Count}-. The entire democratic ticket was defeated. 
While in the clerk's office, at the suggestion of the Hon. A. C. 
Downey, then judge of the Jefferson circuit court, he had been 
industriously reading law, intending to prepare himself for that 
profession as soon as he should be able to do so. Under a liberal 
arrangement with Col. Chambers, while his deputy, he was able 
to acquire the means to carry out his purpose. Having, in 1850, 
been married to Harriet J. "Williams, daughter of the late Judge 
Williams, of Jackson County, and now having been defeated and 
was out of public employment, he sat down in the shade of his 
own house and continued the study of law. This he kept up 
to the spring of 1856, when he left Madison and went to Vernon, 
where Benjamin F. Lewis had just been elected clerk, and, on the 
suggestion of Judge Downey. Woollen was employed for a few 
months in the office to introduce the new clerk to its duties, after 
which he commenced the practice of law. This, however, did not 
suit him, and, in a short time, he moved to Franklin, and in con- 
nection with Jeptha D. New, opened a law office there. But Mr. 
New returning to Vernon soon after, Woollen was left alone to 
push his way as best he could. It is not necessary to say he suc- 
ceeded. As a safe and sound adviser, whether in affairs political 
or legal, he ranks deservedly high. By reason of his activity in 
political affairs, lie was chosen, in 1862, to make the race on the 
democratic ticket for joint representative from Johnson and Mor- 
gan counties, and was elected over his opponent by 580 votes. 
The subject of this sketch was elected cashier of the First National 
Bank in 1S65. In 1866, he was the democratic candidate for cir- 
cuit judge, but was defeated in a circuit overwhelmingly republican 
by a party majority. In 186S, while actively engaged in his bank- 
ing business, he was presented before a democratic nominating 
convention, held at Morgantown, as a candidate for common pleas 
judge. The director)' of the bank now made him president of that 
institution, and it was thought, with the clerical aid rendered in the 
bank by the other officers, he would be able to serve as judge, and 
at the same time supervise the general business of the bank This 
arrangement proved unsatisfactory. He was able to attend to his 
judicial duties up to about the beginning of 1870, when it was 
thought by the directory of the bank that his active services in 
that institution were imperatively demanded. In the spring of 1879, 
his wife had died, .leaving him with a large family of children, who 
needed his presence at home, and he concluded to accept the offer 
of the board of directors to again take full charge of the bank. 
During the six years of his connection with the bank, not a dollar 



FRANKLIN CITY AND TOWNSHIP. 679 

was lost to the stockholders by any act of his, and when he left it, 
its stock was selling readily at $130 to the share. On his retire- 
ment from the bank, he resumed the practice of the law, in partner- 
ship with Cas Byfield, Esq. In 1872, Mr. Admire, candidate for the 
lower house from Johnson County, refusing" to support Mr. Greeley, 
the central committee displaced him and put Judge Woollen on the 
ticket as the democratic candidate. Admire having been regularly 
nominated and refusing to withdraw, it made the race a doubtful 
one, but Judge Woollen was elected by a majority of 341 votes. 
During the legislative term that followed, he took a leading part in 
the legislation of the state. He was, in some respects, "the ac- 
knowledged democratic leader of the house." In 1874, he was a 
candidate for the office of attorney-general, but was defeated; but, 
in 1S78, being again a candidate for that office, he was nominated, 
and, at the general election of that year, was elected to the office 
over his opponent, Judge D. P. Baldwin, by a majority of 14,461 
votes, and it was found that he was singularly well qualified for the 
position. In iS8o,he was again nominated, this time by acclamation, 
but, at the October election, he went down with the residue of the 
state ticket. Judge Woollen returned to Franklin and resumed 
the practice of the law in partnership with his former partner, Judge 
Banta. 

E. W. Wyrick, dry goods merchant of Franklin, Johnson 
Co., Ind., is a native of Virginia, having been born in Wythe 
County, that State, on June 15, 1829. He is the youngest of nine 
children, born to Nicholas and Elizabeth (Leonard) Wyrick. The 
father was born in Virginia, in 1785, and his parents were Ger- 
mans, their parents being natives of Germanv. The mother was 
also born in Virginia, in 1793, and like her husband, was of Ger- 
man descent, both her parents being natives of Germanv. In the 
fall of 1 S3 1, Nicholas Wyrick emigrated to Indiana, and located in 
Johnson Count}'. At that time but few white settlers were in the 
county, the settlements being few and far between. He located on 
Stott's Creek, in what is now Union -Township, where he had en- 
tered a tract of eight}' acres of government land. To this he sub- 
sequently added forty acres more. He followed farming during 
his life, never entering public life, as his inclinations were for the 
quiet and independent life of a farmer. While a religious man in 
principle, he was not a member of any church organization, though 
early in life was christened. His death occurred in 1846. 
The mother was a member of the Methodist Church, and died in 
1875. Our subject was reared on his father's farm, and secured a 
limited education, the schools during his boyhood being meager, 
and the opportunities for securing an education limited. At the 



I 



6So JOHNSON" COUNTY. 

age of seventeen years, he learned the carpenter's trade, and 
followed the same for a period of seven years. During the above 
time he saved some money, and at the end of the same, he pur- 
chased the interests of the heirs of his father's farm, and removed 
thereon, where he remained until 1S56. He then removed to 
White River Township, where he purchased a farm of 160 acres, 
and remained there until 1S71, and then engaged in merchandising 
at Browntovvn, Johnson County. In 1875 he removed to Franklin 
and continued merchandising, and now owns one of the leading dry 
goods and notion houses in the city, situated on the corner of 
Jefferson and Water Streets. He was married October 10, 1S50, 
to Elizabeth Garshwiler, who was born in Johnson County, Ind., 
in 1833, and is the daughter of George Garshwiler, a native of 
Kentucky. To this union a son and daughter have been born, the 
son, George W., being born on August 7, 185 1, and the daughter, 
Nancy Belle, on November 10, 1853. Mr. Wyrick, wife and 
daughter, are members of the Christian Church. Mr. Wyrick is a 
democrat in politics, and was elected trustee of White River Town- 
ship two terms. 



CHAPTER VIII. 

County Organization — Organic Act — Locating County 
Seat — Sale of Lots — Public Buildings — Methods of 
Doing County Business — Finances — Poor Expenses — 
Creation of Townships — Elections — County Officers 
— Roads — Medical Societies, Etc. 

"* HE County of Johnson was organized under an act of 
the Indiana legislature, passed at Corydon, in Decem- 
ber, 1822. The fterritorv then established as a new 
county, had for some time been a portion of Delaware 
County, and was between Shelby County on the east and 
Morgan County on the west. The proceedings that led 
to the formation of the new county were spiced with much 
B 'ar that is interesting. Petitions were obtained that contained, 
so it is alleged, the names of many who had long been numbered 
with the pioneer dead, and of others whose existence was seriously 
doubted. The principal mover in this matter was George King. 
He came to the county early in the fall of 1822, and bought the 
land on which Franklin is now situated. It seems that he came 







COUNTY ORGANIZATION. 68 1 

here for the express purpose of speculation, and bought this particu- 
lar ground because it was a good site for a town. Immediately 
after acquiring the land he went to work on his plan for a new 
county. What influence he was able to bring on the legislature, 
that was sufficient to secure success for his plans, is not now known. 
It is possible that he had the arts of the modern lobbyist. Judge 
Banta in his " Historical Sketch, " gives an interesting account of it. 
The act was finally passed after much controversy among the ad- 
vocates of the various opposing schemes. The following is a full 
text of it: 

Section i. Beit enacted by the General Assembly oj the State 
of Indiana, That from and after the first Monday in May next, all 
that part of the County of Delaware contained in the following 
boundaries, to-wit: beginning at the southwest corner of Section 
thirtv-four, in Township eleven north, of Range five east, the same 
being the southwest corner of Shelby Count-, ; thence running north 
with the line of said count}* to the southeast corner of Marion 
Count}-; thence west to the northeast corner of Morgan County; 
thence south on the line of said county to the township line dividing 
Townships ten and eleven; thence east to said line to the place of 
beginning — shall constitute and form a new county, which shall be 
called and designated by the name of Johnson. 

Sec. 2. That John Parr, of the County of Washington; Adam 
Miller, of the County of Jackson; John W. Lee, of the County of 
Monroe; James Gregory, of the County of Shelby, and Archibald 
McEwen, of the County of Bartholomew, be and they are hereby 
appointed commissioners for the purpose of fixing the permanent 
seat of justice for said county, agreeably to the provisions of an act 
entitled, "An act for fixing seats of justice in all new counties to 
be laid off." The commissioners above named or a majority of 
them shall meet at the house of John Smiley in said new county, 
on the first Monday in May, and proceed to the duties assigned 
them by law. 

Six'. 3. That the said county shall enjoy all the rights, privi- 
leges and jurisdictions, which, to a separate county, do or may 
properly belong. 

Sec. 4. It shall be the duty of the sheriff of Bartholomew 
County to notify the commissioners above named, either in person 
or by written notice, of their said appointment, and the county 
commissioners of the County of Johnson shall allow him such com- 
pensation therefor as the}' shall deem just and reasonable, to be 
paid out of the county treasury of said county. 

Sec. 5. The circuit court, and all other courts of said County 
of Johnson, shall meet and be holden at the house of John Smiley, 



682 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

or at any other place said court shall adjourn to, until suitable 
accommodations can be provided at the permanent seat of justice of 
said county: and so soon as the said courts are satisfied of that fact, 
they shall adjourn thereto, after which they shall meet and be per- 
manently held at such seat of justice. 

Sec. 6. The agent who shall be appointed to superintend the 
sales of lots at the said seat of justice shall receive ten per centum 
out of the proceeds thereof, and also of all donations made to said 
county, which he shall pay over to such person or persons as may 
be appointed by law to receive the same for the use of a library 
for said county. 

Sec. 7. The board of county commissioners of said County 
of Johnson shall, within twelve months after the permanent seat of 
justice shall have been selected, proceed to erect necessary public 
buildings therein. 

Sec. 8. The same powers, privileged and authorized, that are 
granted to the qualified voters of the County of Dubois and other 
counties named in an act entitled, " An act incorporating a county 
library in the counties therein named," approved January 28, 1S19, 
to organize, conduct and support a county library, are hereby 
granted to the qualified voters of the County of Johnson, and the 
same power and authority therein granted to, and the same duties 
therein required of, the several officers and the person or persons 
elected by the qualified voters of Dubois County, and the other 
counties in the said act named, for carrying into effect the provis- 
ions of the act entitled, " An act incorporating a county library in 
the County of Dubois," and the counties therein named, according 
to the true intent and meaning thereof, are hereby extended to, 
and required of, the officers and other persons elected by the quali- 
fied voters of the County of Johnson. 

Sec. 9. This act to be in force from and after its passage. 

G. W. Johnson, Speaker of the House of Representatives.. 
Ratliff Boon, Pntsident Assembly. 
Approved December 31, 1822. William Hendricks. 

Gov. Hendricks commissioned John Smiley sheriff, and ap- 
pointed the 8th of March, 1823, as election day, when the voters 
were to meet at the houses of Hezekiah Davison on Blue River, 
and Daniel Boaz on White River, for the purpose of electing two 
associate judges, one clerk and one recorder. At that time Israel 
Watts and Daniel Boaz were chosen judges, Samuel Herriott clerk, 
William Schaffer, recorder, William Freeman, John S. Miller and 
James Ritchey, commissioners. The commissioners met according 
to law on the 2nd Monday in May. On the same day three of the 
five men appointed to locate the county seat, met and proceeded to 



COUNTY ORGANIZATION. 683 

examine the rival places that were striving for the honor, as well 
as profit, of having the new capital of the countv. The contest 
was mainly between a situation at the mouth of Sugar Creek, on 
land owned by Amos Durbin, and at the mouth of Hurricane, on 
the land of George King. It is needless to say that the latter was 
successful, and the county seat was located on the southwest 
quarter of the southeast quarter of Section 14, Township 12 north, 
Range 4 east. This land was donated to the county by King, in 
addition to eleven acres lying between it and Young's Creek. 
On the suggestion of Samuel Herriott, who, it is said, was an 
ardent admirer of Benjamin Franklin, the new town was named 
for that illustrious American. 

The commissioners appointed John Campbell county agent, 
whose duty it was, among other things, to "receive good and suf- 
ficient deeds of conveyance for any lands that may have been given 
to the county." The town was soon laid out, and lots sold. Many 
of these items concerning the early history of Franklin will be 
found in another part of this work, and it will be unnecessary to 
repeat them here. By permission of Judge Banta, to whom the 
publishers are under man}' obligations, the following is taken from 
his Historical Sketch of Johnson County. It is told so aptly that 
his words are copied verbatim : 

" The first sale of lots was advertised for the 2d day of Septem- 
ber, 1823, and on that day the county agent, provided with 
' whisky and paper' of the value of $1.18?^, for which the county 
paid, sold a number of lots adjoining the public square; and, on the 
14th day of the same month, he exposed to sale other of the town 
lots. The principal sales were on the south and east sides of the 
square, and prices ranged from $19 for the lot on which the jail 
stands, to $40.56 for No. 61, which lies immediately south of the 
jail lot. The brush was grubbed out of the public square by 
Nicholas Shaffer for $6.58. and David McCaslin, Nathaniel Poor 
and Jacob Freeman performed labor in and about, clearing the 
square of growing timber, while the citizens of the place volun- 
tarily rolled and burned the logs of nights. 

" It was made the duty of the commissioners to partition the 
county into convenient townships, and this duty they must have 
performed soon after being introduced into office, for, from the 
August election returns for 1823, it appears that three townships 
had been organized — Blue River, Nineveh and White River. Blue 
River seems to have been confined to so much of Congressional 
Township 11, Range 5, as is in Johnson Countv. White River 
extended over all the territory now included in White River, Pleas- 



684 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

ant and Clark, and Nineveh extended over all of Nineveh, Franklin, 
Union and Hensley. 

Public Buildings. — "It is uncertain, at this time, when the con- 
tract for building a court house was let, but it is certain that the 
house was not reach' for occupancy in March, 1824, but was ready 
in October of the same year. William Shaffer, the county re- 
corder, who was by occupation a carpenter, undertook the work, 
and it is safe to assume that it was begun in the spring of 1S24, 
and that the contract was let by the first board of commissioners, 
but for what price is now unknown. The late Thomas Williams, 
however, who was the owner of the onlv yoke of oxen then in or 
about the new town, drew the logs to the building site for $1. 
The new court house was in keeping with the povgrty of the 
county. It was two stories high, was built of hewed logs, and a 
broad wooden outside stair led from the ground up to the second 
floor, which was the court room. This was furnished with a table, 
two 'splint-bottomed chairs, one for the judge, and one for the 
clerk,' with wooden benches without backs for the accommodation 
of lawyers, jurymen, litigants and spectators. This first court 
house was built upon the lot situate immediately in the rear of 
the lot on which the bank buildings are erected. A jail was 
not yet provided. It is in memory, that, before a jail house was 
up, a prisoner, who was under sentence of imprisonment, was 
sent from an Edinburg justice's court, and that John Smiley, in lieu 
of a better place of confinement, chained the culprit to a stump in 
the public square his allotted time. But the chain and stump did 
not serve the purpose in all cases, for, in 1826, we find the board 
of justices of the countv making allowances out of the county 
treasiny for the guarding of prisoners. A contract for building 
the jail must have been let some time in the first half of 1826, to 
Samuel Herriott. At the July term of the board of justices, it 
was ordered that the contractor put two windows in the jail, one in 
each end, seven inches by eighteen, and that the logs for the jail 
should be seventeen feet long instead of eighteen, and that, instead 
of ceiling the 'upper loft' with poplar plank, it be 'laid down 
with hewed timbers nine inches thick.' From this order the char- 
acter of the structure may be perceived, and further, that the ma- 
terial had not yet been prepared. In the following January, the 
board accepted the building, but there nowhere appear sufficient 
data to enable us to fix upon the price paid." 

The method of doing county business was materiallv changed 
in 1824. Theretofore the county board consisted of but three com- 
missioners who were elected for that purpose onlv, and to them 



COUNTY ORGANIZATION". 685 

was given the entire charge of the county business. In that year, 
however, the law transferred their business to what is termed the 
board of jurors. This board was composed of all the justices of 
the peace in the county who were ex-officio members of this board. 
This method did not remain in vogue long, as it was found to be too 
cumbersome and unsatisfactory. The details of the business as 
transacted by the board, would be of but little interest. It was gen- 
erally made up of hearing road petitions, appointing viewers, over- 
seers of the poor, inspectors of elections, superintendents of school 
sections, county officers, fence viewers, constables, listers, assessors, 
granting licenses of various kinds, passing on claims against the 
county, levying taxes, selecting jurors, changing roads, and many 
other matters pertaining to the general business of the county. In 
the light of our modern ways, some of the claims allowed, seem 
funny. In Judge Banta's " Sketch "' is the following: 

" One of $4, in favor of William Barnett, for work done on the 
court house, was allowed, and he was privileged to ' lift his bond 
tiled in the clerk's office for the completion of the work to be done 
to court house.' Patrick Cowan and Thomas Russell were each 
allowed $1.50, their fees in the case of the State of Indiana vs. 
Richard Neal; Lewis Bishop came in for $i 'charges for keeping 
Richard Neal while a prisoner,' and John Barnett got 50 cents, 
and Joseph Hickerscki $1, for standing guard over the said Rich- 
ard; and John Smiley, the sheriff, got $41.10 for 'guarding, 
dieting,' etc., said Richard Neal, and two others, Nathaniel Bell 
and William Barlow. Richard Neal was proving himself an un- 
profitable citizen. A special term of the circuit court had been 
called on his account, and a grand jury impanelled to consider a 
presentment to be made against him, charging him with having 
sent a challenge to fight a duel; but the jury ignored the bill, and 
Richard drops out of sight, leaving these bills to be paid by the 
countv. John Campbell, the county agent, was then allowed $2.61 % 
for whisky and stationery furnished for county use while agent. 
This whisky was for the benefit of the buyers of the town lots." 

Finances. — The question of raising and maintaining a sufficient 
revenue for the needs of the county, and at the same time keeping 
taxation within moderate bounds, is one of no little importance. 
New counties seldom have much resource for raising public funds. 
It is also true that their needs are not greater than their abilities. 
The almost universal means of obtaining the earliest funds to meet 
the expenses of the county was from the sale of town lots. The 
land on which a county seat was located was nearly always donated 
to the county, and the enhanced value of this land contributed to 
start the public treasury in a flourishing condition. The county 






686 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

board would impose licenses upon certain kinds of business, and 
assess a tax that in this later day seems meager indeed. But they 
were relatively high, and this payment was often a matter of much 
concern to the citizens. 

The first tax lew, as revealed by the records now at hand, was 
in 1826, when the following was made: Each horse, 37 y 2 cents; 
each ox, 18^ cents; gold watch, $1; silver watch, 25 cents; each 
white male person twenty-one years old, 50 cents; each license to 
retail foreign merchandise, $15; each tavern license, $5; each 
ferry license, $2, and each covering horse license was placed at $2. 
It is probable that this total revenue derived from taxation at the 
beginning of the county did not exceed $300. In 1826, the treas- 
urer's report shows less than $400 paid out, with $29 in the treas- 
ury. In 1830, the amount had increased 'to about $1,000. With 
the continued growth of the population and increased value of 
property, the amount of taxes has increased until the present time. 
Of course there were some fluctuations as temporary expenditures 
increased or diminished, but there has been a general increase from 
the first. During the war the bounties and the relief funds raised 
aggregate revenue to what was then deemed unusual excess, but 
the ordinary expenses have long since then raised the amount to a 
figure far in advance of war taxes. In 1865, the total amount 
raised was $105,529.54. Even these figures seem moderate when 
compared with the present. 

Poor Expense. — There is no question that so closely concerns 
people, in relation to revenue, as the dispensation of public charity. 
The first provision made by law was for the appointment of over- 
seers of the poor in each civil township. The Jaw prescribed their 
duties as follows: " * * * every year to cause all poor persons 
who have or shall become a public charge, to be farmed out on contract, 
to be made on the first Monday in May, annually, in such manner as 
said overseers shall deem best calculated to promote the public 
good. Provided, That nothing herein contained shall prohibit any 
overseer from receiving and accepting propositions at any time for 
the keeping of the poor, and others who may at anv time hereafter 
become a countv charge/' This method was not sufficient to meet 
the growing demands of society, though perhaps it was well enough 
for the more primitive davs in which it was in vogue. Late in the 
decade of the forties, and early in the fifties, the farming out pro- 
cess was discarded in nearly all parts of the state, and the poor 
who had become almost wholly dependent upon the county, were 
placed under the charge of one man on a farm, either rented or pur- 
chased for that purpose. This was soon found to be a more practical 
way of managing these matters, and the system was enlarged and 



COUNTY ORGANIZATION. 687 

improved. Large and commodious buildings have been erected 
suitable for maintaining the indigent. The item of expense charge- 
able to the poor is one well calculated to challenge the considera- 
tion of the tax-payer. For this single item alone, Johnson County 
expended in the year 1887, about $10,000. Of this sum, $2,500 
was chargeable to expenses at the poor farm, while the balance was 
paid out through the medium of the township trustees, who now 
have distribution of funds to such persons within their respective 
townships as are, in their judgments, worthy objects of charity. 

One of the latest advancements in this direction is the establish- 
ment of orphans' homes in many of the counties. These are de- 
signed to rear and educate orphan children that are practically 
abandoned to the world. It is one of the most worth}- channels in 
which public generosity and charily can be directed. That the in- 
fluences surrounding an inmate of the poor-house are bad, at the 
best, there is no doubt, and to bring up children in the midst of the 
examples that must inevitably confront them in such a place, would 
be not only bad policy, but must result in lowering morality. John- 
son Count}' has kept fully abreast of the times on these questions. 
In August, 18S4, the county commissioners purchased one acre 
and a half of land at Hopewell, and established there an orphans' 
home, the price paid being $900. Here all children between the 
ages of six and sixteen, of sound mind, are kept, that are county 
charges. The contract of keeping them is let to the lowest bid- 
der, the present price being 30 cents per day for each inmate. The 
board appointed Emmeline Bridges, matron. There are now 
forty-four inmates. 

Later Public Buildings. — The first court house and jail have 
already been mentioned. A second court house having become 
necessary, the county board, in March, 1830, decided upon another. 
The new building was to be of brick, forty feet square, two stories 
high, with two doors, a suitable cupola, and a foundation of rock. 
The contract was let in clue time to Samuel and John Herriott, for 
$1,427, and it was to be completed in two years. The contract 
for finishing the building inside was let to William Shaffer, for 
$349.50. The entire cost was thus nearly $1,800, and when com- 
pleted was considered good, and for the time no doubt it was. 
This building served all the purposes for which it was erected, until 
1849, when early in the morning of May 18th it was destroyed by 
fire. There was comparatively small loss of the records, or public 
documents. At the July term following this, the board awarded a 
contract to Edwin May, for the erection of a new court house, for 
$10,084. The s ' ze was to be 50x84 feet. In June an order had 
been passed to sell the ruins of the old building, but the record no- 



688 JOHNSON COUNT V, 

where discloses the amount received for it. Edwin May, the con- 
tractor, became known in more recent years as the architect of the 
new state capitol building. John Elder was the architect of the 
court house for this county, and for his plans and specifications was 
allowed $50. 

By something approaching to fatality this building was also de- 
stroyed by fire on December 12, 1S74, after service of nearly a 
quarter of a century. To accommodate the county officers, and as 
a shelter for the records, which were nearly all preserved, a tem- 
porary frame building was erected on the south side of the public 
square. This was Johnson County's fourth court house, if it car* 
properly be termed such. It continued in use until the present 
handsome structure was erected, though it was condemned by the 
grand jury as unsafe for the preservation of the records. At the 
.March term, 1S79, the matter of building was taken under advise- 
ment. In April, following, the commissioners went to the towns of 
Washington and Columbus to inspect the court houses there. 
Plans and specifications were filed at the May term by no less than 
ten different leading architects. At a special term in July, the plans 
of George W. Bunting were adopted, and in September the con- 
tract was let. The bidders were: McCormack & Sweeney, 
$81,850; W. H. Meyers, $79,987: Kammacher & Denig, SioS.ooo; 
Farman & Pierce, $79,100. The last, being the lowest bid, was 
accepted, but subsequent changes and additions made the total cost 
of the building about $100,000. It was completed, and in Decem- 
ber, 1881, was accepted by the commissioners. The first floor has 
eight rooms, and are occupied by the auditor, clerk, sheriff, re- 
corder and treasurer, with smaller additional rooms for each. The 
second floor contains court room, county superintendents room, 
petit and grand jury rooms, consultation room and judge's private 
office. On the third floor are four rooms used for storage. The 
building is of the modern style of architecture, and of brick and 
stone. It is a durable structure, and one the citizens of the county 
may well feel proud of. 

"Jails. — The first jail was built in 1826, but what sort of build- 
ing it was, there is now but little means of telling. Its duration, 
too, is another uncertainty. That it remained in use until 1851 is 
more than improbable, though a hasty perusal of the records failed 
to find that another had been built in the meantime. At the Janu- 
ary term, 1851, the commissioners awarded the contract for build- 
ing a new jail to John Craig and Joseph Parris, for $4,800. The 
jailor's house was to be two stories high, and to be built of stone. 
The plans and specifications for this building were elaborate, and it 
was 10 be completed on or before March 1, 1852. When done, it 



COUNTY ORGANIZATION. 6S9 

was a very creditable structure, and continued in use until the pres- 
ent one superseded it. The jail now in use was modeled after one 
at Danville, Ind., and was ordered at a special session of the board 
in July, 1S67. James F. Wiley was authorized to con'ract and 
procure from a competent architect two drawings and plans and 
specifications like in all respects to the jail at Danville. The auditor 
was directed to advertise the time and place of letting the contract, 
in the Cincinnati Enquirer and Indianapolis Herald. The contract 
was awarded to McCormack & Sweeney, of Columbus, for $39,900. 
It was completed and accepted at the August term, 1870. 

Organization of Townships. — The first townships created were 
White River, Blue River and Nineveh. It is probable these three 
were created at the first term of the county board, as that was the 
usual way at the organization of new counties. The absence of 
the records for the first few years of the county prevents a definite 
statement of the date when these townships were created. Their 
probable boundaries as described by Judge Banta have already 
been given. From the" best information at hand it seems that 
Franklin was the next township organized. This was most likely 
done within the first two years of the county's history. Hensley 
was next, and was organized at the March term, 1827, of the 
county board, bounded as follows: Beginning at the southwest cor- 
nerof Section 31, in Township 11, Range 3, on the county line, thence 
on the count v line east to the southeast corner of Section 31, Town- 
ship 11, Range 4; thence north on the section line to the northeast 
corner of Section 6, Township 11, Range 4; thence west on the 
line dividing Townships 11 and 12 to the northwest corner of Sec- 
tion 6, Township 11, Range 3; thence south of the county line to 
the place of beginning. Pleasant Township was created by order 
of the board, May 4, 1S29, and included all the land now in both 
Pleasant and Clark townships. Union was authorized on July 5, 
1830, and was bounded as follows: Beginning at the northwest 
corner of Section 31, Township 13, Range 3; thence east on the sec- 
tion line to the range line dividing Ranges 3 and 4; thence north one 
mile; thence east two miles; thence south to the southeast corner 
of Section 32, Township 12, Range 4; thence west to the county 
line; thence north to the place of beginning. 

In 1832, at the March term, the boundaries of all the seven town- 
ships were somewhat changed, and in May, 1838, Clark Township 
was organized, with about the same territory as it now has. From 
that time on there were no new townships created until March, 
1881, when Needham was formed out of the eastern part of Frank- 
lin, thus making a total of nine civil townships in the county. 

Elections. — The following table of presidential elections was ob- 
tained after much search in the countv archives, and though not 



690 



JOHNSON COUNTY, 



entirely complete, are yet valuable for reference. The returns for 
1824, are entirely gone, but the others are all preserved, excepting 
an occasional township. 

November, 1S2S — Democrat.! November, 1832 — Democrat, 
Jackson and Calhoun; whig, 1 Jackson and VanBuren; whig, 



Adams and Rusk. 

D AY 

Franklin 73 66 

White River 34 23 

Nineveh 62 23 

Hensley 52 6 

Blue River — No returns. 



November, iSj6. — Whig, Har- 
rison and Granger; democrat, Van 
Buren and Johnson. 

W D 

Blue River 140 49 

Nineveh 41 10S 

Hensley 2 38 

Union. No returns. 

White River 57 

Pleasant 38 

Franklin 160 



Clay and Sergeant. 

D W 

White River 6S 27 

Blue River 103 64 

Union 7 2 

Hensley 46 4 

Pleasant 39 23 

Franklin — Poll book and tally 
sheet missing. 



9 1 

37 

236 



Total 43S 559 



November, 1S40. — Whig, Har- 
rison and Tyler; democrat, Van 
Buren and Johnson. 

W D 

Blue River 82 32 

Nineveh 73 119 

1 [ensley 12 77 

Union 1 27 

White River 64 148 

Pleasant 70 59 

Clark 23 53 

Franklin 336 433 

Total 631 998 



November, 1S4J.. — Whig, Clay 
and Freylinghuysen; democrat, 
Polk and Dallas; free soil, Bir- 
ney and Morris. 

W D F S 

Hensley 10 100 

Blue River 124 25 

Clark 21 57 1 

Pleasant 37 73 12 

White River. . . 74 161 

Franklin 315 518 2 

Union o 58 

Nineveh tally sheet lost. 202 
votes were cast in the township, 
for the different candidates. 



November, iSj.S. — Democrat, 
Cass and Butler; whig, Taylor 
and Filmore ; free soil, Van Bu- 
ren and Adams. 

D W F S 

Franklin 289 235 12 

Hensley 1 5 1 2 6 

Union 138 32 

Nineveh 146 107 

White River. . . 160 67 

Clark 86 24 

Blue River 42 118 

Pleasant 102 66 



Total 11 14 675 



12 



COUNTY ORGANIZATION. 



69I 






November, iSj2. — Whig, Scott 

and Graham ; democrat, Pierce and 

Kino-; free soil, Hale and Julian. 

W D FS 

Franklin 315 360 

Nineveh 96 

Blue River 192 

Pleasant 92 

Union 31 

White River 84 

Hensley 41 

Clark 45 



165 
no 

H5 

149 

138 

156 
no 



Total 896 133; 



20 



November, 1S60. — Independ- 
ent democrat, Douglas and John- 
son ; democrat, Breckenridge and 
Lane; republican, Lincoln and 
Hamlin: union, Bell and Everett. 






Franklin 
Nineveh 
B. River 
Union . . . 
Hensley. 
W. River 
Pleasant . 
Clark. .. 



ID 

2 89 
166 
133 

157 
iSS 

156 

179 

123 



D 

89 
20 

9 
53 
60 

56 

39 
10 



Total. 1392 336 

November, 1868.— 
Seymour and Blair; 
Grant and Colfax. 



R 


U 


519 


21 


x 49 


4 


174 


9 


39 


12 


40 


4 


127 


2 


172 


4 


83 


4 


303 


60 



November, t8j6. — Democrat, 
Buchanan and Breckenridge; re- 
publican, Fremont and Dayton; 
free soil, Filmore and Donelson. 



Franklin .... 
Nineveh. . . . 
Blue River.. 
Pleasant .... 

Union 

White River 
Hensley 



D 

356 
181 
124 

205 

185 

225 



R 

467 

107 

163 

144 

3i 

79 

32 

72 



FS 

55 

18 

29 

7 

13 
20 

5 
6 



!°95 i53 
• Democrat, 



Clark 117 

Total 1608 

November, iS6^.- 
McClellan and Pendleton ; republi- 
can, Lincoln and Johnson. 

D 

Clark 

White River 

Union 

Nineveh 

Pleasant 207 

Hensley 255 

Franklin 330 

Blue River 173 



138 

219 
219 
172 



R 

130 

ii5 
61 
132 
194 
40 
671 
199 



- Democrat, 
republican, 



D 

555 
227 



Franklin 

Blue River 

Hensley 267 

Union 231 

White River 270 

Clark 163 

Pleasant 241 

Nineveh 195 

Total 2I 49 

44 



R 

635 

264 

268 

68 

131 

154 
242 

134 

1697 



Total 1713 153: 



November, 18J2. — Liberal re- 
publican, Greeley and Brown; 
republican, Grant and Wilson; 
democrat, O'Connor and Julian. 



D 



LR R 

Franklin .... 53S 664 

Nineveh 201 120 

Blue River . . 278 282 

Hensley 250 57 

Clark 131 147 

Pleasant 243 238 

Union 219 72 2 

White River. 249 12 2 

Total 2109 1700 4 



692 



JOHNSON COUNTY. 



November, iSj6. — Democrat, 
Tiklen and Hendricks; repub- 
lican, Haves and Wheeler; inde- 
pendent, Cooper and Cary. 

D R I 

Franklin .... 648 722 2j 
Blue River. .. 288 337 15 
White River. 311 136 8 

Pleasant 267 269 28 

Hensley 299 65 37 

Nineveh .... 178 104 97 

Union 202 45 89 

Clark 170 162 7 

Total 2363 i860 304 



November, 1SS0. — Republican, 
Garfield and Arthur; democrat, 
Hancock and English; independ- 
ent, Weaver and Chambers. 

R D I 

' Franklin .... 783 627 31 
Blue River... 366 317 20 
Nineveh .... 127 178 79 

Hensley 53 300 40 

Union 60 237 71 

White River. 156 334 9 

Clark 177 168 16 

Greenwood . . 166 160 4 
Whiteland . . . 132 140 17 

Total 2020 2461 287 



November, 1884. Democrat, Cleveland and Hendricks; repub- 
lican, Blaine and Logan; national, Butler: prohibition, St. John. 

D 

Franklin, precinct No. 1 205 

Franklin, precinct No. 2 185 

Franklin, precinct No. 3 56 

Needham 194 

Blue River, precinct No. 1 227 

Blue River, precinct No. 2 93 

Nineveh 211 

Hensley, precinct No. 1 210 

Hensley, precinct No. 2 116 

Union 242 

Pleasant, precinct No. 1 159 

Pleasant, precinct No. 2 118 

White River, precinct No. 1 165 

White River, precinct No. 2 162 

Clark " 172 



R 


N 


253 





29 


II 


107 


6 


i.S2 


. . . . 


281 


1 


91 


7 


129 


46 


52 


7 


12 


15 


47 


54 


i59 


2 


112 


i7 


97 



^ 


61 




176 


7 



Total 2515 2020 



179 



17 



County Officers — Representatives: John Connor,* 1S24; James 
Paxton,* 1825; Lewis Morgan,-)- 1826: John Smilev,f 1827-31; 
Sylvan B. Morris,f 1828; Rezin Davis,f 1829-30; Joab Wood- 
ruff, 1832-33-34; John S. Thompson, 1835: James Lusk, 1836; 
Benjamin S.Noble, 1837: Berriman Reynolds, 1838; Fabius M. 



* Marion, Madison, Hamilton and Johnson counties, t Johnson and Shelby counties. 



COUNTY ORGANIZATION. • 693 

Finch, 1839; James Richey, 1840-41 ; Franklin Hardin, 1842-43-44; 
Daniel Webb, 1845; Gilderoy Hicks, 1S46-4S-49-50; Isaiah M. 
Norris, 1847; Samuel Eccles, 1851; Royal- S. Hicks, 1853; Jo- 
seph M. King, 1S55, Dillard Ricketts, 1857; Augustus Keifer, 
1859; O. R. Daugherty,± 1861; John A. Polk, 1S61; T. W. 
Woollen, + 1863; Achilles V. Pendleton, 1863; Ezra A. Olleman,^ 
1865-67; Elijah Banta, 1865; David G. Vawter, 1867; William K. 
Admire,;}; 1869; Duncan Montgomery, 1869-71; Caleb B. Tarle- 
ton,+ 1S71; Thomas W. Woollen, 1873; C. McFadden, 1S75; 
Charles O. Lehman, 1877-79; William H. Barnett, 1881; Will- 
iam T. Rivers, 1S83; Jacob L. White, 1S86. 

Prosecuting Attorneys: Daniel B. Wick, 1823; Harvey Gregg, 
1824; Calvin Fletcher, 1S25; James Whitcomb, 1826; William 
W. Wick, 1829; Hiram Brown, 1S31; James Gregg, 1832; 
William Herrod, 1834; William Quarrels, 1838; William J. Peaslee, 
1840; Hugh O'Neal, 1841; H. H. Barbour, 1843; Alram Ham- 
mond, 1844; Edward Lander, 1848; John Ketcham, 1S48; David 
Wallace, 1848; G. M. Overstreet, 1849; David S. Gooding, 1851; 
Reuben A. Riley, 1853; D. W. Chipman, 1S55; Peter S. Kennedy, 
1857; William P. Fishback, 1863; William W. Leathers, 1865; 
Joseph S. Miller, 1867 ; Daniel W. Howe, 1869; Nathaniel T. Carr, 
1S70; John Morgan, 1871; K M. Hord, 1872; W. S. Ray, 1874; 
Leonard J. Hackney, 1878; Jacob L. White, 1880. Fred Staff, 
1882; Peter M. Dill, 1886. 

Judges Circuit Court: William W. Wick, 1S23-34-50; Bethuel 
F. Morris, 1S25; James Morrison, 1S40; Fabius M. Finch, 1S42- 
59; William J. Peaslee, 1843; Stephen Major, 1852; John Co- 
burn, 1865; Cyrus C. Hines, 1866; Samuel P. Oyler, 1869; David 
D. Banta, 1870: Kendall M. Hord, 1876. 

Associate Judges of the Circuit Court: Israel Watts, 1S23-30; 
Daniel Boaz, 1823-37; William Keaton, 1830-35: James R. Alex- 
ander, 1835-48; Robert Moore, 1837-44; James Fletcher, 1843-45; 
John R. Carver, 1S44-1S51; John Wilson, 1845-51. 

Probate Judges: Israel Watts, 1830-37; John Smiley, 1837-44; 
Bartholomew Applegate, 1S44-51; Peter Voris, 1S51-52. Court 
abolished in 1S52. 

Common Pleas Judges: Franklin Hardin, 1851-60; George A. 
Buskirk, 1860-64; Oliver J. Glessner, 1864-1868: Thomas W. 
Woollen, 1868-70; Richard Coffey, 1870-71. Court abolished in 
1871. 

District Attorneys: S. O. W. Garrett, S. P. Oyler, Jonathan 
II. Williams, D. D. Banta, John Montgomery, Jacob S. Bradwell, 
James Harrison, J. H. Reeves, George W. Workman. 

{ Joint, Johnson and Morgan. 



694 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Circuit Clerks: Samuel Herriott, 1S23; David Allen, 1839-47; 
Isaac Jones, 1844; R. S. Hicks, 1847; Jacob Sibert, 1850; William 
H. Barnett, 1855; Isaac M. Thompson, 1S71; Thomas Hardin, 
1879; Samuel Harris, 1882: David Fitz Gibbon, 1886. 

County Treasurers: Joseph Young, John Adams, Robert 
Gilcrees, Madison Vandiver, William C. Jones, William F. Johns, 
William Bridges, Henry Fox, William H.Jennings, Jacob F. Mc- 
Clellan, John Herriott, Hascall N. Pinney, William S. Ragsdale, 
John W. Wilson (died before term commenced), George Cutsin- 
ger, John W. Ragsdale, George W. Gilchrist, David Swift, James 
M. Jacobs. 

Auditors: Jacob Sibert, 1S41; Jonathan H.Williams, 1S51; 
George W. Allison, 1855; Elijah Bennett, 1S59: William H. Bar- 
nett, 1868: E. N. Woollen, 1871; W. C. Bice, 1875: W. B.Jen- 
nings, 1S79; Thomas C. M. Perry, 1886. 

Recorders: William Shaffer, 1823; Pierson Murphy, 1836; 
Thomas Alexander, 1843: Jacob Peggs, 1844-67: William S. 
Ragsdale, 1859; Willet Tyler, 1863; George W. Demaree, 1S75; 
J. R. Clemmer, 1879; J ames T. Trout by appointment; W. H. 
Barnett, 1886. 

Sheriffs: John Smiley, Joab Woodruff, John Thompson, David 
Allen, Isaac Jones, Austin Jacobs, Samuel Hall, John Jackson, 
William C. Jones, Robert Johnson, Nixon Hughes, William 
Bridges, W. H. Jennings, H. L. McClellan, Noah Perry, Eli But- 
ler, John W. Higgins, William W. Owens, Robert Gillaspy, James 
H. Pudney, William Neal, G. C. Stewart, Jacob Hazelett. 

Commissioners, first district: James Gillaspv, James Wiley, 
David Forsyth, Wilson Allen, George Botsford, Reason Slack, 
C. R. Ragsdale, George B. White, N. S. Branigan. Warren Cole- 
man, Ransom Riggs, Joseph Jenkins, Ezekiel W. $Iorgan, Will- 
iam Bridges: second district: William G. Jones, Daniel Covert, 
Peter Shuck, Austin Jacobs, Samuel Magill, Melvin Wheat, Mil- 
ton Utter, James M. Alexander, William J. Mathes, John Kerlin, 
Peter Demaree, William II. Shuck, Daniel S. Grass, William J. 
Mathes, James H. Vandiver, Strather Herod; third district: Archi- 
bald Glenn, James Ritchey, Samuel Eccles, Jacob Comingore, 
Joseph Harmon, Moses Parr, James F. Wile) - , John Clore, Robert 
Jennings, James Collins. 

County Assessors: W. C. Jones, 1840; James Hughes, 1841; 
Daniel McLain, 1843; David R. McGaughey, 1844; John Ritchev, 
1844; Jeremiah M. Woodruff, 1846; Malcom M. Crow, 1848; 
F. C. Buchanan, 1850; Hume Sturgeon, 1851. Office abolished 
in 1851. 



COUNTY ORGANIZATION. 6q$ 

Real Estate Appraisers: Thomas Williams, 1840; Jacob Sibert, 
1846; Peter Shuck, 1850. 

Collectors of County Revenue: Robert Gilcrees, 1S26; Ira 
Woodruff (sheriff), 1827; John Thompson, 1831; David Allen 
(sheriff), 1S35; Hiram T. Craig, 183S; Arthur Mullikin, 1839. 
Office abolished in 1S40. 

County Surveyors: The following is only a partial list of the 
surveyors of Johnson County: James H. Wishard, Thomas Will- 
iams, Franklin Hardin, John S. Ilougham, Hiram Graves, G. M. 
Overstreet, P. K. Parr, W. W. Hubbard, Joseph J. Moore, Will- 
iam M. Elliott, Wilson T. Hougham, Daniel A. Leach, Benjamin 
R. Ransdell. 

Avenues of Travel. — The roads traversed by the pioneer set- 
tlers of Johnson Countv, were first the Indian trails, which were 
soon succeeded by neighborhood roads. After the organization of the 
count}', roads were viewed and established by authority of the 
board of commissioners. These primitive roads were little more 
than a path blazed out, by which the traveler might, with some 
degree of confidence, go from one settlement to another without 
fear of losing his course. These roads often traversed low, swampy 
lands, and, in order to make them passable, were cross-laid with 
logs and rails, and were generally known as " corduroys." 

After years of experience with dirt roads the legislature author- 
zed the construction of plank roads. Such roads were built in 
many of the counties, but were soon abandoned as impracticable. 
This was followed by an act of the legislature, authorizing the 
construction of gravel roads. This act was followed by the rapid 
construction of pikes, and later the county has built a large number 
of free gravel roads, which at present lead out from all the princi- 
pal trade centers of the county. Johnson County is traversed by 
two lines of railroad. The J., M. & I. Railroad, which traverses the 
entire length from north to south, was built late in the forties, the 
first train arriving at Franklin, Wednesday, August iS, 1847. The 
Fairland, Franklin & Martinsville, a branch of the C, I... St. L. & C. 
Railroad, furnishes an outlet to the east and west, and thus the 
people are supplied with the necessary competition to make trans- 
portation cheap. 

Medical. — Of the early history of the profession but little can 
be said. The incidents of early practice were similar to those of all 
western communities. The exposures and hardships incident to the 
practice in the pioneer days of Johnson Count}" were such that it is 
now a matter of astonishment that there were those who were willing 
to sacrifice themselves to alleviate the sufferini>- of their fellow man. 



696 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

The almost impassable condition of the roads, the exposure to in- 
clement weather, and wild animals, and the uncertainty of remun- 
eration for their services, made the life of the pioneer physician an 
unenviable one. 

Among the prominent early practitioners may be mentioned the 
names of James Ritchev, Mack Smiley, A. D. Sweet, Samuel 
Webb, J. H. Donnell, W. W. Thomas, ). H. Woodburn, Samuel 
Thompson, Dr. Winslow, John McCorkle, J. P. Gill, Lewis Mc- 
Laughlin, James McMurry, Dr. Leavitt, John Scott, Dr. Fish, Dr. 
Charleton, Dr. Bush, George Riddel, — Finnimore, L. J. Woollen, 
Dr. Pinkney, Cardell. A. R. Miller. Johnson, J. J. Cole, South- 
worth, Jordon, S. Voris, J. D. Vannuys, Mitchell Bedford, Runnell, 
Robert Taggart, 'A. T. Davis, W. C. Hendricks, Cook, J. H. 
Thompson and F. B. Day. 

It has long been recognized by those engaged in the practice 
of the healing art, that a union of effort and mutuality of council are 
essential to success. This suggested to the members of the pro- 
fession in Johnson County the necessity for the organization of a 
societv in which members may meet, and by a comparison of indi- 
vidual experiences, deduce the most practical methods. With such 
an object in view, a medical societv was organized in 1SS0, with 
Drs. Z. Carries, H. Carter. T. C. Donnell. J. S. Farris. II. J. Hall, 
J. T.Jones, J. A. Marshall, A. Miller, P. W. Payne, J. J. Saddler, 
B. Wallace, W. A. Webb, and J. C. Wood, as charter members. 
The following are the names of those who have taken out license 
to practice in the county since 1S85. 

T. C. Donnell. Ira C. Fisher, Frank B. Day, James T. Jones, 
J. C. Wood, P. W. Payne, W. C. Hall, William A. Webb, A. Mil- 
ler, James Beebe, J. D. George, J. H. Donnell, B. Wallace, Homer 
J. Hall, William M. Province, L. L. Whitesides, G. W. Covert, 
P. K. Dobyns, Lyman E. Ott, Samuel T. Quick, William P. 
Bush, David Adams, John A. Bland, William E. Tilford, Jesse H. 
Lanam, Luther Paine, Joseph M. Wishard, Thomas W. Curry, Irvin 
Hibbs, Jefferson B. Ream, Charles E. Whitesides, Thomas B. 
Noble, J. A. Marshall, William C. Hendricks, E. B. Willan, Zach- 
ariah Carnes, James II. Adams. John W. Dixon, Robert B. Willan, 
Appleton W. Wright, Joseph J. Saddler, John L. Keglev, Thomas 
B. Maze. R. S. Byers, Robert Taggert, J. S. Farris. Reuben 
Griffith, William H. Murphv, James II. Bazell, Joseph R. Cravens, 
W. F. Gooden, O. B. Surface, Ira C. Willan, James P. Moser, J. 
T. Mercer, Samuel Pagin, Amos Davis, Urbina Stackhouser, F. P. 
Gillaspv, David II. Miller, James S. Roberts, Isaac D. Carman, 
J. G. Grim, James A. Comstock, J. K. Vincent, Samuel McGaughey, 



HENSLEY TOWNSHIP. 697 

J. O. Wharton, Thomas R. Rubush, Stephen L. S trickier, James 
K. Stewart, James L. Barrett, James W. Marsee, Carl T. Payne, 
W. 11. Wishard. 

HENSLEY TOWNSHIP. 

William A. Bridges stands among the most substantial far- 
mers, stock-raisers and business men of this part of Indiana. He 
was born October n, 1S50, son of George and Martha (Clark) 
Bridges. The father was a native of Kentucky, born May 4, 1S00, 
and departed this life August 23, 1872. He came to Johnson 
County in the autumn of 1S29, and settled in Hensley Township, 
about two miles west of Trafalgar, Ind. Here he settled on a farm 
and engaged in the arduous duties of clearing it up. His boyhood 
and youth were spent on a farm. His education was extremely lim- 
ited, for hard work was such a necessity in those days but little time 
could be devoted to schooling, but bv reason of a large amount of 
business, and by much mingling with men, he acquired a good 
practical education. He was thoroughly conversant with all things 
that pertained to his business, and on all general affairs he was well 
informed. He was honorable and upright in all his dealings, a con- 
sistent member of the Missionary Baptist Church. Few men ac- 
complished as much in life, and succeeded in establishing as 
complete confidence in the minds of all as he. His popularity ex- 
tended to all with whom he had business connections, and he was one 
of those few who have the scarce and precious qualities of making a 
great deal of money in a way that added to, rather than detracted 
from, their popularity. In 1825, he was united in marriage with 
Matilda Forsythe. This union was blessed with seven children, 
four boys and three girls, four of whom are now living, two boys 
and two girls. The mother of these children was born June 3, 
1806, and departed this life March 14, 1S48. On August 16, 1S48, 
he was united in marriage with Martha Clark, a daughter of Will- 
iam and Margaret Clark. This union was blessed with the fol- 
lowing children: Marion F., born June 20, 1849; William A., 
our subject, October 11, 1850. The mother of these children was 
born June 8, 1828. She was a member of the Missionary 
Baptist Church, who in this, as in all the other affairs of life, 
has been her husband's faithful companion, and who has always 
proved herself that willing helper which the true wife and mother 
ever is. She departed this life, July 30, 1856. On October 16, 
1S56. he was united in marriage with Eliza A. Prather, a daugh- 
ter of Thomas and Mary Prather. This union was blessed 
with the following children: Dillard, Adaline, Henry, Emma, Eliza 



69S JOHNSON COUNTY. 

A., and Andrew. The mother of these children is a member of 
the Missionary Baptist Church. Mr. Bridges was always a staunch 
democrat, and at the time of his death was the owner of 810 acres 
of fine farming lands in Hensley Township, which was improved. 
Mr. Bridges' position in Johnson County was a fitting reward for 
the work and toil of a lifetime, and shows conclusively to all begin- 
ners on life's journey how much more honorable, useful, and satis- 
factory is a life of industry, exertion, and honesty. Our subject, 
William A. Bridges, was reared on his father's farm in Hensley 
Township; he received a good common school education, and at 
the age of twenty-one years began the struggle of life for himself 
as a farmer, and has always been one of the live men of Johnson 
Count)-. Improvement and progress has always been his watch- 
word, and it has always been his ambition to keep fully up with 
the advancing civilization of the nineteenth century. One needs 
but to see his beautiful home and the many surrounding improve- 
ments to become convinced that he has kept thoroughly abreast with 
the spirit of the times. October 9, 1S70, he was united in marriage 
with Alice M. Hunter, a daughter of Singleton and Harriet 
(Clemmer) Hunter: the father was a native of Kentucky, of 
German descent, born December iS, 1S29; he came to Indiana 
in 1S40, and settled in Hensley Township, where he remained 
until 1885, when he emigrated to Kansas, where he now re- 
sides. The mother was a native of Ohio, of German descent, 
was born April 11, 1830, and departed this life, December 15, 
1882. This union was blessed with the following children: Otis, 
born July 9, 1S71: I Iarrv, December 12,1872; Daisy, October 
22, 1877. The mother of these children was born October 27, 
1850. Mr. Bridges, wife, and the two boys, are members of the 
Missionary Baptist Church. He is a member of the I. O. O. F. 
lodge, No. 181, at Trafalgar, alsoa member of the K. of P. lodge, 
No. 12, at Franklin. In politics he has always been a staunch 
democrat, and is the recognized leader of the young democracy of 
his township. He is now the present county commissioner of dis- 
trict No. 1. After his nomination for this office, he was appointed 
to fill a vacancy of eighteen months in the same, caused by the 
death of E. W. Morgan, and was elected at the following November 
election of 1SS6, by a handsome majority. He now owns no 
acres of fine land, in Hensley Township. In connection with farming, 
he has given considerable of his time to the breeding of short-horn 
cattle. His liberal support of churches, schools, and all landable 
enterprises are characteristic of the man. Such men build up a 
community, and erect for themselves imperishable monuments of 
gratitude which will live for many years after they have passed 






HENSLEY TOWNSHIP. 699 

away. Socially, Mr. Bridges is a thoroughly good fellow, enter- 
taining all at his home, with a liberal hospitality, and makes friends 
wherever he goes. 

Aaron V. Burget, prominent farmer and stock-raiser of 
Hensley Township, is an Indianian by birth, having been born in 
Johnson County, on the 3d day of November, 1843. His father, 
Valentine Burget, was a native of Ohio, and an early resident of 
Johnson Count}', accompanying his parents here about the year 
1832, and settling in Nineveh Township. Valentine Burget grew 
to manhood in Nineveh Township, and in 1S39 was united in mar- 
riage with Nancy Keaton, a native of Tennessee, and daughter of 
Miles and Sylvia (Butram) Keaton, of North Carolina. To this 
marriage ten children were born, five of whom are now living, and 
residents of Johnson Count}'. Mr. Burget was a prominent citizen, 
and had a large circle of friends in this and other parts of the 
country. He died in 1885, aged seventy-one years. The subject 
of this sketch was reared to agricultural pursuits, receiving a good 
practical English education, and for some time followed the 
teacher's calling in Nineveh Township. He afterward abandoned 
the profession for farming, which useful vocation he has since car- 
ried on. On the 16th of April, 1863, was solemnized his marriage 
with Miss Lucinda, daughter of William and Mary (Teeters) Gil- 
laspy. The father of Mrs. Burget was drowned in White River a 
number of vears ag'o, and the mother, who is still living, subse- 
quently married Thomas Gillaspy. Mr. Burget was a resident of 
Nineveh Township until 1871, at which time he purchased his 
present home place, consisting of 109 acres, in Section 13, 
Hensley Township, where he has since lived and prospered. He 
is a democrat in politics, and as such has held minor official positions 
at different times, the duties of which he discharged in a manner 
highly satisfactory to all concerned. He identified himself with the 
Christian Church a number of years ago, and is an earnest and 
consistent member of that denomination. Mr. and Mrs. Burget 
have had eight children, seven of whom are now living, viz. : Dil- 
lard A., William M., Tillas A., Alice, Nancy A., Sallie E. and 
Floyd E. Emma L., the fourth child, died at the age of five 
years. 

Joseph Clark, M. D., is a native of Indiana, and was born in 
Bartholomew County, on the 14th day of October, 183S. His 
father, Thomas S. Clark, was born in the city of Manchester, Eng- 
land, and at an early age came to America, locating at Lebanon, 
Ohio, where he learned the cabinet-makers' trade. After residing 
at this place a number of vears, he moved to Indiana, about 1823, 
and entered a tract of land in Jackson Township, Shelby County. 



700 JOHNSON" COUNTY, 

He was twice married, the first time on the 24th day of December, 
1833, to Miss Martha M. Harris, of Virginia, whose death occurred 
in February, 1843. Four children were born to this marriage, 
three of whom are now living. June 15, 1843, Mr. Clark married 
Miss Letitia Query, by whom he had three children, all deceased. 
Shortly after his second marriage Mr. Clark moved to Hensley 
Township, and here resided until his death. In many respects 
Thomas Clark was a remarkable man. In early life he evinced de- 
cided taste for intellectual pursuits, and while a mere youth began 
the stud}- of Latin, Greek and Hebrew, in which he soon 
acquired "remarkable proficiency. His love for the classics 
never abated, and in old age he was able to read the Scrip- 
tures in the original tongues, Greek and Hebrew. He was a man 
of abstemious habits, possessed a tenacious memory, and was a 
believer in religion, as taught by Emanuel Swedenborg. He was 
born April, 1806, and departed this life February, 1873. Mrs. 
Clark survived her husband several years, dying July. 1887, aged 
seventy. Dr. Clark spent his youthful years on his father's farm, 
and received his early educational training in the common schools, 
supplemented by a course in Franklin College, which he at- 
tended two years. On quitting college he engaged in teach- 
ing, and was thus employed until the breaking out of the rebellion, 
when he enlisted in Company I, Seventy-ninth Indiana Vol- 
unteer Infantry, Col. Fred Knefiler"s regiment, with which he 
served gallantly from 1862 until the close of the war. He partici- 
pated in a number of battles, in one of which, at Murfreesboro, 
Tenn., he was severely wounded in the left arm by the explosion 
of a shell, the effect of which was to disable him for field duty. 
For some time thereafter he was employed as hospital steward, at 
Louisville and New Albany. At the close of the war he returned 
to Johnson Countv, but in the meantime, while in the government 
service, began reading medicine with Dr. Sloan, of New Albany. 
Impressed with a laudable desire to increase his knowledge of the 
profession, the Doctor subsequently attended lectures at Louisville and 
New York, and in 1867 graduated in New York, and began the 
practice at Morgantown, where he continued about twelve years. 
He then relinquished the practice and engaged in the commission 
business at Indianapolis, which branch of trade he continued suc- 
cessfully until 1884. In that year he returned to Hensley Town- 
ship and began farming, which he has since carried on, owning at 
this time a fine farm of 240 acres. The Doctor was married Janu- 
ary 8, 1871, to Miss Harriet Skeggs, of Morgan County, 
daughter of Zachariah Skeggs. 

F. M. Coleman, a prominent farmer and stock-raiser of Hens- 



HENSLEY TOWNSHIP. 701 

lev Township, is a native of Johnson County, Ind., and son of F. M. 
and Mary ( Woollard ) Coleman. He was born on the Coleman home- 
stead in this township, on the 5th of March, 1S56, and grew to 
manhood on his father's farm, attending the common schools at 
intervals in the meantime, in which he obtained a practical English 
education. On the 29th day of December, 1876, was solemnized 
his marriage with Miss Frances Paskins, daughter of John Paskins 
of this county, a union blessed with the birth of the following child- 
ren: John F., Chelcie, George and Mary E. Mr. Coleman has 
always lived upon the place where he now resides, and as a farmer 
and stock-raiser, has been very successful, ranking among the enter- 
prising and progressive citizen, of Hensley. He is a man of pleasing 
address, is popular socially, and numbers his friends by the score in 
the community and elsewhere. Politically, he is a supporter of the 
democratic party, and as such has taken an active interest in local 
politics. He is a member of the Masonic fraternity, belonging 
to Lodge No. 358, at Morgantown. 

Warren Coleman. — The paternal ancestors of the subject of 
this sketch came originally from Germany, and settled in America 
in the time of the colonies. Jacob Coleman, grandfather of Warren, 
fought for the cause of liberty during the War of the Revolution, 
and his son, Jacob, Jr., served with distinction in the War of 1812. 
The family early emigrated to Ohio, in which state the subject's 
father was married m 1S09, to Miss Elizabeth Thomas, an aunt of the 
late General George H. Thomas, who bore such a distinguished 
part in the late War of the Rebellion. Jacob Thomas farmed for 
a number of years near the city of Cleveland, and, in 1839, came 
to Johnson County, Ind., where he lived until his death in 1873. 
His wife survived him many years, dying March 25, 1883. at the 
advanced age of ninety-live years. They raised to manhood and 
womanhood a family of eight children, of whom three are now liv- 
ing: Mrs. Sarah Loyd, Mrs. Amanda Hammond and the subject 
of this biography. Warren Coleman was born near the city of 
Cleveland, Ohio, on the 12th of Jul}', 1S16, and until his twenty- 
fourth year, resided in his native state. He accompanied his par- 
ents to Johnson County, in 1S39, and until his marriage, which was 
solemnized on the 16th day of March, 1847, with Miss Lucy 
Gillaspy, he remained on the home place looking after his par- 
ents' interest. Shortly after marriage, Mr. Coleman settled in the 
northwest part of Nineveh Township, and from time to time pur- 
chased land until lie now owns a farm of 123 acres, the greater part 
of which is under a high state of cultivation. He has been a very 
industrious man, and, as a democrat, served three years as com- 
missioner of Johnson County, besides having held minor official 






702 JOHXSOX COUNTY. 

positions. His wife was a daughter of Joseph Gillaspy, one of the 
early residents of the township. She died August 21, 1879. Mr. 
and Mrs. Coleman raised a family of seven children, whose names 
are as follows: Francis M., William D.. George \V., Susan, Lucy 
J., Amos, and Jacob. 

Daniel W. Cooper, an old and reliable citizen of Hensley 
Township, and one of the few pioneers now living, is a native 
of Wayne County. Ky.. and dates his birth from the 13th day of 
November, 1S23. His parents. Abraham and Elizabeth (Collett) 
Cooper, were natives of Kentucky, also, and early residents of 
Johnson County, moving here in 1833. The}- raised a family of 
eleven children, eight of whom are still living, four residents of this 
county. The subject of this sketch being the oldest son, was early 
compelled to contribute his part toward clearing and developing 
the farm. Hence his educational training was of a somewhat limited 
character. He made the most of his opportunities, however, and 
bv coming in contact with his fellow men in after life, obtained a 
fund of practical knowledge, and is now a well-informed man. 
September 12, 1844, he was married to Miss Ahulia Alexander, of 
Johnson County, and daughter of Thomas Alexander. The fruits 
of this marriage have been nine children, of whom the following 
are living: Annie A., Elizabeth, Ellen, Lavicy, Smith and Alice. 
Mr. Cooper has followed agricultural pursuits all his life, and now 
owns a well-improved farm of 140 acres. He is a democrat in 
politics, and a member of the Masonic order. He stands high in 
the estimation of his fellow men, and is one of the township's repre- 
sentative citizens. 

James C. Core, the gentleman whose name introduces this 
sketch, was born in Johnson County, on the 14th day of January, 
1834. His father, Jacob Core, was a native of Ohio, from which 
state he emigrated to Kentucky many years ago, and there married 
Mary J. Forsyth, who was born at Crab Orchard, in the latter state. 
Mr. Core was by occupation a miller, and in addition to his trade, 
he was emploved for some time in Kentucky, in the capacity of 
overseer. He came to Johnson County, ind., in 1S27, and purchased 
government land in Nineveh Township, upon which he lived until 
his death. He died a number of years ago at the age of fifty-four, 
and was buried in the Mt. Pleasant cemetery, where the body of 
his wife was also laid, she having died later at the age of sixty-four 
years. James C. Core has spent all his life in Johnson Count}', 
and is now one of its oldest citizens, having been a resident over 
fifty-four years. He grew to manhood on the farm, and in the old 
log school-house, lighted bv a window of greased paper, and furn- 
ished with rough puncheon benches, minus backs, he obtained the 



HENSLEY TOWNSHIP. 703 

rudiments of an ordinary English education. On the 25th day of 
February, 1856, he was married, and immediately thereafter he be- 
gan carving out a home for himself in Nineveh Township, where 
he continued to live and prosper until 1SS7. In that year he dis- 
posed of his place in Nineveh, and purchased his present farm in 
Hensley Township, a beautiful place of eighty acres, well stocked 
and improved. For some time he handled stock for James P. For- 
syth, and did a successful business while thus employed. Mr. Core 
is one of the industrious farmers of Hensley, and a popular citizen in 
the community where he resides. He has had ten children, seven 
living: .Matilda E., Martha E., Maria A., George W., John, J. C. 
and Effie M. The oldest daughter, Matilda, married Henry 
Hughes, and is living in Nineveh Township. Martha E. is the 
wife of George W. Short. 

James Forsyth, deceased. — Conspicuous among the represen- 
tative citizens of Johnson County, was the late James Forsyth. 
Mr. Forsyth was a native of Kentucky, born July 6, 1813, and a 
son of J. and Jane (Sturgeon) Forsyth. He grew to manhood's 
estate in Kentucky, and in 1S30, moved to Johnson County, Ind., 
and located a home not far from the city of Franklin. He 
entered land in Franklin and Nineveh Township, and in time be- 
came a large property holder and a prosperous citizen. On the 
16th day of February, 1837, he married Miss Ellen N. Ragsdale, 
daughter of Frederick Ragsdale, one of the pioneer settlers of 
Hensley Township. Mr. Forsyth identified himself with the First 
Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church in 1843, from which time until his 
death he was active in the councils of his church and foremost in 
every work to propagate religious truth. He accummulated a 
handsome property, but in later life met with financial reverses, 
which resulted in the loss of a considerable portion of his property. 
He was liberal in all the word implies, and his numerous bene- 
factions for religious and benevolent purposes, attest his unbounded 
faith in the Scriptural maxim, that " it is more blessed to give than 
to receive." His church and Franklin CoHece owe him a debt of 
gratitude for munificent gifts received at different times, and many 
who received his aid in a quiet and unostentatious way remember 
him as a true friend and benefactor. He served as director of 
Franklin College in 1875-6, and at one time was president of the 
First National Bank of Franklin. Mr. and Mrs. Forsyth were not 
blessed with children of their own, but through their kindness two 
children were reared, who will always bless the memory of their 
benefactors. Mr. Forsyth died on the 18th day of March, 1887, 
but Mrs. Forsyth is still living, having reached a serene and happy 
old age. 



704 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

James A. Foster, only son of William and Francina Foster, 
whose sketch appears elsewhere, is a native of Johnson County. He 
has been a resident of Hensley Township for many years, and is 
one of the industrious and energetic farmers of the community in 
which he resides. He has been twice married, the first time on the 
5th day of December, 1852. to Miss Luelia M. Clemmer, a natiye 
of Johnson County, daughter of Solomon Clemmer. Two children 
were born to this union, Lola and Lula. Mrs. Foster died August, 
1883, and was burried in the Friendship cemetery. On the 25th 
of October, 1884, Mr. Foster's second marriage was solemnized 
with Miss Margaret Ellis, daughter of Jesse Ellis, a union blessed 
with the birth of one child, who died in infancy. Mr. Foster 
owns a well-stocked farm of 120 acres, and is in comfortable cir- 
cumstances. Politically, he is a democrat, in religion, a Methodist. 

William Foster, deceased, was born in Johnson County, Ind. 
April 23, 1831. He was a son of Richard and Lucinda (Coons) 
Foster, natives of Virginia, and of English and German descent, 
respectively. Richard Foster came to Johnson about the time the 
county was organized, and was one of the pioneers of Blue River 
Township. Subsequently he moved to Hensley Township, where, 
for some years, he held the office of justice of the peace. He was 
a prominent citizen, and did much in a quiet way toward opening 
and developing the country. He died at a good old age, as did also 
his wife, and they both rest side by side in Tipton County, this state. 
Mr. and Mrs. Foster raised a large family, ten children having 
grown to manhood and womanhood, six of whom are now living, 
all residents of the County of Tipton. William Foster passed his 
youthful years in Johnson County, and was reared on a farm. Aug- 
ust. 1850, he married Miss Francina Smith, daughter of Jeremiah and 
Elizabeth Smith, of East Tennessee. Mrs. Foster was born in 
Tennessee, on February 5, 1827. and is the mother of two children: 
James A., born August n, 1851, and Minerva, born May S, 1S59, 
and died in childhood. Mr. Foster was one of the leading citizens 
and farmers of Hensley Township, and a man widely and favorably 
known for his many excellent traits of character. He died very 
suddenly of heart disease, on January 25, 1884. He was for many 
years an active member of the Methodist Church, to which his wife 
also belonged. She is still living on the home place, which is now 
superintended by her son, James A. 

O. W. Garrett, deceased, the subject of this sketch, was a native 
of Kentucky, born on the 14th day of December, 181 1. He spent 
about thirty years in that state, and then came to Johnson County, 
Ind., locating in Hensley Township, of which he was a resident 
about twenty years, the greater part of which time was spent in 



\ 



HENSLEY TOWNSHIP. 705 

teaching. lie was for some time engaged in the saw-milling busi- 
ness in Morgan County, and at one time worked at the stone ma- 
son's trade, in which he acquired great proficiency. When the war 
broke out he offered his services to his country, enlisting in the 
Twenty-seventh Regiment Indiana Infantry, with the commission 
of second lieutenant of his company. Subsequently he was pro- 
moted first lieutenant, and as such served until honorably discharged 
at the expiration of his term of service. Mr. Garrett was at one 
time a practicing attorney, and acquired some prominence as a mem- 
ber of the baf of Morgan County. He was a man of broad intelli- 
gence, and for a number of years took an active part in local 
politics. He married, in Louisville, Ky., Miss Lucy Ann Curl, 
daughter of Samuel and Sinah Curl, of the same state, by whom 
he had two children, both deceased. Mrs. Garrett was born on 
the 9th day of December, 1S1S. Mr. Garrett died at his residence 
in Morgan County, on the 8th day of February, 1876. Mrs. Gar- 
rett lives in the village of Samaria. 

John Hogeland was born in Green County, Ky., now Taylor 
County, on the 16th day of November, 1824. His father, John 
Hogeland, Sr., was a native of Pennsylvania, and of French descent. 
He was taken to Kentucky, when ten years of age, and there mar- 
ried Nancy Shipp, by whom he had twelve children, six sons and 
the same number of daughters. In 1833, he immigrated to Indiana 
and settled in Shelby County, thence one year later moved to John- 
son County, locating three and one-half miles north of Franklin. 
About the year 1S37, he moved to the northwest part of Hensley 
Township, and lived here until 1S70. For two or three years he 
resided in Samaria, and then moved west of Morgantown, where his 
death occurred at the advanced age of eighty-one. His wife ser- 
vived him several years, and died at the residence of her son, in 
Hensley Township, being over eighty at the time of her death. 
Mr. Hogeland was a prominent farmer. For a period of over sixty 
years, he belonged to the Baptist Church. John Hogeland, Jr., sub- 
ject of this sketch, was nearly ten years of age when the family 
came to Indiana. He was reared to agricultural pursuits, and at 
the age of twenty, married Miss Eliza Whitsitt, of Jennings County, 
ind., daughter of John and Mary (Blankenship) Whitsitt. Shortly 
after marriage, Mr. Hogeland settled in Blue River Township, 
where he lived twenty-two years. He then returned to Hensley 
Township, where he has since resided, anil where he now owns a 
farm of 270 acres, one of the best improved places in the southern 
part of the countv. He justly ranks among the substantial men of 
the community, and as a farmer and stock-raiser, has few equals in 
Hensley Township. By his first marriage he had three children, 



706 JOHNSON COUNTV. 

all deceased. His present wife, whom he married in April, 1866, 
was Mrs. Mary J. Young, widow of J. Young, and daughter of 
Joseph Pratt. Mr. and Mrs. Hogeland are members of the Baptist 
Church. 

I. J. Holeman, the gentleman for whom this sketch is prepared, is 
a native of Johnson County, and dates his birth from the 7th day 
of April. 1844. His parents were J. M. and Elizabeth (Street) 
Holeman, both natives of the State of Kentucky. Our subject 
was raised a farmer, and has followed agricultural pursuits all his 
life. He belongs to that large and eminently respectable class who 
accomplish much for the good of society in a quiet and unostenta- 
tious way, and during a long period of residence in Hensley Town- 
ship, has gained the confidence and respect of all with whom he 
has come in contact. March 25, 1S67, he was united in marriage 
to Miss Eliza J. Coleman, daughter of F. M. Coleman, and to their 
union have been born nine children, seven of whom are living: 
Nettie E., Jennie, James F., John D., Rettie, Gussie and Oris C. 
The names of those deceased are, Mary I., who died in her seven- 
teenth year, and Annie, whose age was seven months. They were 
both laid to rest at Bethlehem Church cemetery. Mr. Holeman 
owns a good farm, and is in comfortable circumstances financially. 
He is a democrat politically, and an earnest worker in the I. O. O. F. 
fraternit ,-, belonging to Lodge Xo. 196, Morgantown. 

Jonathan Yount. — The Yount family came originally from 
Germany, and were among the early settlers of Pennsylvania, in 
colonial times. From that state the grandfather of the subject em- 
igrated to Kentuckv, and was an associate of the celebrated Daniel 
Boone, in leading the van of civilization into the " dark and bloody 
ground."' He participated in many of the struggles with the In- 
dians, and is remembered as one of the bravest of the pioneers of 
a time abounding in brave and daring men. George Yount, father 
of the subject, was born and reared in Kentucky, Shelby County. 
and was a farmer by occupation. He was a man of some local 
prominence, having held an official position in the militia service, 
and for some years took an active part in politics as a supporter of 
the whig partv. His death occurred a number of years ago in his 
native state. The maiden name of our subject's mother was Sarah 
Bright. She was descended from English ancestry, and was 
married to Mr. Yount in Kentuckv, and was the mother of four 
children, all living, three of them residents of Johnson County. 
Mrs. Yount died in Johnson County, aged over eighty years. 
Jonathan Yount was born May 3. iSjS, in Shelby County. Ky., and 
grew to manhood in his native state as a farmer. His early educa- 
tional advantages were of a meager character, embracing in all about 












HENSLEY TOWNSHIP. 707 

five months' attendance at the country schools. Owing to the death 
of his father, the chit}- of maintaining the family was largely thrown 
upon his shoulders, and for some years he struggled hard to dis- 
charge his filial duties. October 28, 1852, he was married in Shelby 
Countv, Kv., to Miss Eliza J. Satterwhite, daughter of Turner Sat- 
terwhite, a prominent farmer, and in i860, came to Johnson County, 
Ind., settling in Hensley Township. Here lie purchased land and en- 
gaged in the pursuit of agriculture, which, with stock-raising, he 
has since cariied on successfully, having at this time one of the best 
improved farms in the southern part of the county. He suffered a 
severe loss by fire in 1876, but immediately rebuilt, and now has 
one of the most commodious residences and other buildings in 
Hensley Township. Mr. Yount is an energetic business man, and a 
true tvpe of the old-time Kentucky gentleman. He is a great lover 
of all kinds of innocent sports and pastimes, and an adept with the 
rifle, his skill in markmanship being unequalled in this part of the 
countrv. Politically, he is a democrat. Mrs. Yount died in April, 
1875. She was the mother of nine children, the following of whom 
are living: John W., Walter L., Edwin, Charles E., George B. McC, 
Cordelia and Hattie O. In April, 1876, Mr. Yount married his 
present wife, Miss Lavina C. Smith, who has borne him four chil- 
dren : Harry G., Ira W., Carl and Howard II. 

Prof. Benjamin F. Kennedy, the subject of this sketch, 
was born in Bourbon County, Ky., December 5, 1S32, and is a son 
of Thomas and Mary (Kimbro) Kennedy. Paternally, Mr. Ken- 
nedy is descended from Irish ancestry, and upon the mother's side, 
from English. Thomas Kenneth- was a native of Kentucky, and a 
school teacher by profession. He came to Putnam County, Ind., 
in 1836, and in 1861, moved to Johnson County, and settled in 
Henslev Township. By his marriage with Mary Kimbro, he had 
four children, all of whom are living. Mrs. Kennedv died in Ken- 
tuckv, in 1S36, and later, Mr. Kennedy married Martha Bowles. 
Benjamin F. Kennedy passed his youthful years in Putnam County, 
Ind. His educational training was liberal, attending first the com- 
mon schools, and later Asbury, now Depauw University, in which 
institution he pursued his studies three years. In 1850, he began 
teaching in Putnam County, and after following the profession 
there for six years, came to Johnson County, where he continued, 
first in the schools of Union Township, where he located, and later in 
various localities. He did much toward systematizing the schools 
of the countv, and was the first teacher to introduce the higher 
branches of learning in the schools outside the county seat. Mr. 
Kennedv became a citizen of Hensley Township in i860, and has 
been here the greater part of the time since. He was for six years 
45 



708 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

principal of the Morgantown schools, and for three years had 
charge of the high school of Trafalgar. In addition to his work as 
teacher, Prof. Kennedy served as county examiner of schools 
under the old law, and was the first superintendent elected, under 
the law providing for the county superintendencv. He discharged 
the duties of his office in an eminently satisfactory manner, and did 
much toward awakening an interest in behalf of educational work 
throughout the county. He taught his last school in the winter of 
1878—79, at Union village, the same place where he began his labors 
in this county in 1856. Prof. Kennedy is a scholarly gentleman, 
and ranks among the most successful educators of Johnson Count)-, 
He was married August 31, 1S61, to Miss Delilah Davenport, who 
has borne him two children: Millard F. and Benjamin F. 

John S. Kepiiart is a native of Kentucky, born in the famous 
blue grass region, on the 21st day of October, 1S26. His parents 
were Samuel and Jemima (Swift) Kephart, both natives of the 
same state. Samuel Kephart came to Johnson County, Ind., in 
1835, and settled in Hensley Township, where he lived until his 
death in 1885. He was over eighty years of age when he died, as 
was also his wife, whose death occurred the same year. They 
were the parents of fourteen children, nine of whom are living, six 
of them being residents of Hensley Township. The immediate 
subject of this biography was reared partly in Henry County, Ky., 
and partly in Indiana, being nine years of age when his parents 
moved to Johnson County. In the year 1846, he enlisted in Com- 
pany C, Third Indiana Volunteers, Col. Lane's regiment, for 
the Mexican War. and served for a period of thirteen months, dur- 
ing which time he participated in a number of skirmishes and bat- 
tles, including the bloody engagement of Buena Vista, on the 22nd 
of February, 1847. He returned home in July, of the latter year, 
and on the 22nd day of the month was united in marriage with 
Miss Mary C. Tapp. daughter of William Tapp, by whom he had 
eight children, the following of whom are living: Eliza Ann, Sam- 
uel, Lucy J., Catherine, Sarah and John T. Mr. Kephart began 
life as a farmer, and has followed his calling ever since. He 
served in the late war as a member of Company G. Third Indiana 
Cavalry, entering the service in 1861 as second lieutenant. He 
afterward resigned, and a little later enlisted in the Fifth Indiana 
Cavalry, with which he shared the fortunes and vicissitudes of war 
for a period of three years, holding a second lieutenant's commis- 
sion during that time. Upon one occasion he was tendered the 
commission of major by Gov. Morton, but refused to accept it. 
While operating in Kentucky he was captured by Morgan's Cav- 
alry, and for twenty-two months experienced all the rigorous treat- 



IIEXSLEY TOWNSHIP. 



709 



ment and privations incident to rebel prisons, having been for some 
time confined in the celebrated Libby prison pen at Richmond, 
Va. Among the battles in which he bore a gallant part, were : 
Shiloh, Franklin, Greenbriar and a number of others, besides nu- 
merous lesser engagements and skirmishes. He was honorably 
discharged from the service at Pulaski, Tenn., June 28, 1865, and 
immediately thereafter returned to Johnson County, where he has 
since resided. Mrs. Kephart died on the 16th da}' of June, 1867. 
On the 18th day of December, that year, Mr. Kepharfs second" 
marriage was solemnized with Mrs. Elizabeth Lang, widow of the 
late William Lang. To this marriage have been born three chil- 
dren: Elsie, Andrew and Rebecca M. By her previous marriage 
Mis. Kephart had these children: Sarah F., Mary A. and William 
R. Lang. Mr. Kephart is a member of the I. O. O. F., and in re- 
ligion a Baptist. Mrs. Kephart is also a member of the Baptist 
Church. 

Joseph J. Moore, of Hensley Township, one of the old settlers 
and most successful business men of Johnson Count}', was born in 
said county April 29, 1831. He is the son of Robert and Elizabeth 
(McKinley) Moore, both natives of Ohio. His parents moved to 
Johnson County in 1822, settling near Williamsburg, but later re- 
moved to Union Township, where Joseph J. was born. The other 
children of Robert Mooie were, John M., who died in Indianapolis, 
in 1886; Mary Ann, Elizabeth M. (deceased), Martha Ann, 
Rachel A., Robert M., and two infants (deceased). The 
father was one of the most prominent and useful citizens of the 
early days of the county, having filled, for a time, the position of 
associate judge. He died in Jasper County on January 20, 1855, 
where he moved in 1849. The death of Mrs. Moore occurred 
June 6, 1843. Joseph J. remained at home until he was twenty- 
two years of age, when he started out in life. His first employ- 
ment was cutting cord-wood, at which he earned his first money. 
Thus engaged he was called upon to teach school, after an 
examination had proved him to be the most able and practical, 
thorough English scholar in the whole community. This he 
followed years with marked success. He afterward served as 
surveyor of Morgan County, for two years, and in the same 
capacity for a like period in Johnson County, and as a surveyor and 
civil engineer he was very efficient. He entered the contest as a 
candidate for state senator, in 1S86, but was defeated after a very 
bitter contest. Although Mr. Moore has been much in public life, 
and has contributed as much to the public good as any man in John- 
son County, it is in the commercial world that his energies and tal- 
ents have been employed most successfully. Few men have 



7IO JOHNSON" COUNTY. 

engaged so extensively, and have in a greater measure won 
by honest dealings and correct business methods, the confidence 
of the community. Mr. Moore was married to Miss Ermina, 
daughter of John II . and Sarah Forsythe, which union has been 
blessed bv four children: Frank F., an attorney of Frankfort, Ind., 
is a graduate of Franklin College, Chicago School of Oratory, and 
Album-, N. Y., law school; Cinchona Alice, wife of E. M. French, 
of Frankfort, is a fine literary scholar, and a graduate of the Bos- 
ton Art School; Elgin E. (deceased); Robert M., who married 
Miss L. E. Coleman, a native of this county, is a farmer. Mr. 
Moore still lives at Trafalgar, where he is extensively engaged in 
several lines of mercantile business, and with his estimable wife is 
now enjoying the fruits of a well-spent life. * 

G. W. Musselman. — Among the successful farmers and busi- 
ness men of Ilensley Township, few stand as high in the estimation 
of the public as the gentleman for whom this biographical sketch 
is prepared. The Musselman family was early represented in John- 
son County, and the name appears frequently in connection with 
the early county legislation. Henry Musselman, father of G. W., 
was a native of Kentucky, and of German descent. He moved to 
Johnson County in 1S22, before the organization went into effect, 
and for a number of years was prominently identified with the 
growth and development of the country. He died a number of 
vears ago at a good old age, having outreached the allotted three 
score years and ten. His wife, whose maiden name was Sarah 
Dunn, was also a native of Kentucky. She faithfully discharged 
fhe duties of life throughout more years than usually fall to the lot 
of woman, and sleeps by the side of her husband in the old Lick 
Springs grave-yard, Nineveh Township. Henry and Sarah Mus- 
selman had a family of ten children, seven sons and four daughters, 
only four of the number now living, all residents of this township. 
G. W. Mussselman was born on the 30th day of October, 1S26, and 
has been a resident of Johnson County all his life. His early edu- 
cational training embraced a few months' attendance in such schools 
as the country afforded, and amid the rugged duties of farm life, 
he early learned those lessons of industry and economy bv which 
his later years have been characterized. On the 31st clay of July, 
1S45. he married Miss Rebecca Smyser, of Oldham County. Kv., 
daughter of Joseph and Elizabeth (Deadman) Smyser, and shortly 
thereafter purchased a tract of land, consisting of eighty acres, 
from which he in time cleared and developed a farm. He disposed 
of the place in 1853, and purchased the farm upon which he now 
resides, consisting of 2S0 acres. This represents the fruits of his 
own industry, as he began life with little capital, save a well-formed 






HENSLEY TOWNSHIP. 711 

purpose to succeed. He is now one of the representative farmers and 
stock-raisers of Johnson County, and is an intelligent and public- 
spirited citizen, and has been called from time to time to fill posi- 
tions of trust by the people of Hensley Township. He served as 
assessor several terms, and for sixteen years held the office of 
township trustee, to which he has again been elected, a fact which 
attests his great popularity with the people, independent of political 
affiliation. Mr. Musselman is essentially a self-made man, and as 
such ranks with the leading citizens of the county. He is a socia- 
ble gentleman, and numbers his friends by the score within his 
own neighborhood and elsewhere. He stands high in Masonry, 
and politically, has always been an earnest supporter of the demo- 
cratic party. July 31, 1SS7, was the forty-seventh anniversary of 
the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Musselman. They have had six 
children, whose names are as follows: Sarah A., wife of H. P. 
Durbin; Martha J., widow of J. Winchester; Ambrose F., Ma- 
tilda K., Ira F. and William E., the last four living with their 
parents. 

James K. P. Musseeman, farmer and lumber-dealer, son of 
Henry Musselman, is a native of Hensley Township, and dates his 
birth from the 5th day of October, 1845. He was raised on his 
father's farm, and at intervals attended the country schools, in 
which he obtained the rudiments of an English education. When 
only seventeen years of age, May 2, 1861, he was united in mar- 
riage, to Miss Venelia C. Shake, who was born in Oldham County, 
Ky., on the 15th day of August, 1845. Her parents, J. B. and 
Sarah Ann (Sturgeon), were both natives of Kentucky, and of 
German and Irish descent, respectively. Mr. Musselman has de- 
voted the greater part of his life to the lumber business, and at this 
time is quite extensively engaged in its manufacture, operating a 
mill which affords employment for quite a number of hands. His 
present force consists of twelve men, and the mill is one of the best 
in the county. He owns a farm also, besides a great deal of personal 
property, and is classed among the well-to-do citizens of Hens- 
ley. He is a democrat in all the term implies, but not an office- 
seeker or partisan. The following are the names of the children, 
born to Mr. and Mrs. Musselman: Hallie F., Walter H., Alice M., 
Joseph R., George and Loval II., all of whom are living. The fol- 
lowing children are deceased: Minnie A., died August 24, 1867; 
infant, died October 9, 1870, and Eddie, died August 5, 1873. 

Thomas J. Musselman, deceased, the subject of this sketch, 
was born in Hensley Township, Johnson County, February 28, 
1840, and was a son of Henry and Sarah (Dunn) Musselman. He 
grew to manhood in his native township, was educated in the com- 



112 



JOHNSON COUNTY. 



mon schools, and early engaged in agricultural pursuits, which he 
followed successfully until his death. He bore a gallant part in the 
late war, serving three years, during which time he was with his 
command in many bloody battles and active campaigns. January 
24, 1S61, he was united in marriage with Miss America Paskins, 
daughter of Thomas and Delilah (Samples) Paskins, a union blessed 
with three children: Mary, wife of Thomas Holeman; Hattie, wife 
of Andrew Bridges, and James P. Musselman. Mrs. Musselman 
was born January 6, 1S42. In his later days, Mr. Musselman lived 
in Samaria, Hensley Township, and it was in that village that his 
death occurred on the 22nd day of November, 18S2. Mrs. Mus- 
selman lives in Samaria at the present time. 

John Paskins, deceased, was a native of Ohio, born in Brown 
County, that state, on the 23rd of July, 1S23. His parents were 
Thomas and Delilah (Samples) Paskins, the father a native of 
England, and the mother of Brown County, Ohio. They were 
married in that state, and afterward immigrated to Indiana, settling 
in Johnson County, the subject at the time, being a small bov. 
Thomas Paskins was a blacksmith by trade. He accumulated a 
comfortable fortune, and died a number of years ago, at the age of 
sixty-six. His wife preceded him to the grave, dving at the age 
of thirty-eight years. John Paskins grew to manhood in Johnson 
County, and was reared a farmer, but later worked at the black- 
smith trade for some years in the town of Williamsburg. He served 
in the Mexican War through its continuance, and in one of its en- 
gagements, received a severe wound in the ankle, the effect of 
which was to disable him from active labor. March 27, 1848, Miss 
Anna Fraker became his wife. She was born July 25, 1823, in 
Wilmington, Del., and is a daughter of Joseph Fraker, who 
came to the United States many years ago, from Switzerland. The 
maiden name of Mrs. Paskins' mother was Frances Gass. Mr. 
and Mrs. Paskins had a family of eight children: Mary Ann. 
Harrison, Jennie, Ella S,, Francis, William J. (deceased), John 
T. and Joseph P., all of whom were born in this county. In 
August, 1871, Mr. Paskins made a trip to England, to look after an 
estate left him by entailment, and while there, met with his death 
under very mysterious circumstances. The supposition is that he 
was murdered for his money, as he was known to have a consider- 
able sum in his possession at the time. His death occurred on the 
9th day of January, 1S72, and he was buried in Halifax, England. 
His widow resides in Hensley Township, and is a well-preserved 
woman for her years. She owns a good farm of 185 acres, and 
manages the same. 

J. P. Paskins was born in Johnson County, Ind., November b, 



HENSLEY TOWNSHIP. 7 13 

1862, and is the youngest son of John W. and Annie M. (Fricker) 
Paskins, natives respectively of Ohio and Maryland, and of Eng- 
lish and German lineage. John W. Paskins came to Indiana many 
years ago, and was by occupation a blacksmith, having followed 
the trade for some time in the town of Williamsburg. He was a 
soldier in the late war, and died in the year 1870. Mrs. Paskins 
accompanied her parents to thiscountrv many years ago, and is still 
living, making her home in the village of Samaria. The subject 
of this sketch was reared in Johnson Count)', and enjoyed the ad- 
vantages of a good English education. He began life as a farmer, 
and has continued that calling ever since, owning at this time a 
beautiful place of seventy acres, which is well improved and stocked. 
He is one of the energetic young men of the township, and stands 
hio-h in the confidence and esteem of his neighbors and fellow citi- 
zens. Politically, he is a democrat. ■ He married at the age of 
twenty-two (1884), Miss Eliza Bridges, of this county, a daughter 
of George and Eliza Bridges. This union was blessed with the 
birth of one child, Harold C. 

Hiram Porter, deceased. — Prominent among the self-made 
men of Johnson County, was the late Hiram Porter. Mr. Porter 
was a native of Clark County, Ind., born in the year 1S23, and was 
the son of Francis Porter. He accompanied his father to Johnson 
Count}' when seven years of age, and lived here until his death, 
which occurred about the year 1S66. He was an extensive 
farmer and stock-raiser, and frequently shipped as high as 2,500 
head of hogs at one time, besides dealing extensively in other live- 
stock. In early life, his surroundings were of the most unfavorable 
kinds, but with a well-defined purpose to succeed, he overcame the 
many hindrances which poverty threw in his way, and amassed a hand- 
some fortune. He built a grist-mill near his home, which was in oper- 
ation a number of years, and at the time of his death owned over 
600 acres of valuable land and a vast amount of other property. 
Mr. Porter was married first to Miss Lucinda Beech, by whom he 
had two children : Francis K., and Mary J., now Mrs. Logan. 
Mrs. Porter died in 1848, and later Mr. Porter married Miss L. 
Prather, who bore him three children, one of whom, Miss Hen- 
rietta Holman, is living. Mr. Porter's third marriage was 
solemnized with Miss Rachel Prather, who bore him one 
child, now dead. Mr. Porter's fourth wife was Miss Susan 
Wright, after whose death he married Miss Annie Small, who is 
now living at Rushville, Ind. There were no children by the 
last two marriages. Mr. Porter was a democrat in politics, 
and deserves mention as one of the representative citizens 
of Johnson County. 



' 



714 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Francis K. Porter, oldest son of Hiram Porter, was born in 
Johnson County, Ind., January 10, 1843. He was married in 1866 
to Miss Martha B. Hall, of Kentucky, who died in February, 1875. 
The fruits of this marriage were six children, three living, Hiram 
E., George M. and Susan E. In October, 1876, Mr. Porter was 
married to Miss Marv J. Lee, a union blessed with the birth of the 
following children : Sylvia P., Venna A., Sarah E., William O., 
Eliza B., and Nettie M. Mr. Porter is one of the substantial men 
of Hensley Township, and a man in whom the people have implicit 
confidence. He owns a farm of 125 acres, upon which are some 
of the best improvements in the county. He is a democrat in 
politics, and with his wife, belongs to the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. 

J. T. Ragsdale was born in Shelby County. Ky., April 28, 
1829, and is the youngest son of Frederick and Sarah (Hunter) 
Ragsdale, natives of the same state, and of English and German de- 
scent, respectively. Frederick and Sarah Ragsdale were married 
in Kentucky, and resided there until 1S34, at which thime they im- 
migrated to Johnson County, Ind., and settled in Hensley Town- 
ship, near the place now owned by the subject. Mr. Ragsdale was 
a pioneer in the true sense of the word, and bore an active part in 
the development of the country. He served in the last war with 
Great Britain, and participated in a number of battles, including the 
memorable engagement at New Orleans. He was a man of many 
excellent traits of character, a true Christian, and with his wife, 
was a charter member of the Baptist Church at Trafalgar. Mr. 
and Mrs. Ragsdale raised a family of seven children, of whom rive 
are living — all of them residents of Johnson Count} - . J. T. Rags- 
dale was five years of age when his parents moved to Johnson 
Countv, and for a period of over fifty years, has been one of its 
most highly respected citizens. Having early manifested a decided 
preference for mechanical pursuits, he selected the carpenter's 
trade for a vocation, and after becoming proficient in the 
same continued the calling for a number of years. In the mean- 
time he came into possession a farm, but not liking farm work he 
employed help to run the place, and continued his trade almost ex- 
clusively until 1876. Since that year he has operated a saw-mill, 
and is doing a large and lucrative lumber business. Mr. Ragsdale is 
a skillfull mechanic, and from childhood has had a natural liking for 
machinery. He has been successful in his various enterprises, and 
is a public-spirited citizen, and a liberal supporter of all public en- 
terprises. For several years he has given considerable attention 
to raising fine poultry, and has now some of the finest breeds in the 
country. Mr. Ragsdale was married May 20, 1S47, to Susan Ann 



HENSLEY TOWNSHIP. 715 

Mullikin, daughter of William and Sarah Mullikin, by whom he 
had four children, only one of whom, Mrs. Mollie Snow, of Boone 
Count)', is now living. Mrs. Ragsdale died March 23, 1S53. 
February 14, 1854, Mr. Ragsdale married Susan Branch, of Old- 
ham County, Ky., who died September 14, 1884. To the sec- 
ond marriage was born one child, a son, Alonzo Ragsdale, now 
a business man of Trafalgar. Mr. Ragsdale's third marriage was 
solemnized with Miss Mary Brunnemer, of Johnson County, daugh- 
ter of William and Nancy Brunnemer, a union blessed with the 
birth of one child, Pansy Lynn. 

Dr. Jefferson B. Ream, physician and surgeon, Trafalgar, 
is a native of Lancaster County, Penn., and was born on the 26th 
day of August, 1827. Paternally, the Doctor is descended from 
German ancestrj', but the family came to America from England 
about the year 1715, and located in one of the eastern colonies. 
The Doctor's father, John Ream, was born in Pennsylvania, in 
1804, and died in the year 1869. He was, by profession, a physi- 
cian, and acquired considerable prominence in his calling. His 
wife, Caroline (Baking) Ream, was born in Pennsylvania, in 1807, 
and is still living, having reached the advanced age of eighty-one 
years. Dr. Ream was reared in his native county, and enjoyed 
the advantages of a liberal education in the high schools of Lancaster. 
While still young he decided to prepare himself for the medical 
profession, and for six years pursued the study of the same in the 
city of Philadelphia under distinguished instructors. While at 
Philadelphia he was married to Miss Elizabeth Landis, daughter of 
Abraham Landis, and, after completing his studies, returned to 
Lancaster Countv, and entered upon the duties of his profession 
in Landisville. In December, 1852, he came to Johnson County Ind., 
and began the practice at Williamsburg, where he continued until 
1862, and then came to Trafalgar. He practiced in the latter place 
two years, and was then commissioned assistant surgeon in the gov- 
ernment service, and was thus emploved until 1869. On leaving 
the army he returned to Trafalgar, where he has since resided in 
the active practice of his profession. Dr. Ream stands high pro-* 
fessionally, and has a large and lucrative practice in Johnson and 
adjoining counties. He has been a close student, and during a 
long professional career has met with the most encouraging suc- 
cess. Politically, he wields an influence for the republican party. 
lie is a member of the Masonic and Odd Fellows fraternities, and 
takes an active part in all movements having for their object the 
public good. Dr. and Mrs. Ream have five children, all married 
and living in Johnson County, whose names are as follows: John J., 



■ 



7l6 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Abraham H., Caroline, wife of William F. Farr; Emma L., wife 
of George Tucker, and Lillie A., wife of Henry E. Lochry. 

John G. Roberts. — Conspicuous among the old and reliable citi- 
zens of Hensley Township, is John G. Roberts, who was born in 
Jennings Count}', Ind., on the 13th day of March, 1825. His father, 
Albert Roberts, was a native of Tennessee, and for a number of 
years followed agricultural pursuits in Kentucky, in which state he 
married Nancy Green, by whom he had eleven children, all of 
whom crew to manhood and womanhood. Albert Roberts moved to 
Johnson County, Ind., in 1826, and settled upon the place where our 
subject now lives. He was one of the pioneers of Hensley, did a 
great deal toward clearing- and developing the country, and became 
the owner of several hundred acres of land. He is remembered as 
an honorable citizen and a courteous Christian gentleman, having 
for a number of years been an earnest member of the Disciple 
Church. He died at the age of fifty-nine, and was laid to rest in 
the Bethlehem cemetery. His wife survived him a number of 
years, dying at the advanced age of over eighty. Of the children 
four onlv are living, John G. being the only one residing in Indiana. 
John G. Roberts, was one year old when his parents moved to 
Johnson County. His first experience in life was amid the rugged 
scenes of pioneer times, and he was early taught those lessons of 
industry, which has marked his subsequent career. On March 11, 
1847, he married Miss Charlotte, daughter of Joseph Thompson 
of Jackson County, after which he settled in the woods, and began 
to carve out a home. In this he was successful, and by industry 
and economy succeeded in accumulating a comfortable compe- 
tence, owning at this time a line farm of 205 acres, the greater 
part of which is under a high state of cultivation. During his 
long period of residence in Johnson County, over sixty years, he 
has conducted himself as becomes an upright and honorable gentle- 
man, and against his character or good name, no breath of suspicion 
was ever known to have been uttered. Politically, he supports 
the republican party, and in religion, belongs to the Christian 
Church. Mrs. Roberts is a member of the Baptist denomination. 
To Mr. and Mrs. Roberts have been born twelve children, of whom 
the following are living: J. N., Rebecca J., Francina, John A., 
Lillie and Cordia, all married and living in Johnson County. 

John Slack. — Few men in Johnson County have lived to as 
ripe an old age as the gentleman whose name introduces this 
biographical sketch. Mr. Slack was born in Brown County, 
Ohio, on the 7th day of January, 1807. His father was Jacob 
Slack, a native of one of the eastern states, and an early pioneer of 









HENSLEY TOWNSHIP. 717 

Kentucky, where many years ago he married Miss Delilah Down- 
ing. Shortly after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Slack emigrated 
to Brown County, Ohio, where, for a number of years, Mr. Slack 
was engaged in farming. They had a family of fourteen children, 
seven of whom are living, six being residents of Indiana. John 
Slack was reared to manhood in his native county and state, and 
there in 1830 united his fortunes with Miss Susan Bowler, daughter 
of William O. and Sarah (Hillman) Bowler, who has been a true 
and faithful wife and companion for a period of nearly sixty years. 
In the year 1833, Mr. Slack entered a tract of land in Johnson 
County, Ind., and a little later moved his family to the same, and 
began life as a pioneer in the woods of Hensley Township, the 
few settlements at that time being mere nitches in the forest. Me 
developed a good farm and became the owner of a large amount of 
land, much of which has been divided among his children. He is 
now one of the oldest residents of the county, and one of its most 
highly respected and honorable citizens. Of a family of ten chil- 
dren born to Mr. and Mrs. Slack, five are now living: Elizabeth 
II., Mary E., Susan A., Emeline and Carrie J. Mr. Slack cast his 
first presidential vote for Andrew Jackson, and has been a sup- 
porter of the democratic party ever since, though not a partisan in 
the sense of seeking office. He is now eighty-two years of age, 
in possession of all his mental faculties, and in the enjoyment of 
tolerable health. His companion has reached the ripe old age of 
eighty-one. They celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of their 
marriage in 18S0, upon which occasion 169 friends and relatives 
were present to congratulate the aged couple. Mr. and Mrs. 
Slack have rive children, thirty-one grandchildren and twenty-five 
great grandchildren living. 

Aaron Stockton*. — Prominent among the leading farmers and 
substantial citizens of Wensley Township, is the gentleman for 
■whom this biography is prepared. Aaron Stockton was born in 
Johnson County, Inch, April 10, 1845, and is a son of Joseph and 
Elizabeth (Holman) Stockton. Mr. and Mrs. Stockton were mar- 
ried in Johnson Count}-, and after residing here for a few years, 
emigrated to Warren County, 111., where Mrs. Stockton died in her 
eighteenth year, leaving two children, viz.: Thomas A., of Kan- 
sas City. Mo., and Aaron, whose name introduces this sketch. After 
his mother"s death, Aaron was brought back to Johnson County, 
and for a number of years made his home with his grandfather, Mr. 
Holman, who treated him kindly and gave him the advantages of 
a good common school education. By diligent application to his 
studies, young Stockton became familiar with the branches usually 
taught in the common schools, and for eleven years he followed 



7l8 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

teaching as a profession, in which he met with the most encourag- 
ing success. On the 23d of December, 1866, he was united in 
marriage with Miss Lancy Colman, daughter of F. M. Colman, a 
union blessed with the birth of live children, all of whom are sons, 
viz.: Louis F., Alonzo L., George T., Marion N. and Ora A. 
Since his marriage Mr. Stockton has resided in Hensley Township, 
and since 1870, has been living on his present home place, one mile 
east of Morgantown. He owns a fine farm of 290 acres, upon 
which are some of the best improvements in the township. He is 
one of the wide-awake citizens of the county, and a man honored 
and respected by all who have the good fortune of knowing him. 
Politically, he is a supporter of the democratic party. 

Hervey Vories. an old and reliable citizen of Johnson Countv, 
is a son of John and Sarah ( Culley) Vories, natives respectively of 
Kentucky and Virginia, and was born in the former state on the 
28th day of January, 182 1. The family came to Johnson County 
in the fall of 1S31, and for a number of years thereafter the father, 
owing to his trade, was known as Mason John Vories. In con- 
nection with his trade, Mr. Vories carried on farming, and in time 
became one of the well-to-do residents of the neighborhood in 
which he resided. By his first wife he had two children: Cather- 
ine, wife of John A. Coons, and Hervev, the subject of this biog- 
raphy. Mrs. Vories died December 19, 1866, and later. Mr. Vories 
married Mrs. Mason, bv whom he had one child: Benjamin F. 
Mr. Vories died October 10, 1S80, and lies by the side of his first 
wife, in the old Friendship cemetery. lie was a citizen of Johnson 
Countv for over half a century, and a man of many sterling qual- 
ities. Hervey Vories was raised in Hensley Township, and began 
life as a farmer. February 17, 1842, he married Miss Alazannah 
Carter, of Virginia, daughter of John and Margaret (McClure) 
Carter, a union blessed with the birth of eight children, the fol- 
lowing of whom are now living: Mrs. Caroline Terhune, Will- 
iam A., James M., Mrs. Angeline Green, and Hervey D. Of 
these children, all but Mrs. Green, live in Johnson County. Mr. 
Vories began life in an humble way, but with the energy and deter- 
mination which characterize the successful man, he has succeeded 
in accumulating a comfortable competence, including a beautiful 
farm of 117 acres, where he now resides. He has been an hon- 
ored resident of Johnson County considerably over fifty years, and 
has the confidence and esteem of all who know him. In religion, 
he is what he is pleased to term, a " naturalist, ' ? but is liberal toward 
those of different beliefs. 

John H. Woolfixgtox. the gentleman for whom this sketch 
prepared, is a native of Washington County, Ind., and son of 






NEEDHAM TOWNSHIP. 7*9 

John and Hannah Woolfington. The parents were married in 
Kentucky, and early emigrated to Salem, this state, where for some 
years the father held the position of deputy "clerk of the Washing- 
ton circuit court. He was a man of fine clerical abilities, and dur- 
ing his residence in Salem did a large amount of legal writing, etc. 
Mr. and Mrs. Woolfington had three chilnren, two of whom, a 
daughter, Mrs. Eliza Underwood, and the subject of this sketch, 
are living. Mr. Woolfington died a number of years ago, and his 
widow subsequently married, and under the care of his stepfather, 
John II. continued until his thirteenth year, the mother dying in 
the meantime. At the age of twenty, our subject was married to 
Miss Nancy Martin, of Shelby County, Ky., after which he moved 
to Putnam County, Ind, and there remained until the year 1S52. 
He then removed to Boone County, and engaged in farming and 
the livery business, and eight years later moved to Clinton County, 
where he followed agricultural pursuits for a period of six years. 
While on a visit to Vermillion County, 111., his wife died, after which 
event he broke up housekeeping, and made his home with his son 
in Boone County, until 1881. By his first marriage Mr. Woolfing- 
ton had ten children, six of whom are living: Ann Eliza, Elias H., 
John N., Mary C, Lewis E. and George V. In 1SS1, Mr. Wool- 
fington came to Johnson County, and the same year was united in 
marriage with Mrs. Margaret (Slack) Bass, widow of Arthur 
Bass. Since then he has followed farming as his principal occupa- 
tion, in which he has been reasonably prosperous. He is an active 
and earnest church member, and as such was licensed to preach 
while a resident of Boone County, and later, 1881, was regularly 
ordained in the county. He preaches in different parts of the 
country, but is not engaged in regular pastoral work, going wher- 
ever he can do the most good. He is well versed in biblical liter- 
ature, and possesses a Christian character above reproach. 



NEEDHAM TOWNSHIP. 

Milford D. Adams was born in Johnson Count}', Ind., No- 
vember 22, 1839, and is a son of E. N. H. and Martha (Hardin) 
Adams. The father was born in Kentucky, about 1815, and died 
in Osage Cpuntv, Kas., in 1873, ar| d n ' s mother was born in Shelby 
County, Ind., about 1819, and died in Johnson County, Ind., Aug- 
ust 10, 1S65. Our subject is the second of seven children, all but 
one of whom are yet living. Benjamin II., a brother, was killed 
at the battle of Resacca, Ga. In August, 1861, Mr. Adams en- 
listed in Company F, Seventh Indiana Volunteer Infantry, for three 



720 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

years, and in 1S62, at the second battle of Bull Run, he was taken 
prisoner and placed in Libby prison, and afterward to Bell Island, 
where he was kept until the December following, when he was ex- 
changed andtakento Alexandria, Va., where, January 23, 1863, he 
was discharged on account of physical disability. Returning home 
he raised a company of home guards, of which he was chosen cap- 
tain, and January 9, 1863, was commissioned first lieutenant by 
Gov. Morton. In February, 1S64, he enlisted in Company D, 
Seventeenth Indiana Volunteers, in which, until August 8, 1865, 
he served as corporal in Wilder's Brigade, Mounted Infantry. He 
was wounded at Selma, Ala. In 1865, he returned to this 
county, and engaged in farming in Needham, then Franklin, Town- 
ship, and in 1868, went to Illinois, where he remained one year, and 
then went to Vincennes, Ind., and engaged in business, where he 
remained four years. In the spring of 1873, he returned to Johnson 
County, and settled where he now resides, and owns a small farm. 
Mr. Adams was married in 1864, to Miss Ellen J. Johnson. They 
have two children living: Samuel D. and Gabrilia. He is a repub- 
lican, a member of the G. A. R., and he and wife are members of 
the Cumberland Presbyterian Church. 

Thomas H. Alexander was born in Greeen Count}', Tenn., 
May 12, 1828, son of George and Margaret (Farnsworth) Alex- 
ander. His father, also a native of Green County, Tenn., was 
born in 1800, and died in Johnson Count}-, August 23, 1S73. His 
mother was born in the same part of Tennessee, about 1802, and 
died in 1846. About 1832 the family came to Johnson County, and 
settled in Franklin Township. The subject of this sketch was 
reared on the farm, and educated at the country schools. At nine- 
teen years of age he began life as a farm hand, which he continued 
two years, and then learned the blacksmith's trade, and for five or 
six years was engaged in that business. Mr. Alexander first be- 
gan farming in Franklin Township, and about eighteen years ago 
removed to his present farm in Needham Township, the same con- 
taining 615 acres. He is one of the most extensive and prosperous 
farmers in this locality. Mr. Alexander was married, in 185 1, to 
Miss Sarah McCaslin, a native of Johnson County, born August 
22, 1828. Thev have these five children: Mary, Alice, Margaret, 
George L. and Hattie. In politics, he has been an ardent republi- 
can since the days of John C. Fremont. Mr. and Mrs. Alexander 
are among the old settlers of this county, and are members of the 
Cumberland Presbyterian Church, of which he is an elder. 

W. H. Coons, a leading young farmer of Needham Township, 
Johnson Co., Ind., was born in the same township, on June 15, 
1858, and is the son of George and Kittie (Duncan) Coons. The 



NEEDHAM TOWNSHIP. 721 

father was born in Kentucky in about 1823, and the mother in the 
same state in about 1825. The father located in Johnson County 
in 1852, settling- on the farm where he now lives, three miles north- 
east from Franklin, in Needham Township. To the parents eight 
children were born, six of whom survive. The subject of this 
sketch was reared on the farm, and attended the common schools, 
and Franklin College, spending two years at the latter. He began 
life for himself about ten years ago as a farmer, and continues at 
the same at present. In 1884 he engaged in the breeding of black 
cochin chickens, and now has quite an extensive business in that 
line. On January 8, 1885, he was married to Annie Applegate, 
who was born in Louisville, Ky., in 1857, and is the daughter of 
J. D. Applegate. 

Ira C. Fisher, M. D., our subject, is a native of Johnson 
Count}-, Ind., born in what is now Needham Township, on the 2nd 
dav of October, 1S59. His parents are John and Caroline Fisher, 
both natives of Johnson County, and of German and Scotch de- 
scent, respectively. They reside in Needham Township, and are 
among the enterprising 1 and highly respected people of the com- 
munity. Dr. Fisher is the oldest of a family of three children. He 
was raised on a farm in his native county, and received a good En- 
glish education in the common schools. He early decided upon 
the medical profession for a life work, and began preparing for the 
same by a course of reading with Dr. J. H. Carter, of Indianapolis, 
under whose instruction he continued two years. He then became 
a student of the medical college of that city, from which he grad- 
uated in 1884. Having thus familiarized himself with the profes- 
sion, he began the active practive at the village of Needham, 
where he has since continued in the enjoyment of a lucrative and 
steadily increasing business. Though young in years, Dr. Fisher 
has already made commendable progress in his profession, and 
ranks among the rising medical men of the count}'. He is a close 
student, thoroughly devoted to his chosen calling, and has before 
him a promising future. He is a democrat in politics. 

Robert P. Hamilton, a leading farmer of Needham Town- 
ship, Johnson County, Ind., living one and one-half miles southeast 
from Franklin, on the Edinburg state road, was born in Union 
Township, Johnson County, Ind., on January 31, 1839, and was the 
eleventh of twelve children, born to Micajah and Elizabeth Luyster. 
The father was born in Culpepper Count}', Va., in 1797. and died 
May 5, 1878. The mother was born in 1797, and died January 7, 
1884. The father was of English, and the mother of Dutch, ex- 
traction. When a boy the father left Virginia, and settled in Mer- 
cer County, Ivy. I lis father dying when he was quite young, he 



72 2 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

was early thrown upon his own resources, being "bound out" 
soon after the family reached Kentucky, to Garrett Cozine, and 
during his teens was a wagoner, and drove a six-horse team from 
Kentucky to the inland towns of the southern states. In the sum- 
mer of 1834 h e came to Johnson County, and entered 240 acres of 
land, in Section 26, and immediately moved his family from Ken- 
tucky, but did not locate on his 240-acre farm until 1837. He fol- 
lowed farming as a life vocation, and was a member of Shiloh 
Presbyterian Church. He married Elizabeth Luyster in Kentucky. 
She was an aunt of Capt. H. H. Luyster, of Franklin. Our sub- 
ject was reared on the farm, and secured a limited education in the 
public schools. He emigrated to Kansas in the fall of i860, and 
remained there until the summer of 1861, and then returned to Indi- 
ana. He enlisted in the Federal Army, in August, 1862, in 
Company E, of the Seventh Regiment of Indiana Infantry, 
as a private. At the discharge of the Seventh Regiment, in 1864, 
near Petersburgh, Va.. he was transferred to the Nineteenth Indi- 
ana Infantry, and a week later was placed in Company G, of the 
Twentieth Regiment of Indiana Infantry. He was mustered out 
of service near Washington. D. C, on May 31, 1865, having served 
almost three years, and passing through the battles of Antietam, 
Second Bull Run, Petersburgh, the Wilderness campaign, and on 
to Richmond, and was at the final surrender of Appomatox. After 
the close of the war he returned to Johnson Count}-, Ind., and pur- 
chased a farm of 136 acres, in Section No. 32: the same place was 
exchanged in about 1 870 for another farm of 160 acres, in the same 
section, on the Martinsville road. In 1876, he removed to Florida, 
and remained there for two years, and then returned to Johnson 
County, settling on his old farm. On September 6, 1887, he 
swapped farms with E. O. and J. W. Peggs, and removed to his 
present farm, near Franklin, which embraces 147 acres, more or 
less, upon which he has a substantial brick residence. He is a 
member of the Shiloh Presbyterian Church, and of Wadsworth 
Post, No. 127, G. A. R. In politics, he is a republican. He was 
married on October 30, 1S68, to Margaret J. Graham, who was 
born in Johnson County, Ind., on September 3, 1845, and was the 
daughter of James H. Graham. She died May n, 1878, leaving 
one son — Arthur G., who was born June 22, 1871. Mr. Hamil- 
ton was married again on January 31, 1SS2, to Sallie C. Covert, 
who was born in Johnson Countv, Ind., on December 16, 1S50, 
and is the daughter of John R. Covert. To this union one 
daughter, Roxv C., was born December 23, 1882. Mrs. Hamil- 
ton is a member of the Shiloh Presbyterian Church, and her hus- 
band is an elder of the same church. 



NEEDHAM TOWNSHIP. 723 

James Owens. — The Owens family came originally from Vir- 
ginia, in which state James Owens, grandfather of the subject of 
this biography, was born a number of years ago. lie emigrated 
to Kentucky in an early day, and from there came to Indiana before 
the state was organized, settling in what is now Craw ford Count}', 
where he resided until 1827. In that year he came to Johnson 
County, and settled in Franklin Township, where his death oc- 
curred on the 24th of June, 1S66. Mis father was Samuel Owens, 
who lived and died in Virginia. The name of the subject's father 
was Samuel Owens, also. He was born March 13, 1808, and died 
in Johnson County, Ind., October 15, 1S46. Millie Fisher, wife of 
Samuel Owens, and mother of James, was born in Rowan County, 
N. C, February 22, 1810, and is still living. Samuel and Millie 
Owens were the parents of ten children, seven of whom grew to 
manhood and womanhood. Of these six are now living: Catherine, 
wife of James H. Garrison; John, James, George, William and 
Nancy, wife of Theophilus McBride. The following are deceased: 
Martin. Milton and Mary. The subject of this biography was born 
in Franklin Township, Johnson County, on the 30th of June, 1833. 
He was reared to agricultural pursuits, and at intervals during his 
j'outhful years attended such schools as the country afforded. He 
remained with his mother on the farm until 1852, at which time, 
October 31, he married Julia A. Tetrick, daughter of Joseph and 
Elizabeth (Owens) Tetrick, after which he purchased eighty acres 
of land and began farming upon his own responsibility. After liv- 
ing on his original purchase four years he sold out and bought a 
a farm of no acres, to which he subsequently made additions, and 
upon which he lived for a period of eighteen years. At the end of 
that time he purchased his present beautiful home place of 155 
acres in Needham Tow nshin, where he has since resided. He was 
appointed trustee of the township in 1885, to succeed Joseph Ker- 
lin, deceased, and sewed with ability until the ensuing election. 
Mr. and Mrs. Owens have had a family of six children, four of 
whom: Phebe J., Effie L., George H. and Thomas O., are living. 
Those deceased are William M. and Edgar H. The family are 
members of the Second Mt. Pleasant Baptist Church, in Needham 
Township. 

John M. Parkmurst was born in Cameron County, Tenn., 
January n, 1825. His father was Daniel Parkhurst, a native of 
Kentuckv, and an early resident of Johnson County, moving here 
about the year 1836. Subsequently he emigrated to Illinois, and 
died in Effingham County, that state, in 1841. His first wife, Celia 
Stephens, mother of our subject, was born in Tennessee, and died 
there when John M. was a small boy. Her first marriage was 
46 



724 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

blessed with the birth of five children, three of whom are now liv- 
ing. After the death of the father, John M. returned to Johnson 
County and began life for himself as a common laborer, working 
by the month or year until about twenty-three years of age. On 
the 16th day of March, 1848, he was united in marriage with Eliza- 
beth, daughter of William and Maria Vickerman, after which he 
began farming on rented land. In 1851 he purchased 120 acres 
of land in Nineveh Township, since which time he has bought and 
sold various tracts, and now owns a valuable farm of 190 acres 
situated one mile northeast of the county seat. In June, 1S46, Mr. 
Parkhurst enlisted in Company C, Third Indiana Regiment, for the 
Mexican War, in which conflict he participated during its continu- 
ance. He took part in the bloody battle of Buena Vista, and other 
lesser engagements, and was the only man in his regiment who re- 
ceived a written discharge. In 1S54, he was elected trustee of 
Nineveh Township, the duties of which he discharged in an emi- 
nently satisfactory manner, for two terms, having been chosen to 
the office of justice of the peace, in the meantime. He served in 
the latter capacity, one term, and in 1873-74, was elected assessor 
of Johnson County. He identified himself with the Odd Fellows 
fraternity, a number of years ago, and now stands high in the order. 
Mr. and Mrs. Parkhurst are the parents of the following children : 
Catherine, Mary, John W., James W., Ella M. and Julia. These 
members of the family are deceased: Celia M., Susan and Sarah E. 
William Runkle, son of Lewis and Elizabeth Runkle, was 
born in Culpepper County, Va., on the 13th day of March, 1813. 
Lewis Runkle was a native of Shenandoah County, Va., and son 
of Peter Runkle, who bore a distinguished part in the War of the 
Revolution. Lewis Runkle emigrated to Indiana in 1826, and 
later, moved to Iowa, where his death occurred about the year 
1854. He was by trade a tanner, but after coming to Indiana, 
turned his attention to agricultural pursuits, which he carried on 
until his death. His wife died in Bartholomew County in 1S49. 
Mr. and Mrs. Runkle were the parents of ten children, four of 
whom are now living. William Runkle spent the years of his 
youth and early manhood in Virginia and Indiana, and grew up 
amid the active scenes of pioneer life. His early educational train- 
ing was received in the old-fashioned log school-houses. He re- 
mained with his parents until twenty-live years of age, and then began 
farming for himself, first on rented land, and two years later on 120 
acres which he purchased in Needham Township, where he now lives. 
In 1837, he married Mary 1 lougham, daughter of Aaron and Cath- 
erine Hougham, natives respectively of Kentucky and Tennessee. 
Mrs. Runkle was born in Fayette County, December 18, 1818, and 



NEEDHAM TOWNSHIP. 725 

died in Johnson County. Two children were the result of this 
marriage. Mr. Runkle's second marriage was solemnized in 1873, 
with Rachel McClean, daughter of Daniel and Nancy (Farns- 
worth) McClean, of Green County, Tenn. To this union no chil- 
dren were born. His wife died February 5, 1876, and on the 13th 
of February, 1S77, he married Sarah Ann McClean, a sister of his 
former wife. 

John" T. Yager. — Prominent among the old and substantial citi- 
zens of Johnson County, is John T. Yager, who was born in Old- 
ham County, Ky., July 29, 1S29. Paternally, he is descended from 
German ancestry, and traces his family history back to the early 
. days of Kentucky. His father, Willis Yager, was born in the 
above state about the year 1775, and died in Oldham County, 
September 31, 1835. Nancy (Overstreet) Yager, his wife, and 
mother of John T., was born in Oldham Count)', Ky., in 1780, and 
departed this life in Topeka, Kan., in the ) ear 1875. About one 
month after her husband's death, when the subject of this sketch 
was but six years old, Mrs. Yager brought her family to Johnson 
County, Ind., and settled where her father had previously located 
in Franklin, now Needham Township. " She bought eighty acres 
of land upon which she resided for a period of about fourteen years." 
Subsequently she went back to her native state, but returned to 
Indiana. She died several years ago, at or near Topeka, Kan. 
Her father died in 1836, and the mother in 1S67. Willis and 
Nancy Yager were the parents of five children, three of whom are 
living: the subject of this sketch, Samuel J., living near Topeka, 
Kas.. and Martha L., wife of James Netherton, who lives on the 
old Yager homestead. John T. Yager passed his early days upon 
a farm, and on the death of his father, was early compelled to con- 
tribute his share toward the support of the family, being the eldest 
son. At the age of eighteen, he accompanied his mother to Ken- 
tucky, where he looked after her interest until attaining his major- 
ity, at which time he began life for himself as a farmer. He 
remained in Kentucky until his twenty-fourth year, and then re- 
turned to Johnson County, Ind., and located upon the place where 
he now resides in Needham Township. His first purchase con- 
sisted of 125 acres of land, to which he subsequently added, until 
he now owns a fine farm of 165 acres, upon which are some of the 
finest improvements in the township. Mr. Yager's early educa- 
tional training was limited, owing to his time being required on the 
farm. Socially, he is very popular, and is an honorable and up- 
right gentleman; none in the county stands higher in the estima- 
tion of the people. September 25, 1S51, he was united in mar- 
riage to Miss Jemima Clare, daughter of John and Matilda (Broils 1 



726 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Clare, natives respectively of Jefferson and Washington counties, 
Ky. Mrs. Yager was born in Jefferson County, Kv., December 
22, 183 |., and is the mother of one child, Samuel C. Yager, one of 
the leading business men of Franklin. Mr. and Mrs. Yager are 
active members of the Christian Church. 



CHAPTER IX. 




Military History — Early Militia — Black Hawk War — 
Mexican War — Civil War — Sentiment in 1S60 — First 
Troops — Sketches of Regiments — Sentiment in 1S63 — 
Bounty and Relief — Men Furnished for the War — 
Roll of Honor. 



'HAT constitutes the leading features of the current his- 
tory of all governments is their military experiences. 
It is through the instrumentality of war that civiliza- 
tion has been established in many portions of the 
world. Indeed, it is claimed by not a few reputable 
historians, that war is the necessary forerunner of 
civilization, the cannon an emblem of progress, indi- 
cating that barbarism has been supplanted, and a 
higher order of things established. If this be true the military con- 
flicts must form the most interesting chapter of a nation's history. 
Prior to that fearful contest which began in 1S61 and for four years 
drenched the land in fraternal blood, there was but little military 
excitement in what is now Johnson County. A few of the earliest 
settlers had taken part in the War of 1812, and yet fewer had par- 
ticipated in some of the campaigns against the Indians, led by Gen. 
Wayne or the renowned hero of Tippecanoe. In the midst of the 
pioneer duties the early citizens had but little time for martial busi- 
ness. The old laws kept up the militia system, and two days in 
each year all able-bodied men, of lawful age, were required to at- 
tend the general drill in their county. These "training" days were 
at first observed most religiously, but a long period contributed to 
impair both their efficiency and that of the militia. The training 
days became mere times for frolic, and were attended by a motley 
crowd bent more on deviltry than drilling. 



MILITARY HISTORY. 727 

Black Hawk War. — Johnson County enjoys the distinction of 
being one of the few that had a company in the Black Hawk War. 
More general mention of this war will be found in the first part of 
this volume. This was in 1S32, and in May of that year, a com- 
pany enlisted from Johnson County. Each soldier furnished his 
own horse and saddle, which were appraised upon entering the ser- 
vice. The campaign was short, and was devoid of any bloodv exper- 
iences. The company consisted of about 100 men, and marched from 
here to Chicago, near which place they remained in camp several 
weeks. They were ordered back home at the end of two months, 
having sustained no loss except a few horses which were stolen by 
the Indians. John Wishard was chosen captain; Samuel Herriott, 
first lieutenant, and Simon Covert, second lieutenant. There are 
four men now living in Johnson County, who belonged to this com- 
pany. Thev are John Brewer and Samuel Henry, of Greenwood, 
Aaron LaGrange, of Franklin, and James Wise, of Nineveh Town- 
ship. Names of other members of the company that are now re- 
called, were: Max Smiley, Powers Richey, Hendricks, Thomas 

Roberts, David Todd, Alexander Russelman, Hume Sturgeon, John 
Tracy, Henry Brinton, Barnett Brewer, Rev. Armstrong, Samuel 
Smile} - , Daniel McCalpin, Robert Farnsworth, Joseph Singleton, 
Garrett Vandiver, P. R. Vons, David Allen and James R. Alex- 
ander. 

Mexican War. — Johnson County shared the glory which at- 
tended the United States arms in that brief and brilliant campaign, 
in the land of the Montezumas. When war was declared against 
Mexico, the people of this county were among the foremost to offer 
a company for that service. Concerning this compay the Franklin 
Examiner of June 23, 1S46, has the following: 

For the satisfaction of their friends we give the roll of volunteers from this county as 
it stood when they lett this place. We understand there were some names entered at Edin- 
burg, after the company started, which are not on this list: Officers — David Allen, cap- 
tain; David Provence, first lieutenant; Elza Matthews, second lieutenant; Samuel 
McGuffin, John D. Tilson, AJpheus Laj and Joseph Tilson, sergeants; Jacob I oon, I''. M. 
Fain, Simon Hubble and James Jameison, corporals. Privates — Washington Wilson, 
James Parr, Peter Miller, Lawrence Lowe, Stephen A. Glasburn, James Henderson, Peter 
Glasburn, Daniel Coffelt, Charles Green, Jacob Kephart, John Kelley, Ephraim Donnovan, 
William Steele, Samuel II. I\ trick. T. Walden, J. \V. Paikhurst, Greenville Miller, James 
Miiler, Ambrose Armstrong, John Armstrong, James Allen, Samuel Rapp, John McLean, 
Hume Sturgeon, Harvey McCaslin, Adam Hopper, [esse Heffin, George Dawson, Aaron 
Richardson, William Kurkhart, John i >gle, John Slater, William Fisher, Frederick Aubke, 
W. II. Nelson, John Kephart, Charles Griffin, Cyrus Keneaster, Sylvester Nation, Peter T. 
Yarborough, Peter Lane, William Allen, R. K. Taylor, William Rivers, H. W. Webb, 
William H. Scrogham, Pleasant Cole, Joseph Hemphill, Frederick Cooper, George Duck- 
worth, Lafayette Matthews, S. T. Feather ngill, James Orchard, W. W. Israel, James 
Green, Benjamin Pan, Jonathan Williams, Lemont Morgan, Alexander Cooper, Christian F. 
Vaught, William Dawson, Woodward Worrel, Samuel S. Crosby, John L. Coons. Alexander 
! , William Peggs, William II. Allen, Andrew Moore. John Low, Lewis II. Shively, 
William Nance, Jefferson Etchison, John Ferguson, Jacob Merryman. 



72S JOHNSON COUNTY. 

This company went into camp at New Albany, the place of 
rendezvous. It was assigned to the Third Regiment of Indiana 
Volunteers, and early in July, started by boat for the seat of war. 
It shared the vicissitudes of the war, and lost a considerable num- 
ber through death and sickness. Capt. Allen was among those who 
died. John Armstrong was killed in battle at Buena Vista, and six 
others of the company wounded. J. Slater was chosen captain to 
succeed Allen, and Harvey McCaslin, second lieutenant. The 
company lost in all about fifteen by death, nearly all of which was 
caused by disease. On their return home, in August, 1S47, the 
people of the whole county turned out to welcome them. It was 
reported as one of the largest meetings that had ever been held in 
the count}' up to that time. A free dinner was served to all pres- 
ent, after which an address of welcome was delivered by Mr. 
Gabriel M. Overstreet, which was responded to by Capt. Slater, on 
behalf of the company. Col. Joseph Lane, who was in command 
of the Third Regiment, was called upon, and spoke for more than 
an hour. He reviewed the movements of the regiment in the lield, 
and was cheered heartily. 

I n'm-. — For several years prior to 1S61, the country had 
been drifting surely toward civil war. The two sections, the 
North and the South, had different interests to serve in the admin- 
istration of national affairs. The republican party was then in its in- 
fancy, but it contained some elements that foretold destruction to 
the greatest institution of the Southern States — slavery. It is true 
that the party had not then taken any direct stand upon the 
question of slavery, but its leaders were among the avowed oppon- 
ents of that institution, and many had been identified with the 
movement for its abolition. Abraham Lincoln had publicly de- 
clared that it was his deliberate conviction that the government 
could not exist half slave and half free. His election to the presi- 
dency, was, therefore, by the Southern States, accepted as a men- 
ace to their institution, which had long been sanctioned by the 
laws, and as the} - thought, with apparent right. In that section of 
the Union, the doctrine of state rights as paramount to national 
rights, had long been taught under the leadership of John C. 
Calhoun. Accordinglv, they did not long hesitate to secede from 
the Union, when it was known that Lincoln had been elected presi- 
dent. In order to show to some extent what the sentiments of the 
people in this locality were, the following piece of editorial is given 
from the Democratic Herald of November 22, 1S60. The paper 
was then edited by D. D. Banta : 

The present state of affairs in the south indicate that which all good, patriotic men 
■would deprecate — a dissolution oj the Union. The roll of the drum and the sound of the 
bugle is calling the advocates of secession together, and their numbers are far from 



MILITARY HISTORY. 729 

being despicable. There are those who pretend to see no clanger in the movement 
and confine it merely to politicians. But to all such we would say, politicians, 
seldom or never undertake to precipitate a great measure unless they know the 
temper of their people justify it. It required but little sagacity to see the result of Mr. 
Lincoln's election. It was but the voice of the northern people in favor of that idea that is 
now depleting the border states of their slaves. It was virtually saying to Massachusetts, 
New York, Ohio, and other northern states that have nullified the Federal constitution, by 
refusing to recognize the validity of the Fugitive Slave Law, go on in your work of nullifica- 
tion, we will stand by you. So, at least, southern men understand it, and we fear, that act- 
ing upon this understanding, great misery will fall upon our unhappy land. To us it seems 
however, that prudence would be the better part of valor, in this instance. Mr. Lincoln 
has been elected in a constitutional manner. He was the choice of the people, and his elec- 
tion, merely^ can afford no good pretext for secession. Nothing but an omission on his part, 
to perform a duty, or the commission of a wrong, would justify such a course. And we 
earnestly hope and pray that "the sober second thought," will come in time to save an imperilled 
Union, and a happy land rendered glorious by the united efforts of both northern and south- 
ern men. 

South Carolina took the first active step;, and passed an ordi- 
nance of secession December 20, 1S60. In this movement she was 
followed in quick succession by Mississippi, January 9, 1861; Ala- 
bama and Florida, January 11; Georgia, January 19, Louisiana, 
Januarv 26; Texas, February 1: Virginia. April 17: Arkansas and 
Tennessee. May 0: North Carolina, .Slav 21. No president ever 
assumed the high office under such trying circumstances. In Feb- 
ruary succeeding the inauguration of Lincoln, a peace convention 
was held at Baltimore. This was attended by representatives from 
nearly all the states, but it utterly failed in its purpose; excitement 
was at the greatest tension throughout the country, and the public 
spirit ran high. Mass meetings were held in all parts of the north. 

While the country was in this strained condition, Fort Sumter 
was fired upon. That deed, more than all others, united the loyal 
hearts of the North in defense of the national flag that had been 
fired upon by those in rebellion. The)' welcomed it perhaps 
as the only solution of the question, and gladly responded to the 
call to arms. The news of the fall of Fort Sumter was re- 
ceived at Indianapolis on Sunday morning the 14th of April, 1S61, 
and at Columbus on the evening of the same day; President Lin- 
coln issued a call on the 15th for 75,000 troops. This was followed 
on the 16th by a proclamation from Gov. Morton calling for the 
six regiments, the quota for Indiana, as fixed by the secretary of 
war. In this county the wildest enthusiasm was manifested, and 
the most intense excitement prevailed. 

On Monday, April 15th, the people of Franklin held a large 
and enthusiastic meeting at the court house, to take steps toward 
organizing a company, and for expressing their sentiments on the 
stirring deeds of the hour. Samuel P. Oyler was chosen presi- 
dent, David G. Vawter, vice-president, Joseph P. Gill, and G. W. 
Allison, secretaries. A committee on resolutions was appointed, 



730 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

consisting of G. W. Branham, Josiah Drake, and G. M. Overstreet. 
Addresses were made by Mr. Ovler, Dr. Ritchev, Daniel Howe, 
T. J. Morgan, Bank Byfield, G. W. Grubbs, and' Rev. J. Brum- 
back. Among the resolutions adopted was the following: "Be it 
resolved by the people of Johnson County, that while we have 
heretofore deprecated the horrors of civil war, and still do most 
sincerely regret and deplore the madness and crimes which have 
participated the country into those horrors, we are firmly and un- 
alterable attached, as we have always hitherto been, to the Federal 
Union and its legitimate government; and will employ all wise, 
just, and necessary means in our power to maintain and sustain 
both, and to enforce all the law's thereof; and that we unite as one 
man to repel all treasonable assaults upon the government, its 
property and citizens in every depaitment of the Union — peace- 
ably if we can, forcibly if we must." The whole was patriotic and 
strong in behalf of maintaining the union of the states unimpaired. 
When volunteers were called for, there was a general rush for the 
secretary's desk, in order to enroll names. On the next day a 
meeting of the company was held, and Samuel P. Ovler was 
chosen captain, Joseph P. Gill, first lieutenant, and William Ellis, 
second lieutenant. 

It is probable that no county in the state was more active during 
the first week that followed the firing on Fort Sumter, than John- 
son. The following item from the Herald will give some idea of 
the unusual excitement: " We were always under the impression 
that our quiet town was peaceably disposed, and that any other 
fever but the war fever could find its way here. The events of the 
last week, however, have somewhat dispelled this illusion, and since 
our last issue scarcely an hour passes without hearing the martial 
strains of the fife and drum, and witnessing the parade of some 
company who have enrolled themselves for the war. Six compa- 
nies have been formed here, and if every little town will do as well 
we can send enough men from Indiana alone to protect the capitol 
and do all the fighting." In the same issue of the paper appears 
the following list of officers for the various companies: Johnson 
County Minute Men, George W. Allison, captain; Felix Graham, 
first lieutenant: Samuel Lambertson, second lieutenant. Home 
Guards, Company A, W. H. Barnett, captain; Jacob F. McClellan, 
first lieutenant: Simon B. Moore, second lieutenant. Home Guards, 
Company B, G. W. Branham, captain; J. O. Martin, first lieutenant; 
W. H. Myers, second lieutenant. Home Guards, Company C, 
T. W. Woollen, captain; G. M. Overstreet, first lieutenant; C. F. 
Johnson, second lieutenant. 

The first company organized in the county was the one com- 



MILITARY HISTORY. 731 

manded by S. P. Oyler. It left for the camp of rendezvous on 
Monday, April 22, iS6i,with 105 men. The preceding Saturday 
the ladies of Franklin had presented the company with a splendid 
silk flag. The company was assigned the position of H, in the 
Seventh Regiment. Capt. Oyler was immediately promoted ma- 
jor of the regiment. In the company Joseph P. Gill became 
captain, William B. Ellis, and Welcome P>. McLaughlin, first and sec- 
ond lieutenants. The company had a total enrollment of seventy- 
four men. The Seventh was one of the three months' regiments 
that went from Indiana under the president's first call for troops. 
Its time was mostly spent in western Virginia, and was under the 
command of Ebenezer Dumont as colonel. It was engaged at 
Philippi, the first place in which Indiana troops were under fire 
during the Rebellion. At Corrick's Ford it bore a conspicuous part. 
Seventh Regiment, Three Tears. — For the sake of convenience 
the regiments in which Johnson County men were prominent, will 
from this on be mentioned in the order of their numbers. While 
this method will often bring regiments in after others that were 
previously organized, it is yet the best plan of arranging them in a 
work of this character. The Seventh Regiment was re-organized 
in the fall of 1861, for the three years' service. In it was one full 
company from this county. This was F, and for its officers had the 
following: Captains, Samuel Lambertson, September 1, 1S61; 
Thomas A. Jeffrey, November 1, 1S62; first lieutenants, George 
S. Smith, September 1, 1861; Thomas A. Jeffrey, December 24, 
1864; David Holmes, November 1, 1862; William Davis, June 19, 
1864; second lieutenants, Thomas Jeffrey, September I, 1861; 
James A. Holmes, December 24, 1861; David Holmes, October 26, 
1862; William Davis, November 1, 1862. Of these George S. 
Smith died December 24, 1S61, and David Holmes was killed in 
action June 18, 1S64. The company started out with an enrollment 
of ninety-eight men, and during its entire term of service was re- 
cruited with thirty-six, making a total of 134. Of this number 
twenty-nine died in the service. This regiment was commanded 
bv Col. Dumont, and joined the forces in the field in western Vir- 
ginia, under command of Gen. Reynolds at Cheat Mountain. It 
was engaged in the battles of Greenbriar, Winchester Heights, 
Port Republic, Front Royal, Slaughter Mountain, second battle of 
Bull Run, Antietam, Ashby's Gap, Fredericksburg, Chancellors- 
ville, Gettysburg, Mine Run, Wilderness, Laurel Hill, Po River, 
North Anna River, Bethesda Church, Cold Harbor, Petersburg, 
and others of minor importance. This long list of hotly contested 
battles gives some idea of the trying and faithful duty the regiment 
performed. 



732 JOHNSON" COUNTY. 

Jn the Seventeenth Regiment, Company D, Johnson County, 
furnished nearly all the men. It was one of the very earliest com- 
panies that left this county for the war, and was mustered into the 
service early in June, 1861. During its four years of service the 
following were its officers: Captains — George W. Allison, April 
25, 1861; William T. Jones, January 17, 1862; William A. Owens, 
November 23, 1S62. First Lieutenants — Robert S. Kane, May 
18, 1861; William A. Owens, January 17, 1S62; John J. Howard, 
November 23, 1862; James N. Wagoner, September 1, 1864. 
Second Lieutenants — William A.Owens, May 18, 1861; John J. 
Howard, January 17, 1862; Jam^*, N. Wagoner, November 23, 
1862; Henry Tutewiler, September 1, 1864; Edwin Churchill, 
November 20, 1864. This regiment was veteranized and continued 
in the field until the close of the war. Company D started out with 
ninety-eight men and recruited with eighty-four, a total of 1S2; 
seventeen died and twenty-two deserted. This regiment entered 
the service under the command of Milo S. Hascall, who afterward 
became a brigadier general. During most of its term it was in 
the mounted infantry service. It first joined the forces in the front 
in western Virginia, and was in Kentucky and Tennessee, at the 
siege ot Corinth and in pursuit of Bragg in 1862; was with Rose- 
crans in Tennessee, and was at Chattanooga in 1863; was in the 
Atlanta campaign and in the pursuit of Hood in 1S64; was in Wil- 
son's raid through Georgia and Alabama in 1865. It was mustered 
out of the service at Macon, Ga., August 8, 1865. 

The Eighteenth Regiment had one company from Johnson 
County. This was given the position of I, and its officers were: 
Captains, Jonathan H. Williams, July 15, 1861; William T. Stott, 
July 15, 1863; Henry Lawrence, July 27, 1865; first lieutenants, 
Charles F. Johnson, July 15, 1861; John Tilson, April 15, 1S62; 
Lewis W. Knobe, July 1, 1863; John Carson, December 1, 1863; 
Henry Lawrence, December 12, 1864; Edward Ditmars, July 27, 
1865; second lieutenants, John Tilson, Jul}- 15, 1861; Lewis W. 
Knox, April 15, 1862; John Carson, March 14, 1863; John W. 
Ryket, July 27, 1865. This companv had ninetv-eight men at its 
organization, and recruited with eleven. Out of this number, nine 
died and four deserted. The regiment did much active service in 
Missouri in 1861, in Arkansas and Missouri, in 1S62, against 
Vicksburg, and in Louisiana and Texas, in 1863, in the Shen- 
andoah Valley in 1S64, and in Georgia in 1865. Capt. Will- 
iams, of Company I, was promoted major, May 23, 1863, and 
was killed October 19, 1864, at Cedar Creek, Va. Two flags 
belonging to this regiment are deposited in the state archives at 
Indianapolis. One of them is " worn out, nothing but shreds left; 



MILITARY HISTORY. 733 

staff with cord and fringe.** The other has " nothing left but a 
small part of the blue field with a half dozen stars and a fragment 
of stripes. Bullet hole through middle of staff; staff spliced to 
hold it together." 

The Twenty-seventh Regiment had two companies, in which 
Johnson County men were conspicuous. One of these, C, is 
credited entirely to this county, although some of them were from 
"Morgan County. Company G had a considerable number of men 
from this county, but they are all credited to Morgan County. 
The commissioned officers in Company C from this county, were 
Isaac D. Collier, John Forelander and Oliver P. Ferguson, all of 
Edinburg, first lieutenants. The latter two were promoted from 
the second lieutenancy. In Company G, John R. Fesler, of Frank- 
lin, was the first captain, and became lieutenant colonel of the regi- 
ment. Squire O. Garrett, of Trafalgar, was first lieutenant. Com- 
pany C had a total of ninety-nine men, of whom it lost twenty-six 
by death, and six by desertion. In Company G there were no 
men, twenty died and one deserted. The Twenty-seventh was 
mustered into the service September 12, 1861, and the remainder 
of the year was passed in Maryland. It was in the Shenandoah 
Valley, eastern Virginia and Maryland in 1S62, and was at the 
Rappahannock, in Maryland, Pennslyvania and Tennessee in 1863; 
in Tennessee and the Atlanta campaign in 1864. Of the regi- 
ment's colors a national flag and a blue regimental flag, both much 
worn, are preserved at Indianapolis. 

The Third Cavalry, Forty-fifth Regiment, had one full company 
of men from this county. It was assigned the position of G, and 
had for its officers "the following: Captains, Felix W. Gra- 
ham, George F. Herriott and William J. Lucas. First Lieu- 
tenants. George F. Herriott, William J. Lucas and Daniel Callahan. 
Second Lieutenants, John S. Kephart, William J. Lucas and Daniel 
Callahan. The company started out with seventy-six men, and 
was recruited with thirty-seven. Thirteen died and sixteen de- 
serted. Company G was placed in the left wing of the Third 
Cavalry, and in the year 1861 served in Kentucky, in 1862 was in 
Tennessee and Kentucky, in 1863 in Rosecrans' campaign in Tenn- 
essee, in 1S64 was in the Atlanta campaign, and in Sherman's 
march to the sea. 

The Seventieth Regiment contained a large quota of men from 
Johnson County. Besides Company I, which was composed al- 
most exclusively of men from this county, there was a good repre- 
sentation in several other companies. Of the regimental officers, 
George W. Allison became quartermaster, and William A. Webb, 
assistant surgeon. In Company F, George W. Grubb was first 



734 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

lieutenant, and early in January, 1865, was promoted major of the 
Forty-second Regiment, United States Colored Troops. The offi- 
cers of Company I, were: Captains, William H. Fisher and John 
W. Thornburgh; first lieutenants, Thomas J. Morgan and S. Wes- 
ley Martin: second lieutenants. Stephen W. Dungan, S. W. Mar- 
tin, John E. Clelland and Joseph M. Tilson. Of the ninety-nine 
men originally enrolled in this company, all but eleven were 
from this county, as were most of the twenty-nine recruits. The 
company lost nineteen by death. It was mustered into the service 
early in August, 1862, and during the remainder of that year and 
all of 1S63, it did duty in Kentucky and Tennessee. In 1864, it 
was engaged in the Atlanta campaign, and went with Sherman to 
the sea. In 1865 it marched up through the Carolinas. The reg- 
iment was commanded by Benjamin Harrison, as colonel, and took 
part in some hotly contested battles, and performed much arduous 
duty. 

The Seventy-ninth Regiment had one company that was raised 
in Johnson County. It had for its officers some of the county "s 
leading men. They were: Captains, Samuel P. Oyler, William B. 
Ellis, Daniel W. Howe, and Edwin M. Byrkitt; first lieutenants, 
Daniel W. Howe, Thomas C. Bachelor, William H. Huntsinger; 
second lieutenants, James B. Bell, George C. Whitlock, Thomas 
C. Bachelor. S. P. Ovler was promoted lieutenant colonel of 
the regiment, and Lieut. Bachelor was honorably discharged in 
October, 1S64. on account of wounds. In the adjutant general's 
report the priyates of this company were not credited to any county, 
but it is more than likelv must, if not all of them, were from this 
county. The total enrollment was ninety-rive men, of whom 
twenty-six died and one deserted. It was mustered into the service 
August 14, 1802. The regiment during that year was engaged in 
Kentuckv and Tennessee in the pursuit of Bragg and the relief of 
Chattanooga. In 1S63-4, it was in East Tennessee, and in 1864, 
was conspicuous in the Atlanta campaign and pursuit of Hood. Its 
service in 1S65, was mostlv confined to Tennessee. It was con- 
stantly in active service, never having been assigned to garrison 
duty. The regiment is credited with the capture of eighteen pieces 
of artillery and over 1,000 prisoners. 

The Fifth Cavalry, Ninetieth Regiment, was the next that had 
a company of men from Johnson County. This was F, and its 
officers were: Captains, Felix W. Graham, Ruell B. Loomis and 
Joseph Harmon: first lieutenants, Ruell B. Loomis, William H. 
McLaughlin and John Green; second lieutenants, W. H. Mc- 
Laughlin, John E. Green and John S. Kephart. Captain Graham 
rose to the rank of colonel, and Josiah M. Wishard, of Greenwood, 



MILITARY HISTORY. 735 

became surgeon. The company started out with ioo men, 
was recuited with forty-two, lost fourteen by death and ten by de- 
sertion. In October. 1862, Company F was sent to Carrolton, 
Kv., and the regiment was distributed along the Ohio River,, where 
the winter of 1S62-63 was spent. In April, the regiment was 
again united. During the rest of 1863 it was in Kentucky and 
Tennessee, and was in the pursuit of Morgan. In the year 1864 
it joined the movement against .Atlanta, and took part in Gen. 
Stoneman's raid in Georgia. It was in Kentucky and Tenne 
in 1865, and was mustered out of the service in June of that year. 

The Indiana Legion was an extensive organization throughout 
the state, for the purpose of home defense in case of need. It 
served another purpose, however, that proved more useful than 
as home guards. It was the medium through which many good 
soldiers were brought into the service, that, perhaps, would not 
otherwise so readily have entered the active service of the United 
States. The drilling, too, was useful in preparing men to a con- 
siderable extent for the evolutions that were required in actual war. 
In other words it was a training school where men learned the 
rudiments of knowledge in war that so soon enabled them to per- 
form in the face of the enemy like trained veterans. Johnson 
County had several of these companies in the Legion, and the ros- 
ter of the officers reveals the names of many who led companies to 
the held of battle. 

Opinion in iS6j. — The sentiment that had been gaining ground 
against the prosecution of the war, probably attained its highest in 
the summer of 1S63. This, however, was not a sentiment in favor 
of rebellion, but in favor of conciliation, and was willing to continue 
the existence of slavery. The emancipation proclamation, to those 
who held such views, was a dangerous and unwarranted proceed- 
ing. To them it seemed the government was waging a war of 
subjugation and for the abolition of slavery. Such a course they 
were heartily opposed to, and from these causes alone were opposed 
to the further prosecution of the war. They were equally opposed 
to the breaking up of the Union. A conservative or middle course 
was what they proposed to follow, but it is doubtful if such a plan 
could have succeeded at that time. President Lincoln took the 
smaller horn of the dilemma, and wisely concluded that it was better 
to destroy slavery than the Union. The Indiana legislature of 
1863, passed a resolution declaring in favor of calling a national 
peace convention, and requested the people of Indiana to send 
representatives to a stale convention that should appoint delegates 
to a national assembly. This gave the opportunity for the various 
counties to express their sentiments upon the war question. 



736 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

The Morgan Raid. — In July, 1863, there occurred an affair 
that created more excitement in Southern Indiana than any other 
period has known. This was the raid of the confederate general, 
John H. Morgan, through the southeastern portions of the state 
into Ohio. He crossed the Ohio River, at Con-don, this state, and 
began his short raid that spread more terror among the inhabitants 
than any other occurrence of the kind during the war. He pro- 
ceeded northward to Paoli, in Orange County, then to Salem, the 
county seat of Washington County. From that place his next 
town of importance was Vernon, in Jennings County, whence he 
directed his course toward Lawrenceburg. When the news arrived 
that Morgan had invaded Indiana soil, there was not a town in the 
south central part of the state in which the people did not conclude 
they were the direct object of attack. Consternation spread with 
alarming rapidity. Johnson County organized a regiment to assist 
in repelling the invaders. There were six companies, comprising 
nearly 400 men, most of whom belonged to the Legion. 

Other Regiments. — Besides those already mentioned there were 
many other regiments in which Johnson County was represented. 
In the summer of 1 864, there were several regiments tendered by the 
governors of Ohio, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin, for a 
period of 100 days. These were to be used in doing guard duty 
along the border, and thereby enable the veteran troops to take 
the field for active service during that time. It was hoped that 
this movement would advance the Union cause to more speech- 
success. In the One Hundred and Thirty-second Regiment, 
which was organized for the ioodavs' service, there was one company 
from this countv. This was G, and had for its officers, H. H. Luyster, 
Simeon Frazier, and Henry Bvers. The One Hundred and Forty- 
eighth Regiment had a considerable portion of men from this 
countv. The Twelfth Battery Light Artillery, also had some men 
from Johnson County. 

Bounty ami Relief. — In order to stimulate volunteering, the 
United States government authorized the payment of bounties early 
in the war to those who should enlist for the term of three years. 
In the first vear of the war this amount was fixed at $100. Orders 
from the war department at various times authorized the payment 
of additional sums ranging as high as $400, according to the nature 
and term of service. The inequalities of bounties created great 
dissatisfaction, but it was claimed by the authorities that the exig- 
encies of the times demanded it and could not be avoided. An 
additional inducement was offered in the way of a land war- 
rant for fortv-acres of public land to each soldier receiving an 
honorable discharge. This, taken with the amount of the bounty. 



MILITARY HISTORY. 737 

which was considered about the value of a mule, brought about 
that famous and popular phrase, •' forty acres and a mule," and 
doubtless had much to do with the successful volunteering- which 
characterized the war. Besides the national bounties, large and 
often extravagant sums were paid by many of the counties. These 
had the effect to lighten the drafts, "but at the same time increased 
the taxes. The latter, however, cut but little figure in the question. 
People would not put a price on the Union, and no matter what 
was required to preserve it, that requirement was always met. In 
Johnson County this spirit was fully maintained, and the board 
of commissioners at different times met the popular demand by 
offering bounties. 

Another important item came under the head of Relief. This 
included whatever sums were paid to support the families of those 
who had enlisted and were absent in the field of battle, and also the 
supplies forwarded to the soldiers themselves. A few months' 
experience showed how much the government lacked of being 
prepared for supplying an army with the necessar}^ comforts re- 
quired by a soldier. Immediately after the opening of the war 
there was a Soldiers' Aid Society formed in Franklin by the lead- 
ing ladies of the town. The work which those noble-hearted 
women did went far toward relieving the wants of the soldiers. 
Scarcely a week passed without a shipment to the front of mittens, 
socks, blankets and such other articles as a soldier would likely 
need to withstand the extremities of the seasons. These contribu- 
tions were purely personal, and the women of the whole county 
were requested to bring in whatever could be properly spared. In 
this way many dollars were spent in the soldiers' behalf which 
are not included in the following amount of bounty and relief 
which was paid by this county: bounty, $220,000; relief, $15,000. 

.Men Furnished for the War. — The various calls made by the 
president for troops during the Rebellion were as follows: 

First call, 75,000, three months' service, April 15, 1861. 

Second call, 42,034 men, three years' service, May 3, 1861. 

Third call, 300,000 men. nine months" service, August 4, 1862. 

Fourth call, 100,000 men, six months' service, June 15, 1863. 

Fifth call, 300,000 men, three years" service, October 17, 1863. 

Sixth call, 500,000 men, three years' service, February 1, 1864. 

Seventh call, 200,000 men, three years service, March 15. [864. 

Eighth call, 500,000 men, one, two or three years' service, Julv 
18, 1864. 

Ninth call. 300,000 men, one, two or three years' service, De- 
cember 19, 1864. 

These Calls aggregate more than 2,300,000 men, and give some 



738 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

idea of the magnitude of the Civil War in the United States. It 
will be interesting to know what part of this immense armv was 
furnished bv Johnson Countv. The first enrollment of the militia 
in Indiana after the commencement of the war was made Septem- 
ter 19, 1862. The total militia force of the countv was 2.545, 
of which 294 were exempt from bearing arms, leaving 2,251 sub- 
ject to draft. The county was at that date credited with having 
furnished 1,010 volunteers, of which 945 were then in the service. 
It was under this enrollment that the first draft in Indiana occurred, 
October 6, 1862, to supply the number required by the call of Aug- 
ust 4th. The quota of Johnson Count}' under that draft was 156 
men, apportioned among these townships: Union 33, Nineveh 19, 
Blue River 4, llensley 27, Clark 3. Pleasant 9, White River 61. 
The draft ollieers were: James Ritchey, commissioner; Leon 
Ritchey, marshal: P. W. Payne, surgeon. 

The call of October 17, 1863, demanded of Johnson County 
191 men, which number was furnished without resorting to a 
draft. Under the calls of February 1st, March 15th and July 
iSth, 1864, the total quota for the county was 920 men, to offset 
which it was credited with 805 new recruits, 118 veterans, making 
923, or 3 more than were required. The president's last call for 
troops, December 19, 1864, asked this county for 282 men. Against 
this number the countv was credited with 201 new recruits, 3 vet- 
erans ami 82 by draft, making in all 286. This was the condition 
of the account with Johnson County on the 14th of April, 1865, 
at which time all efforts to raise troops were abandoned. It shows 
a balance in favor of the count}-. The draft under this last call was 
made upon the basis of the third enrollment of the state, or second 
under the enrollment act of congress. That enrollment showed 
the countv to have had a militia force of 2,001. These figures 
show that the county furnished 2,392 men for the war, or 391 
more than the number last reported as its total militia force. This 
need not imply that there were that number of separate men from 
this countv in the war, for there were not. A considerable number 
of the men enlisted twice, and some three times, and they were 
counted for each enlistment. It is probable that 300 will include 
the number of those who were thus recounted. Thus it will be 
seen that Johnson County alone furnished enough men to make 
more than two full regiments, a considerable army in itself. 

Rol! of Honor. — The following is a roll of honor, as taken from 
the adjutant general's report for the state, and as that work con- 
tains many errors, it can hardly be hoped that this roll is free from 
mistakes. The list given comprises only the privates who died either 
from wounds or otherwise before receiving a final discharge. It 






MILITARY HISTORY. 739 

doubtless contains many errors and omissions, but is ..he best that 
can be obtained at this time: 

Seventh Regiment, Company F. 

Daniels, Martin V., killed at North Anna River, May 25, 1864. 

Featherngill, James, died at Beverly, Va., December 19, 1S61. 

Mullikin Joseph, died at Cumberland, Md., February 27, 1862. 

Pritchard, Daniel W., killed at Winchester, March 23, 1S63. 

Adams, Elisha, died at Franklin, Ind., June 30, 1862. 

Decoursey, Joel, died at Cumberland, Md., January 13, 1862, 

Dragoo, Belteshazzar, killed at North Anna River, May 25, 1S64. 

Fisher, James M., died at Washington, July 3, 1864. * 

Good, Francis M., died at Alexandria, July 16, 1864. 

Hendrix, Alban, died at Cumberland, February 11, 1862. 

Hill, Thomas, died at Franklin, Ind., January 14, 1862. 

Knowlton, Theophilus, killed at Spottsylvania Court House, May 
10, 1S64. 

Low, David B., killed at Wilderness, May 5, 1S64. 

Richardson, Lewis, killed at Wilderness, May 5, 1S64. 

Saunders, Peter, died at Indianapolis, September 12, 1861. 

Snediker, William H., died at Elkwater, Va., November 14, 1861. 

Swarr, Henry F., killed at Port Republic, June 9, 1862. 

Thompson, William, killed at Petersburg, June 23, 1864. 

Tucker, Jackson, died at Portsmouth Grove, of wounds received 
July 2Q : 1864. 

Langston, Sylvester, killed at Wilderness, May 5, 1S64. 

Payton, John W., died May iS, 1864, of wounds received at Wild- 
erness. 

Voorhees, Daniel L., died at Alexandria, August 1, 1864. 

Seventeenth Regiment, Company D. 
Phelps, James L., died April 25, 1865, of wounds received at 

Selma. 
Voorhees, John, died at Bardstovvn, December 24, 1864. 
Williams, Flemin, died at Nashville, February, 1864. 

Eighteenth Regiment, Company I. 

Crawford, Williams S., killed at Winchester, September 19, 1864. 
Wells, Henry E., killed at Cedar Creek, October 19, 1864. 
Terhune, Benjamin, killed at Winchester, September 19, 1S64. 

Nineteenth Regiment, Company H. 

Furgason. James, killed at Gettysburg, July I, 1863. 
Smalley, John W., died September 15, 1861. 
Beshears, Andrew, killed at Gettysburg, July 1, 1S63. 
47 



74° JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Bills, James, died August i, 1861. 

Br3'ant, Albert, killed at Wilderness, May 5, 1S64. 

Cain, John, died September 15, 1S61. 

Clark, Argus B., killed at South Mountain, September 14, 1862. 

Cobb, Sidney, died October 8, 1862, of wounds received at Gains- 

ville. 
Dyson, Thomas H., killed at Antietam, September 17, 1S62. 
Glenn, John H., died August 15, 1S61. 

Gray, Jeduthan, died October 11, 1862, wounds received at Antie- 
tam. 
Green, David, absent since April, 1863, supposed dead. 
Hammack, William, killed at South Mountain, September 14, 1862. 
Hillman, Joseph, died July 1, 1862. 
Laymon, William, died October 11, 1862, of wounds received at 

South Mountain. 
Lowrey, Thomas, died September 11, 1862, of wounds received at 

South Mountain. 
Patton, Samuel, died September 11, 1862, of wounds received at 

South Mountain. 
Pennick, Fletcher, killed at Gettysburg. July 1, 1863. 
Rich, Henry C, killed September 17, 1862, at Antietam. 
Ruddick, Owen, died September 17, 1862, of wounds received at 

South Mountain. 
Sparks, Amos H., killed at Laurel Hill, May, 1864. 
Sparks, Philip, died September 24, 1862, of wounds received at 

Gainsville. 
Walker, Ambrose, died July 23, 1861. 
Warder, Martin V., killed at Gettysburg, July 1, 1S63. 
Wheeler, John, died August 15, 1861. 

Twentieth Regiment, Company G. 
Demaree, Robert B., died December 22, ib'64. 
Demaree, Amzi T., died in rebel prison. 
Hamilton, Peter L., died in rebel prison, September, 1S64. 
Kingfield, Hamilton, died in rebel prison. 
List, Peter D., died in rebel prison. 

Twenty-first Regiment, Company M. 

Smock, Simon V., died at home, October 3, 1S64. 

Kinney, Cornelius, died August 10, 1864, on steamer Empress. 

Stivers, George W., died October 14, 1864, at New Orleans. 

Twenty-second Rtgiment, Company K. 

Starling, Jesse, died at Louisville, June 25, 1865. 



MILITARY HISTORY. 74I 

Twenty-sixth Regiment, Company 1). 

Foster, James W., died at Port Hudson, August 6, 1863. 
James, William, died at Otterville, Mo., March 9, 1862. 
Lamkin, William, killed at Prairie Grove, December 7, 1S62. 
Mullins, Archibald, killed near Glasgow, September 19, 1861. 
Pherson, Robert T., died at Tipton, Mo., November 25, 1861. 

Twenty-sixth Regiment, Company E. 
Myers, William S., left sick at Lewisburg, Mo., supposed dead. 

Fifty-first Regiment, Company C. 
Elburn, Thomas, died March 4, 1863. 

Fifty-first Regiment, Company U. 
Snow, James F., died at Nashville, November 1, 1862. 

Fifty-first Regiment, Company F. 
Hord, Willis, died at Pittsburg Landing, April 16, 1862. 

Fifty-first Reg/men/, Company I. 
Hamilton, John W., died at Greenwood in 1862. 

Seventieth Regiment, Company B. 
Wood, Maford, died at Sandersville, February 21, 1863. 
Beeson, William H., died at Cassville, Ga., June, 1864. 

Seventieth Regiment, Company H. 
Deer, Thomas H., died August 14, 1S64, of wounds. 
Anderson, Lewis, died at Murfreesboro, July 27, 1863. 
Burnet, Levi, died at Hilton Head, S. C, February 14, 1865. 
Adams, Benjamin X., killed at Resacca, May 15, 1864. 
Adams, Bethuel, died at Sandersville, Tenn., January 17, 1863. 
Brown, Benjamin F., died May 15, 1S64, of wounds received at 

Resacca. 
Coleman, Jerry M., died at Nashville, July 7, 1864. 
Curry, Tisdale, died at Bowling Green, K\\, December 25, 1862. 
Dawden, Christopher, died at Sandersville, Tenn., January 27, 1S63. 
Hinkle, James II., died of wounds received at Resacca, Ga., May 

15, 1864. 
Mappin, Thomas C, died of wounds received at Resacca, Ga., May 

14, 1864. 
McAllister, Tipton, died at Scottsville, Ky., November 18, 1862. 
Mitchell, Samuel, killed at Resacca, Ga., May 15, 1S64. 
Parmer, George N., died at Nashville, Tenn., November 9, 1S63. 
Patterson, Samuel, killed at Resacca, Ga., May 15, 1864. 



742 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Combs, William C, died of wounds received at Kenesaw, June 19, 

1S64. 
Irwin, Benjamin H., died of wounds received at Marietta. Ga., July 

2, 1S64. 

Seventy-ninth Regiment^ Company E. 

Nicely, Michael, killed at Chickamauga, September 19, 1863. 
Wilbier, Thomas C, killed at Marietta, Ga., June 23, 1864. 

Seventy-ninth Regiment, Company F. 

Chapman, James S. M., died February 28, 1S63, of wounds re- 
ceived at Stone River. 
Dean, Joseph, died at Nashville, February 15, 1S63. 
Mathews, Jacob, died at Murfreesboro, March 31, 1863. 

Seventy-ninth Regiment, Company I. 

Moffat, Henry B., died at Nashville, Tenn., December 25, 1862. 

Anderson, George W., died at Knoxville, Tenn., March 25, 1S64. 

Bennett, Joseph P., died December 18, 1862. 

Bryant, Pearson, died at Murfreesboro, Tenn., April 13, 1S63. 

Bridges, Benjamin, died at Nashville. Tenn.. January 11, 1863. 

Bennett, John, died at Nashville, Tenn., December 4, 1862. 

Butler, Michael R., died at Chattanooga, Tenn., December 9, 1863. 

Bvers, James, died at Nashville, Tenn., December 28, 1S62. 

Callon, William A., died January 23, 1863. 

Coy, John, died at Nashville, Tenn., January 3, 1863. 

Dodd, Tilman, died (date and place unknown). 

Fitzpatrick, George W., died at Nashville, Tenn., December 23, 

1S63. 
Holecraft, Edmond, killed at Kenesaw, June 23, 1S64. 
Johnson, Preston, died at Kansas, Ind., December 6, 1S62. 
McKain, William, died January 10, 1863. 

Neidv, William, died at Nashville, Tenn., December 31, 1862. 
Robinson, Alexander, killed at Pickett's Mills. May 27, 1864. 
Roberts, John R., died at Nashville, Tenn., December 26, 1862. 
Shultz, William, died at Nashville, Tenn., January 29, 1863. 
Shoonmeyer, Philip, died at Nashville, Tenn., January 5, 1S63. 
Tullv, Thomas C, died at Nashville, Tenn., December 17, 1862. 
Tyler, Thomas M., died at Nashville, Tenn., March 9, 1863. 
Tyler, William A., died at Nashville, Tenn., January 8, 1863. 
Vaught, Harrison, died at Chattanooga, Tenn., November 11, 1S63. 
Watson, David M., died at Nashville, Tenn., December 25, 1862. 
Wheatley, Charles H., died at McMinnville, July 31, 1S63. 



NINEVEH TOWNSHIP. 743 

Fifth Cavalry {Ninetieth Rigiment), Company F. 

Hodge, Moses J., died in Andersonville prison, July 2, 1864. 
Hall, William I)., died at Lexington, Ky., April 2S, 1864. 
Hearne, John, died in Andersonville prison, August 17, 1S64. 
Mack, Andrew J., died in prison at Florence, S. C, November 6, 
1864. 

Ninety-third Regiment, Company E. 

Harp, William M., died at Louisville, Ky., February 17, 1865. 
Kiskey, Samuel, died in Andersonville prison, November 17, 1864. 
Thomas, James A., died at Florence, S. C, October 21, 1S64. 

One Hundredth Regiment, Company R. 

Robinson, Henry, died at Marietta, Ga., August 10, 1864. 

Ninth Cavalry [One Hundred and Twenty-first Regiment), Com- 
pany H. 

Bell, James, lost on Sultana, April 27, 1865. 

Calvin, Thomas, died March 8, 1864. 

Calvin, John W., died at Vicksburg, Miss., May 12, 1S65. 

Morris, George W., died at home, April 2, 1865. 

Ninth Cavalry {Twenty-first Regimen!'), Company L. 
Stout, Joseph, died at Pulaski, Tenn., July 21, 1864. 

One Hundred and Forty-eighth Regiment, Company D. 
Fulk, John A., died at Nashville, Tenn., March 23, 1865. 
Stafford, Lorenzo D., died at Pulaski, Tenn., April 1, 1865. 

One Hundred and Forty-eighth Regiment, Company F. 
Park, Daniel B., died at home, March S, 1865. 

One Hundred and Forty-eighth Regiment, Company K. 
Harper, William F., died at Pulaski, Tenn., July 22, 1865. 



NINEVEH TOWNSHIP. 

Benjamin F. Barnett, a farmer of Nineveh Township, was 
born Jul)' 8, 1842, son of Ambrose and Sopronia (Riggs) Barnett. 
The father was a native of Bourbon County, Ky., born July 24, 
1S09, of Scotch descent, and died May 20, 1885. The mother is a 
native of New York, of Scotch descent, born January 23, 1817, 
and is now living. Our subject was reared on a farm in Johnson 
County until eleven vears old. He then went to Hamilton County, 



744 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Ind., where he remained until twenty-one years of age: then to 
Johnson County, where he now lives. He received a good com- 
mon school education, and at the age of twenty-one years he be- 
gan life for himself by teaching in the country schools. He taught 
four winter terms. He then gave up teaching and began farming, 
which he has continued since. August 18, 1S64, he was united in 
marriage with Mary E. Middleton, a daughter of Arthur and Eliza 
(Smith) Middleton, both natives of Ireland. To this union 
the following children have been born: Ida E., Julv 2, 1865; Cora 
F., August 31, 1866: Dilla A., March 28, 186S;" Maggie J., De- 
cember 16, 1S69; Deochia A., September 12, 1S71; Wilson H., 
June 2, 1873; Myrtle V., March 31, 1875; Daisy E., Jul}- 30, 
1877: Mamia S., June 6, 1S79; Catharine M., May 11, 1881, and 
Thomas F., November 10, 1SS3. The mother of these children 
was born October 4, 1842. He and wife are members of the 
Christian Church. He was a Granger during the continuance of 
the order. In politics, he was a democrat until 1876, when he be- 
came identified with the greenback party. He now owns 115 
acres of fine land in Nineveh Township, which is well improved. 

George Botsford, a farmer of Nineveh Township, was born 
April 27, 1853, son °f George and Louisa (Parmerlee) Botsford. 
The father was a native of Connecticut, and was born September 
8, 1804. He departed this life November 9, 1858. The mother, 
also a native of Connecticut, was born December 25, 1810, 
and died February 8, 1885. Our subject was reared on a farm in 
Johnson Count}'. He received a good common school education, 
and at the age of twenty-one years he began the struggle of life for 
himself. He first accepted a clerkship with Dunlap Brothers at 
Franklin, where he remained a short time, and then began the 
carriage-making trade in 1874, serving an apprenticeship with 
A. N. Carnine, where he remained three years, with the exception 
of one winter, when he returned home to attend school. He then 
accepted a position as deputy sheriff, under James H. Pudney, 
where he remained four years. He then went to Bloomington, this 
state, where he conducted a photograph gallery for about six 
months, after which he traveled in the south and west about six 
months. He then returned to his home in Johnson County, where 
he was united in marriage with Gertrude Redman, on December 
29, 1880. She is a daughter of George L. and Lina (Richardson) 
Redman, both natives of Kentucky, of Dutch descent. This union 
was blessed with the following children: Leonard J. (deceased), 
born October 12, 1S81; Eliza, August 10, 1883: Elsa, February 22, 
1888. The mother of these children was born June 25, 1859. She 
is a member of the Missionary Baptist Church. In politics, Mr. 



NINEVEH TOWNSHIP. 745 

Botsford is a democrat, casting his first presidential vote for Tilden 
and Hendricks. He now owns a nice home of eighty-eight acres, 
being the old homestead farm of his father. He and family are 
among the first families of Nineveh Township. 

Scott L. Bridges is a farmer and stock-raiser of Nineveh 
Township, born March 5, 1854, a son of George T. and Lydia A. 
(Peilv) Bridges, whose biographies appear elsewhere in this work. 
Our subject was reared on his father's farm in Franklin Township, 
and received a common school education. His vocation has always 
been farming. September 23, 1876, he was united in marriage 
with Mary E. Kennedy, a daughter of John and Martha (McQuinn) 
Kennedy; the father a native of this state, of English descent. His 
parents went from Virginia to Tennessee, and from there to In- 
diana about the beginning of the eighteenth century; the mother 
was a native of Kentucky, of English descent. This union was 
blessed with the following children: William T., Evert L., 
George R. and Ida May. The mother of these children was born 
December 22, 1856. lie is a member of the I. O. O. F. lodge, 
No. 1S1, at Trafalgar, Ind. He and wife are members of the 
Christian Church. In politics, he is a democrat, casting his first 
presidential ballot for Tilden and Hendricks. He now owns a 
beautiful farm of 160 acres near Trafalgar. He and William A. 
Bridges own a feed mill which the)' now have in operation at the 
latter's place. 

Daniel Britton, one of the successful business men of Will- 
iamsburg, was born in Greene County, Tenn., January 7, 1833, 
son of Thomas and Malinda (Cradick) Britton, both natives of 
Tennessee: the father was born about 1809, of Scotch-Irish descent, 
anddiedabout iS7o;the mother was born about 181 1, and died about 
1S40. Our subject's boyhood and youth were spent on a farm in 
Tennessee. He received a good common school education, and 
served an apprenticeship at the blacksmith's trade, which vocation 
he followed for a number of years. At the age of twenty-one 
years he began life for himself, his occupation being blacksmithing. 
May 25, 1S53, he married Elizabeth K. Murphey, a daughter of 
William and Jemima (Stuart) Murphev, both born in Virginia; the 
father was of Irish, and the mother of English, descent. This union 
was blessed with the following children : William F., born Febru- 
ary 14, i854;Mary J., November, 1S55; Emma M.. May 8, 1S57, 
deceased: Thomas D., October 27, 1861. William was united 
in marriage, with Mattie McCaffrav, October 24, 1877. Mary J., 
was married to William Wheatlcv, May 14, 1873. Thomas D. 
was united in marriage with " China" Keaton, September 6, 1881. 
The mother was born May 25, 1834. In the late war our 



74^ JOHNSON COUNTY. 

subject, lived in the south, and took sides with the Confederate 
States; he enlisted in Company A. Sixty-first Tennessee, and en- 
tered the war as a private, but soon became a lieutenant, which 
office he held until he surrendered with Gen. Joe E. Johnston, at 
Abbington, Va., and was paroled at Louisa, Ky., in 1865. He and 
wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, 
he is a democrat, casting his first presidential vote for Buchanan. 
He was tax collector in Tennessee for four years, and after he 
came to Indiana in 1865, he was elected justice of the peace by a 
large majority, having received a large republican vote. He owns 
fifty-four acres of good land, and six town lots in Williamsburg, 
which are all improved except one. He is recognized as one of 
the live and wide-awake business men of the town, having a half- 
interest in a saw-mill, half-interest in tile factory, at Williamsburg, 
and a half-interest in a tile factory at Trafalgar. He is now post- 
master at Williamsburg, known as Nineveh postoffice, to which he 
was appointed by President Cleveland, April 1, iSSS. He is a 
Roval Arch Mason. 

Andrew J. Burkhart, a farmer of Nineveh Township, was 
born in Nineveh Township, October 12, 1828, a son of Henry and 
Elizabeth (Knapp) Burkhart. The former was born about 1791, 
and died 1S53; the latter was born in 1S01, and is still living. Our 
subject's boyhood was spent on a farm in Nineveh Township. He 
received a common school education, and began life for himself at 
the age of twenty-five years, but had the responsibility of his 
mother's family after he was ten years of age. His occupation has 
always been that of a farmer. December 23, 1853, he was united 
in marriage to Ursula Stevens, a daughter of David and Eliza 
(Martin) Stevens, both natives of Kentucky. To this union the 
following children were born : Millard, Mary C, Lottie and Eliza- 
beth. The mother of these children was born in 1S35. He and 
his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In pol- 
itics, he is a democrat, casting his first presidential vote for Pierce. 
He now owns 100 acres of fine farming land in Nineveh Town- 
ship. 

Prettyman M. Burton, deceased, was one of the pioneer 
settlers of Nineveh Township, born November 30, 1790, and de- 
parted this life April 14, 1886. He was reared on a farm in Tennes- 
see, where he received a common school education. At the age 
of twenty years he began life for himself as a farmer. He was 
a soldier in the War of 181 2. He left to his widow fifty acres of 
fine land. She also draws a pension of $12 per month. He was a 
member of the old-school Baptist Church. His wife, Mrs. Pauline 
Bills, is a daughter of William and Sarah (Tucker) Woodruff, the 



NINEVEH TOWNSHIP. 747 

father a native of Ohio, of Dutch-English descent, born in 1779, 
and died in 1S74; tne mother of Scotch-Irish descent, born 1794, 
and died in 1887. Mrs. Burton, the wife of our subject, was born 
January 1, 1825. Her first husband was Thomas T. Bills, son of 
Thomas and D. A. Bills, both natives of New Jersey. Mr. 
Bills was a soldier in the late war. He enlisted in Company H, 
Fifty-fourth Regiment Indiana Volunteers. He served about six- 
months, when he was taken sick, and died on his way home. 
This union was blessed with the following children : William T. 
Bills, born Julv 12, 184S; Abraham, May 2, iS5o;Joab, May S, 
1852; Absalom, February 1, 1855; Sarah Jane, July 4, 1857; 
Harriet Ann, September 10, 1859. This husband left to his wife 
about twenty acres of land. She is a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. She is well respected by all who know her. 

John W. Calvin, a young man of Nineveh Township, was 
born in Brown County, Ind., March 16, 1852, son of John and 
Sarah (Conn) Calvin. His father was born in Brown County, 
Ohio, February 19, 1823, of Irish descent, and died in Brown 
County, Ind., October 30, 1870. He served through the Mexican 
War, and again in the War of the Rebellion. He was first lieu- 
tenant in the Eighty-second Regiment Indiana Volunteers, and 
fought in the battles of Missionary Ridge, Lookout Mountain, 
Chickamauga and Stone River. After two years' active service, 
during which time he was several times sent home as recruiting 
officer, he resigned on account of ill-health, and returned home. 
He was a member of the Masonic order, and a respected citizen. 
Mrs. Calvin was born October 15, 1827, and died July 9, 1S65. 
Our subject was reared on a farm, and was left an orphan at the 
age of seventeen. After this he worked as a farm laborer, and 
acquired a good education. February 2, 1881, he was married to 
Miss Alice M. Mullendore. The issue of this marriage was as 
follows: Omer Thomas, born December 11, 1882; Ida Blanche, 
January 9, 18S3. The mother of these children was born 
August 1, i860. She was the daughter of Lewis and Harriet 
Mullendore, and died March 9, 1884. She was a lady posess- 
ing a most beautiful Christian character, embracing Christianity 
early in life. She was a dutiful wife, an affectionate mother, re- 
spected in society, and loved by all who knew her. She was a 
member of the Christian Church, at Nineveh. Mr. Calvin is a 
member of the Masonic order, and in politics is a democrat, and 
has twice been elected trustee of Nineveh Township. December 
23, 1887, he was again married to Miss Mollie Hungate. The 
issue of this marriage has been one child: George Harlan. The 
mother of this child was born March 1, 1859, anc ^ ' s a daughter 



74S JOHNSON COUNTY. 

of Turner B. and Harriet F. (Whitenack) Hungate. The father 
was born m Mercer County, Kv., July 28, 1827, of English descent; 
and the mother was a native of Ireland, and was born October 1, 
183 1. Mrs. Calvin is an educated and cultivated lady, and was a 
prominent teacher in the public schools of this county. She and 
her husband are members of the Christian Church, at Nineveh. 
Beginning as a farm laborer at the age of seventeen, he has made 
a record worthy of any man. A man of tireless energy and cease- 
less industry, he has accumulated a handsome competence, and is 
one of the rising young men of the county. He has a splendid 
farm of 120 acres, one and one-half miles east of Nineveh, upon 
which he resides, and to its cultivation he devotes his entire atten- 
tion. 

Green Berry Cobb, a farmer, was born January 5, 1S48, in 
Bartholomew County, Ind., and is a son of Wesley and Mary Jane 
( Walker ) Cobb. The father was born in Madison County, Ky., 
November 16, 1S24, of English descent, and died in Johnson 
Countv, Ind., August 20. 1883. lie was a member of the Masonic 
order, and respected b_v all who knew him. The mother was born 
in Jennings County, Ind., of English descent, June 7, 1825, and 
died November 26, 1871. Our subject was reared on his father's 
farm in Bartholomew County, where he received a common school 
education, and began life as a farmer at the age of twenty-one 
years. August 12. 1869, he married Miss Leah Frances Gillespy. 
The children of this marriage were born as follows: Dillard, June 
10, 1870; Eddie, January 14, 1S73. The mother of these children 
was born December 22, 1851, a daughter of William Edy and 
Elizabeth Ann (White) Gillespy. The father was a native of 
Kentucky, and was born March 5, 1825, of Irish descent. The 
mother was a native of Indiana, and was born November 19, 1828. 
Mr. and Mrs. Cobb are members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and are highly respected in society. Politically, Mr. Cobb 
is a democrat, casting his rirst presidential vote for Seymour and 
Blair. He has an excellent stock farm near Williamsburg, well 
stocked with animals of good breeding. Starting without a dollar 
of his own, he has gradually risen to a degree of independence 
creditable to any man. He is now living comfortably in Williams- 
burg, where he owns valuable property. 

Joseph M. Drybread, a native of Indiana, and one of the suc- 
cessful farmers of Nineveh Township, was born March 17, 1839. 
He is the son of William and Nancy (Charlton) Drybread. The 
father was born October 21, 1799, of German descent. Our sub- 
ject's grandfather, George Drybread, was of German descent, a 
native of Pennsylvania. In 1785.be removed from Pennsylvania 



NINEVEH TOWNSHIP. 749 

to Kentucky, where he remained until 1798, then to Indiana terri- 
tory, and settled in what is now Dearborn County, where our sub- 
ject's father was born. The mother was a native of Ohio, born 
October 10, 1S08, and is a daughter of James and Mary (Passomore) 
Charlton. Our subject's parents were married in Hamilton County, 
Ohio, December 7, 1826. The father became a member of the 
Christian Church about six years before his death, which occurred 
April 29, 1885. The mother is still living on the old homestead in 
Bartholomew County. Our subject received a good common 
school education in the old log school-house. His youthful days 
were spent on his father's farm in his mother state. His occupa- 
tion has always been that of a farmer, and in connection with 
farming, he has given a great deal of his time to stock-raising and 
grazing. In August, 1862, he answered his country's call, and en- 
listed in Company I, Seventy-ninth Indiana Volunteer Regiment, 
and was with his regiment in all its battles until after the battle 
of Lookout Mountain, where he was taken sick and had to re- 
turn home, where he remained. October 17, 1866, he was united in 
marriage with Rebecca Wheatley, a daughter of Ezekiel and Mary 
(Cone) Wheatley; the father a native of Maryland, and the mother 
a native of Ohio. This union was blessed with two children : May, 
born August 22, 1867, and William N., July 27, 1870. The mother 
of these children was born June 1, 1850. He and his wife and 
daughter are members of the Christian Church. In politics, he is 
an ardent republican, casting his first presidential vote for Lincoln. 
He now owns 800 acres of fine land which is under a good state of 
cultivation. 

Lamson B. Graves, a farmer and stock-raiser of Nineveh 
Township, was born October 31, 1S47, and is a son of Hiram and 
Ann (Botsford) Graves. The father was a native of New York, 
who was born December 13, 1S09, of English descent, and died 
November 3, 1855; the mother is a native of Connecticut, and was 
born December 25, 1812, also of English descent. Our subject was 
reared on a farm in Nineveh Township, Johnson County. He re- 
ceived a common school education, and at the age of twenty-one 
he began life for himself as a farmer. On September 24, 1S68, he 
was united in marriage witli Mary Ryan, a daughter of Patrick 
and Sarah (Allen) Ryan, both natives of Ireland. This union was 
blessed with the following children: Anna, born November 2, 
1869: Nellie, June iS, 1871, and Katie, November 23, 1S74. 
The mother of these children was born May 2, 1848. She 
and the two eldest daughters are members of the Christian Church. 
In politics, Mr. Graves was a republican until the organization of 



75° JOHNSON" COUNTY. 

the national party, and he has been identified with that party ever 
since. He now owns 113 acres of land. 

Abner Hardin, a farmer of Nineveh, was born January 15, 
1S1;. in Oldham County, Ky., son of Henry and Emma (Ritter) 
Hardin. The father was a native of Kentucky, born February 14, 
1816, and departed this life April 20, 1844: the mother was a native 
of Kentucky, born July 18, 181 7, and departed this life July 7, 1855, 
and was of German descent. Our subject came to Indiana with 
his mother in 1852. He received a good common school educa- 
tion, and after the war, he attended school at Hopewell six months. 
At the age of thirteen years he began life for himself as a farmer, 
and at the age of nineteen years he enlisted in Company F, Seventh 
Indiana Volunteers. At Port Republic, he was wounded in the 
shoulder and taken prisoner. He was in the hospital at Charlotts- 
ville, Va., about two months, then taken to Belle Isle, where he re- 
mained about one month, and was paroled, and then went back to 
his company, and served until September, 1864, when he was dis- 
charged at Indianapolis. He was with his company in all its bat- 
tles after he returned to it after being a prisoner. April 6, 1S65, 
he was united in marriage with Elizabeth Keaton, a daughter of 
William and Sarah (Johnson) Keaton, both natives of Virginia. 
This union was blessed with the following children: John H., 
born March 27, 1S66: Benjamin F., June 29, 1868; Emma B., 
October 27, 1870; Laura B., March 28, 1873: Lizzie Grace, 
December 27, 1882, and Nellie C, May 23, 1885. The mother 
of these children was born August 1, 1840. She is a mem- 
ber of the Christian Church. In politics, he was formerly a repub- 
lican, until the birth of the greenback party, with which he was 
identified about four years: since that time he has been a republican. 
He served as trustee of his township four years, thus demonstrating 
the confidence and esteem in which he is held by the citizens of 
his township. He now owns 333 acres of fine farming land in 
Nineveh Township, which is in a good state of cultivation. In 
connection with farming, he has been giving considerable attention 
to the breeding of short-horn cattle, and for about ten years he 
bought and shipped stock. He contracted rheumatism in the war, 
and for about two years has been unable to follow his chosen voca- 
tion. 

Oliver P. Hibbs, a prosperous farmer and stock-raiser of Nin- 
eveh Township, was born March 3, 1833, a son of Jeremiah and 
Hannah ( Burgett ) Hibbs. The father was a native of Kentucky, 
born in 1800, of Scotch-Irish descent, and the mother of Ohio, of 
German descent, born January 28, 1S02. She came to Indiana 



NINEVEH TOWNSHIP. 75 1 

with her first husband, Thomas Griffith, about 1825, and about 
twenty-two months later, her husband died. April 17, 1830, she 
was united in marriage with Jeremiah Hibbs, who departed this 
life about 1849. Our subject was reared on a farm in Nineveh 
Township. He received a common school education, and began 
the battle of life for himself at the age of twenty-one years, as a 
farmer, which occupation he has continued through life. December 
29, 1S56, he was united in marriage with Clara Botsford, a daugh- 
ter of George and Louisa (Parmerlee) Botsford. The father and 
mother were natives of Connecticut. The father was born about 
1S06, and died in 1S57; and the mother was born in 1810, and died 
in 1SS5. This union was blessed with the following children: 
Edith, born September 14, 1861; Lina, December 4, 1863; 
Nettie, November 13, 1865; Man-, September 22, 1867, de- 
ceased; George, February 11, 1870, and Laura, December 4, 
1879. The mother of these children was born March 31, 1S37. 
He was a Granger during the continuance of that order. In 
politics, he was formerly a democrat, but since the organization 
of the union labor party, he has been identified with that party. 
He now owns a fine farm of 160 acres, in Nineveh Township. 
He and wife are members of the Christian Church. 

William Holtz, a carpenter, contractor and builder, of Will- 
iamsburgh, was born Ma)' 10, 1837, a son of Jacob and Sarah 
(Cole) Holtz. The father was a native of Pennsylvania, of Ger- 
man descent, born in 181 5. The mother was of German descent, a 
native of Pennsylvania,. born in 1820. The father emigrated with 
his family to Ohio in 1848, where he remained about twelve years, 
thence to Brown County, Ind., in 1859, where he is now living. 
The mother died September 20, 185S. To our subject's father and 
mother, the following children were born: William, our subject, 
May 10, 1837; Sarah E., December 10, 1839, deceased: Mar- 
garet, February 20, 1840; Lavina S., October 2, 1842, deceased; 
Jacob D., December 25, 1846, deceased; Emanuel, February 19, 
1847 : Mariah, March 31, 1849; Charity E., April 2, 1850; Mary 
E.. March 4. 1853; Ingaba J., July 8, 1855; Catharine E., March 24, 
1858. The mother of these children died September 20, 1S58. 
Our subject's boyhood and youth were spent in Pennsylvania and 
Ohio, on a farm, until the age of thirteen years, when he entered 
an apprenticeship at the carpenter's trade; served his time in Ohio 
and came to Indiana, June 26, i860, and settled in Brown Count}', 
where he worked at his trade until August, 1862, when he 
answered his country's call, and enlisted in Company D, Eighty- 
second Indiana Volunteers, under Capt. W. W. Browning: he served 
three years, and participated in all the battles with his company, 



752 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

among- which may be named Chickamauga, Mission Ridge, Perry- 
ville, Stone River, and many others; was discharged at Nashville, 
Tenn., 1S65. He received a common school education, and at the 
age of twenty-one years he began life for himself, following his 
trade, in connection with which trade he gave some of his at- 
tention to farming. August 18, 1S62, he was united in marriage 
with Mai Victoria Wilson, a daughter of Kalib and Catharine 
(Johnson, ucc Clift) Wilson; they were both of German descent; 
the father a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1S15, the mother born 
in Philadelphia, Penn., in 1818, and died in 18S1. This union was 
blessed with the following children: Andrew E., born June 23, 
1867: John B., July 18, 1869. The mother of these children was 
born August 7, 1847, a native of Belmont County, Ohio. He and 
wife are members of the Christian Church, also their children. He 
is a member of the Masonic order. In politics, he was formerly a 
democrat, casting his first presidential vote for Buchanan, but 
since the war has been identified with the republican partv. He 
now owns twenty-two acres of land joining Williamsburgh, which 
is in a high state of cultivation. 

Joseph Hughes, one of the live business men of Williamsburgh, 
was born October 28, 1S50. and was a son of George N. and 
Rachel (Griffith) Hughes. The father was a native of Kentuckv, 
born December 8, 1823, and came with his parents at an early 
date, to Johnson County, and settled in Nineveh Township, 
where he now lives. The mother was a native of Ohio; she was 
born on April 6, 1824, and came with her parents to Johnson County 
while yet a child. Our subject was reared on a farm in Johnson 
Count}-. He received a good common school education, and at the 
age of twenty-one years he began life for himself as a farmer, 
which he continued fifteen years, and on January 1, 1886, he opened 
up a drug store in Williamsburgh, which business he still continues. 
On November 9, 1S76, he was united in marriage to Susan J. 
Prichard, a daughter of C. D. and Cassa (Featherngill ) Prich- 
ard. Susan J. was born September 6, 1856. In polities, he is an 
ardent democrat, and was the nominee for trustee of his township, 
at the April election of i8<sS, being elected by a majority of thirty- 
four votes. He is recognized as one of the leaders of his party in 
his township. 

Tunstall Hunt, a pioneer and farmer of Nineveh Township, 
was born February 18. 1818; he is the son of Simeon and Eliza- 
beth (Rivers) Hunt. The father was a native of Virginia. He 
emigrated to Green County, Ky., where he lived until 1825. when 
he came to Johnson County, Ind., where his death occurred in 1848. 
The mother was a native of Kentucky, and departed this life about 



nineveh township. 753 

1822. Our subject was reared on a farm in Johnson County. He 
received a very limited education in the old pioneer log school- 
house. At the age of ten years, he was thrown on his own re- 
sources, and began the struggle of life as a farm hand. December 
25, 1845, he was united in marriage with Sarah Ann T. Wilson, 
daughter of John and Rebecca (Bramwell) Wilson. This union 
was blessed with the following children : William J., born April 7,1847 ; 
deceased;James W., June 27, 1849. The mother of these children was 
born August 7, 1S22, and departed this life March 14, 1856. She 
was a good Christian woman, and was a member of the Mission- 
ary Baptist Church. August 27, 1S57, he was united in a second 
marriage with Matilda Parkhurst, a daughter of John and Abigail 
(Sellers) Parkhurst: they were both natives of Shelby County, 
Kv. This wife was born April 21, 1819. He has been a member 
of the Masonic order for over twenty years. His wife is a mem- 
ber of the old-school Baptish Church. In politics, he is a very 
ardent democrat, having cast his first vote for Van Buren, and has 
always been identified with that party. He now owns 240 acres 
of fine land in Nineveh Township. He has been a farmer all his 
life, and for about twenty years past, he has given a great deal of 
his attention to stock-raising. 

Milburn Jacobs, a farmer of Nineveh Township, was born 
January 5, 1822, son of James and Mary (Watts) Jacobs, both na- 
tives of Kentucky, of German descent. Our subject came with his 
parents to Johnson County when a small boy. He received a very 
limited education in the old pioneer log school-house, and served 
an apprenticeship at the shoemaker's trade. At the age of twenty- 
one years he began the battle of life for himself as a farm hand at 
$10 per month. March 19, 1846. he was united in marriage with 
Martha Ulterback, a daughter of William and Mary (Parker) Ut- 
terback, both natives of Kentucky. To this marriage the follow- 
children were born: Mary E., January 24, 1S47: Levina J., 
November 17, 1848; Jackson, October 27, 1S50; James, May 18, 
1S52, and Iverson, May 19, i860. The mother of these children 
was born January 28, 1825, and departed this life in March, 1866. 
In 1868, he was united in a second marriage with Catharine 
Marimon. To this union one child was born, Isaac, June 9, 1869. 
The mother of this boy died June 16, 1869. She was a member of 
the old-school Baptist Church. 1 le was married November 4, 
1S70, to Mrs. Susannah Rush, a daughter of William L. and 
Catharine (Kegley) Woolford, both natives of Virginia, of Ger- 
man descent. This union was blessed with the following children: 
Milburn A., born August 11, 1S72; Harriet F., November 12, 
1^74. The mother of these children was born September 23, 



754 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

1831. He and wife are members of the Regular Baptist Church. 
In politics, he has always been a democrat, casting his first presi- 
dential vote for Tyler. He now owns fifty acres of land in Nine- 
veh Township. 

Nathaniel N. Maris, a farmer and stock-raiser of Nineveh 
Township, was born in Belmont County, Ohio, October 9, 1827, 
son of Curtis and Mary ( Xewnan ) Maris. The father was a na- 
tive of Chester County, Penn., born in 180S, and was of English 
descent. He went to Ohio with his parents at the age of live 
years, and in 1853. came to Indiana where he remained until his 
death, which occurred in 1S5S. The mother was a native of Del- 
aware, and came with her parents to Ohio when but ten years old, 
where, in after years she was married, and came here with her hus- 
band, where she remained until her death in 1883. Our subject 
was reared on a farm in Belmont County, Ohio, where he received 
a common school education, and at the age of seventeen years he 
began life for himself. He first served an apprenticeship at the 
gunsmith's trade, which he continued for many years. He came 
to Indiana when twenty-three years of age, and worked at his trade 
a few years, and then settled on 160 acres of land and cleared it up 
and cultivated it. During the late war he was provost-marshal for 
his congressional district, and rendered some very valuable service 
to the government. Near the close of the war, in Brown County, 
there had accumulated a number of deserters and hard characters, 
who had been indicted by the United States grand jury, and the 
United States marshal refusing to sign the warrants, the same 
were then placed in the hands of Mr. Maris to be served. 
He accepted the responsibility, and commenced his campaign at 
once. His first duty was to arrest three persons in Brown County, 
who, by force, had taken a deserter away from two Union soldiers. 
After a perilous ride after night in a snow storm, until about 11 -.30 
o'clock, he captured the ring leader of the trio, and two days later 
he captured his game in a log hut. He then proceeded to Indian- 
apolis, where the three culprits were arraigned, and entered a plea 
of guilty and were fined $100 each, and costs. June 6, 1S54, he 
was united in marriage with Mary Richardson, a daughter of 
Dudley and Elizabeth (Brent) Richardson. The father, a native 
of Kentucky, born in 1799, came to Indiana about 1836, where he 
remained until his death March 5, 1852. The mother was also 
a native of Kentucky, born 1S03, came with her husband to Indi- 
ana in 1836, and died March 27, 1857. This union was blessed 
with one child: Tamar M., born March 19, 1855, who was united 
in marriage with James D. Lacy in 1873. The mother of this 
child was born February 26, 1834. He and wife are members 



nineveh township. 755 

of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a member of the 
Masonic order, and in politics is an ardent republican, casting his 
first presidential vote for Zachariah Taylor. At one time, while 
living in Brown County in 1S58, he was nominated for the office 
of county commissioner; he ran against a majority of 5 00 
or 600, and was elected by a majority of 278 votes. He 
now owns 350 acres of fine farming land, besides an elegant home 
in Williamsburgh. For about eleven years he has been giving a 
great deal of attention to the raising of line stock, making a spec- 
ialty of short-horn cattle, clydesdale and English draft horses, 
Among them may be named Lord Clyde, an imported horse from 
Scotland, which, it may be said, has credit that he never failed to 
get the first premium at all the county fairs where he has been 
shown. For rive years past, he has been devoting considerable 
of his time to the culture of German carp fish. He has three 
nice fish ponds in his yard and an abundance of fish. 

Jeptha McQuinn, a highly respected citizen of Nineveh Town- 
ship, was born in Oldham County, Ky-., August 10, 1818, a son of 
Ezekiel and Elizabeth (Coons) McQuinn. Our subject remained 
with his parents on their farm in Kentucky, until sixteen years of 
age. In the spring of the year 1834, he an ^ a brother came to In- 
diana, their parents coming in the autumn of the same year. At 
the age of twenty-one he began life for himself, having received a 
limited education in the primitive schools of those days. He was 
married at the age of twenty-two years, to Miss Louisiana Chapel. 
The issue of this marriage was as follows: John Thomas, born 
February 18, i84i;Mary Elizabeth, November 8, 1844; Rebecca 
Angeline, November 12, 1848. The mother of these children was 
the daughter of James T. and Mary (Leach) Chapel. In politics, 
Mr. McQuinn is a democrat, casting his first presidential vote for 
Harrison and Tyler. On November 28, 1849, he was married to 
Miss Elizabeth Musgroves. The issue of this marriage is as fol- 
lows: William Nathan, burn September 23, 1852; Newton Albert, 
September 15, 1S60, deceased; Ira Willet, April 20, 1863; Jep- 
tha Levi, January 10, 1867, and Silas Henry, June 26, 1869. The 
mother of these children was born July 15, 1831, daughter of 
Nathan and Rebecca Musgroves. The father was a native of Ken- 
tucky, and the mother a native of Virginia. He resides on his farm 
in Nineveh Township, which consists of 140 acres of good land. 

William Nathan - McQuinn, a farmer, was born in Johnson 
County, Ind., September 23, 1852. He is the son of Jeptha and 
Elizabeth (Musgroves) McQuinn. The father was born in Oldham 
County, Ky.. August IO, 1818, of Irish descent. The mother was 
born in Indiana, July 15, 1831, of English descent. Our subject 
48 



756 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

was reared on his father's farm, remaining with his parents until 
he was twenty-two years of age, receiving a good common school 
education during this time. At the age of twenty-two, he began 
life for himself as a farmar, an occupation he still continues. On 
July 30, 1874, he was married to Miss Rebecca Alice Mitchell, a 
daughter of Abraham and Euseba (Forsythej Mitchell, born July 
27, 1S57. Her father was born in Owen County, Ihd., August 8, 
1830, and died November 7, 1868. Her mother was born in John- 
son Count}', Ind., September 10, 1S40, and died July 27, 1887. 
Mr. and Mrs. McQuinn were members in high standing, of the 
Christian Church, at Pisgah. In politics, he is a democrat, casting 
his first presidential vote for Tilden and Hendricks. He resides 
upon his farm in Nineveh Township, to the cultivation of which he 
gives his attention. July 14, 1SS7, Air. McQuinn had the misfortune 
to lose his devoted companion. She was an estimable lady, loved 
by all, of high Christian character, and an affectionate wife. She 
died in full faith of redemption through the blood of the blessed 
Savior. 

Thomas William McQuinn, an enterprising farmer of Nineveh 
Township, was born April 2, 1853. He is the son of Martin and 
Abigail (Logan) McQuinn; the father, a native of Kentucky, was 
born in 181 5, of Irish descent; the mother, a native of Indiana, is 
of English descent. Our subject lived with his parents on the farm, 
receiving a good common school education, until he reached his 
majority, when he began life for himself at farming, an occupation 
he yet continues. March 8, 1870, he was married to Miss Eliza- 
beth Catharine Mullendore. The issue of this marriage has been 
as follows: Everet M., born January 5, 1875; Bertha Abigail, De- 
cember 15, 1876; Harriet Mabel, February 26, 1S79; Earnest 
Raymond, October 25, 1881, and Lewis, December 24, 1SS5. The 
mother of these children was born December 31, 1852. She is 
the daughter of Lewis and Harriet (Records) Mullendore. Mr. 
and Mrs. McQuinn are exemplary members of the Christian 
Church at Union, are highly respected in society, and held in high 
esteem by their neighbors. In politics, Mr. McQuinn is a democrat, 
casting his first presidential vote for Tilden and Hendricks. He 
resides upon his farm of 190 acres of line land, four miles south of 
Franklin, the cultivation of which occupies his entire attention. 

Benjamin W. Mitchell, a farmer and stock-raiser of Nineveh 
Township, was born August 25, 1833, and is the son of Aaron and 
Hannah (Kephart) Mitchell. The father was a native of Ken- 
tucky, of Irish descent; the mother was also born in Kentucky, of 
Dutch descent. Our subject was born in Johnson County, and at 
the age of three years went to Owen County with his parents, 



nineveii township. 757 

where he remained on the farm until seventeen years old, when he 
came back to Johnson County, where he has since resided. He 
received a common school education. At the age of seventeen 
years he started in life for himself, as a farmer, which vocation he 
has continued through life. August 7, 1856, he was united in mar- 
riage to Rosannah Holeman, daughter of Truman and Elizabeth 
(Parkist) Holeman; the father a native of Jefferson County, Ind., 
of English descent, and the mother a native of Tennessee, a Yan- 
kee. The union was blesssed with the following children: Will- 
iam A., born August 15, 1857; Aaron T., September 13, 1858; 
Clara Belle, January 27, i860, deceased; Thursa E., March 30, 1S66; 
Archy B., born February 2, 1872; Mary Susan, October 6, 1873; 
George M., April 14, 1875; John D., April 7, 1877 ; Miles E., Octo- 
ber 19, 1879. The mother of these children was born March 16, 
1838. William A. was united in marriage with Lewetta Dunham, 
in 1879. Aaron T. was united in marriage with Minerva Rich- 
ardson, in 1881. Clara Belle was united in marriage with Benjamin 
F. Rush, in 1881. Thursa E. married Willis McMurry, in 1S86. 
In politics, Mr. Mitchell has always been a staunch republican, cast- 
ing his first presidential vote for Fremont. He now owns 125 
acres of fine farming land in Nineveh Township. Although he 
-commenced without anything, he can now look back to the starting 
point with pleasure of knowing that he has made a success of life. 
He and wife are members of the Missionary Baptist Church, and 
stand among the first families of his township. 

Daniel W. Mullendore, one of the leading farmers of Nine- 
veh Township, was born in Montgomery County, Ohio, September 
17th, 1826, son of Jacob and Kate (Werts) Mullendore, and is the 
third in a family of eleven children. His father was born in Vir- 
ginia in 1792, and died in Shelby County, Ind, in 1S73. His 
mother was a native of Pennsylvania, born in 1S04, and died in 
1879. The family came to Indiana in 1S32 and located in Shelby 
County, Ind. The immediate subject of this biography was educated 
at the early subscription schools, and in 1849 began farming in 
Shelby County, Ind., and in 1859, came to Johnson Countv, 
and settled where he now resides. He owns a valuable farm, 
comprising 350 acres of fertile land. Mr. Mullendore was 
married in 1849 to Miss Elizabeth Oaks, a native of Bartholomew 
Count)', Ind., born December 25, 1S28. They have eight child- 
ren : Sarah K., born in 1S51; Jacob, 1853; Andrew, 1855; 
Kate, 1858; Lewis M., 1861; Olis, 1863; Edgar V., 1S65, and John 
T., 1867. He is a republican, and he and wife are members of the 
Christian Church. 

Lewis Mullendore, a representative farmer of Nineveh 



75$ JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Township, and a prominent man of the countv, is the son of Jacob 
and Catharine Mullendore, and was born in Montgomery Count} - , 
Ohio, July 30, 1823. His father was a native of Virginia, who 
came to Ohio at an earlv day. He learned the tanner's trade, and, 
after living in Ohio until 1833, came to Shelby County, Ind., in- 
tending to continue in the tanning business, but engaged in farming 
instead, and a few years later engaged in tanning in a small way. 
Lewis remained with his father during this time, and at the age of 
twenty-one, commenced to learn the tanner's trade. He com- 
menced buying calf-skins, which his father allowed him to tan on 
shares, and at the end of eleven years he had accumulated about 
$12,000. His first land purchase was forty acres in Shelby County. 
He afterward bought 253 acres where he now resides, and has 
since made other purchases. In 1841, he was married to Harriet E. 
Records, daughter of William P. and Elsie Records, and to this union 
the following children have been born: Huldah A., Elizabeth C, 
Henry C, deceased, Joseph H., William, Jacob, deceased, Alice, 
Elsie C, Lavinia D., Franklin R., infant, deceased, Jane C, and 
Ollie. i\t present Mr. Mullendore resides on his farm, which con- 
sists of 1,000 acres of well-improved land, provided with all im- 
provements, well fenced and stocked, and contains a fine residence, 
and is situated four miles from Franklin. He is an honest and up- 
right man, and, with his wife, belongs to the Christian Church. 
Politically, he is a republican. His father died in 1872. and his 
mother in 1876. The latter was a member of the Lutheran 
Church. Mr. Mullendore"s position to-day is a fitting reward for 
the work and toil of a life-time, and shows to all beginners on 
life's journey how much more honorable is a life of industry and 
honesty. No better example of the truly self-made man will be 
found in central Indiana. 

Robkrt C. Parkhurst, a pioneer settler of Nineveh Town- 
ship, was born in Tennessee, January 16, 1820, and is the son of 
Daniel and Celie (Stevens) Parkhurst; the father a native of Ken- 
tucky, of English descent, and the mother a native of North Caro- 
lina, also of English descent. Our subject's boyhood and youth 
were spent on his father's farm in Tennessee, until he was seventeen 
years old, when he came to Indiana with his parents in 1S36. and 
settled in Johnson County, and began clearing up a farm. He re- 
ceived a limited common school education, attending school in the 
winter only. At the age of nineteen years he began the struggle 
of life for himself as a farmer, which he continued in Johnson 
County until 1839, when he went to Illinois, where he settled on a 
farm, and remained until 1848. . He then returned to Johnson 
Count)', where he now resides. June 9, 1839, he was united in 



NINEVEH TOWNSHIP. 759 

marriage with Sarah Parkhurst, a daughter of Elijah and Susan 
(Johnson) Parkhurst. This union was blessed with the followingchil- 
dren: Daniel B., born August 15, 1840; Susannah, January 8, 1842, 
deceased ;Celie A., November 12, 1843; Robert M., October 9, 1845 ; 
Nancy C, October 13. 1847. deceased; Rosanah, August 22, 1S49; 
Elijah K., April 17, 1850; Job, December 28, 1S52, and John, No- 
vember 2(), 1S55. The mother of these children was born April 
30, 1822. She was a member of the Regular Baptist Church. 
January 9, 1SS1, he was united in marriage with Catharine Mon- 
roe, a daughter of John and Sarah (OrrJ Monroe. The father and 
mother were both natives of Kentucky, of Scotch descent. He 
and wife are members of the Regular Baptist Church. Fie was a 
member of the Grange 'during the lifetime of that order, and in 
poli ics he has been a life long democrat. He now owns sixty 
acres of fine land in Nineveh Township. 

Achilles Y. Pendleton, a prominent, industrious and success- 
ful farmer and stock-raiser of Nineveh Township, was born June 
5, 1833, son of David B. and Catharine (Smith) Pendleton; the 
father was a native of Virginia, of Irish descent, born 1795. He 
emigrated to Jefferson County, Ky., with his parents, when a child, 
where he remained until 181 5, when he went to Newport, Ky., to 
learn the trade of blacksmithing; during this year assisted in shoe- 
ing horses for the American forces. In 1S16, he went to Vernon, 
Jennings Co., Ind., where he worked at his trade, and in connection 
with his trade he also worked some at bricklaying, helping to build 
the first court house erected in Jennings County. In 1S20, he was 
united in marriage with Catharine Smith, of Sullivan County, Ind. 
This union was blessed with the following children: Martha, de- 
ceased, Julia, deceased, Samuel, Sarah, deceased, William, deceased, 
Achilles V., James, deceased, Mary, deceased, infant, deceased, Ru- 
fus, Jane, deceased, George, deceased, and Alzora. The mother 
of these children had all the characteristics to make a good wife 
and a home happy, being a good Christian woman, and at the time of 
her death, which occurred August 6, 1S6S, was a great loss to the 
church and the community. The father was a man of strict integ- 
ritv, possessing the entire confidence of all who knew him. He 
was a member of the Baptist Church, and in politics, was an 
old Jacksonian democrat. His death occurred March 26, 1866. 
Our subject was reared on his father's farm in Jennings County, 
where he received a good common school education. During 
winter he attended the country schools in the old pioneer log 
school-house, working on his father's farm in summer. Being of 
a studious turn of mind and very fond of books, his advancement 
was more rapid than the average bov of his age, and at the 






760 JOHNSON COUNTV. 

age of seventeen years lie entered the State University at Bloom- 
ington, Ind., a privilege that but few of the boys of that 
day were permitted to enjoy. At the age of nineteen years he 
taught a winter term, and then returned to college, where, in 
1855, he graduated in a class with Judge D. D. Banta, Rev. John 
C. Miller, John W. Foster, and others. He began life for himself 
at the age of nineteen years; but the real struggle, however, did 
not begin until the age of twenty-two years. Immediately after 
the completion of his studies at Bloomington, he began winter 
school in Jennings County, Ind. He remained in Jennings 
County one year, then came to Johnson County in 1856, 
where he immediately secured a school and began teaching, which 
occupation he continued until 1S59, when he accepted a position 
as book-keeper for a companv that was constructing levees at 
Yicksburg, Miss., where he remained until the spring following, 
when he returned to Johnson County and began teaching school, 
which he continued until 1862, when he abandoned the profession. 
March 20, 1862, he was united in marriage with Rebecca S. For- 
sythe, daughter of Robert C. and Nancy (Pritchard) Forsythe. 
The father was born in Virginia, but was reared in Kentucky, 
of Irish descent; the mother was a native of Kentucky; thev were 
among the first settlers of Johnson Count}'. . His wife is still living, 
and though she has reached the good old age of eighty-nine years, 
her present good health indicates that she may live many years yet. 
The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Pendleton was blessed with the fol- 
lowing children: Dora A., born September 29, 1863; Anna Kate, 
February 9, 1868, and George H., January 5, 1871. The mother 
of these children was born March 22, 1843. Mr. Pendleton is a 
man who has taken a great interest in the education of his children. 
Miss Dora has a polished education, being a graduate of Butler. 
University, and is accomplished in music, and is now teaching music. 
Miss Anna, and George, are now attending college at Franklin, Ind. 
He was formerly a member of the Missionary Baptist Church, of 
which denomination he early became a member, but in 1S58, 
he became a member of the Christian Church, and has 
been an elder in that church about twenty-five years. His family 
are members of this church. In politics, he is a democrat, cast- 
ing his first presidential vote for James Buchanan. In 1S63, he was 
elected to the state legislature, and acquitted himself so well in this 
position that he was again tendered the nomination, but gracefully 
refused. In 1874, and again in 1S76, he received the nomination for 
congress by the greenback party, against an opposing majority, 
and was defeated with the others on this ticket. He now owns 
one of the finest farms, of 565 acres, in Nineveh Township, with 



NINEVEH TOWNSHIP. 761 

substantial buildings, and one of the most beautiful residences in 
Johnson County, which he so well merits and deserves, having 
started with nothing. When he arrived in Johnson County, he 
only had 25 cents, a few books and some clothes, but by close 
economy and good management, is now surrounded with all the 
comforts of life. He has made a success of life, and can attribute 
it all to his own energy and ambition. His vocation since his mar- 
riage has chiefly been farming, but in connection with farming has 
given a great deal of his time and attention to stock. He pos- 
sesses the confidence of all who know him. He is honest and up- 
right in all his dealings, and his position in society is a fitting reward 
for the work and toil of a life-time. He has always been friendly 
to schools, churches and all laudable enterprises tending to benefit 
the public, his neighbors and the citizens of the count)'. The 
faithfulness with with which he has always fulfilled his promises, 
served him as capital in his earlier davs, when he possessed but 
little property. 

David A. Pritchard, an old pioneer farmer of Nineveh Town- 
ship, was born January 7, 1835, and is a son of David P. and 
Cynthia (Dunham) Pritchard; the father was a native of Kentucky, 
of Scotch-Welsh descent, was born September 16, 1804, died July 
29, 1880. The mother was a native of Ohio, of German descent, 
born August 21, 1S09, and died June 22, 1878. To our subject's 
parents, were born the following children : Walter, born October 
26, 18271 Dunham, November 12, 1830; David A., January 7, 1835; 
Daniel, December 17, 1837: Robert W., April i, 1S42. Our sub- 
ject was reared on his father's farm near Williamsburgh; this land 
was entered bv our subject's father about 1827. He received a very 
limited common school education. At the age of twenty-one years 
he began the battle of life for himself, by working at the carpen- 
ter's trade, but his principal occupation was farming, which voca- 
tion he has continued since that time. June 23, 1861, he was 
united in marriage with Mrs. Sarah A. Daniel, and daughter of 
George W. and Emeline Watkins. Parents were natives of Kentucky, 
both of Irish descent. This union was blessed with the following 
children: Ambrose P. , born March 3, 1862; Daniel N., October 26, 
1863; Emma, February 19, 1866; Henry, January 16, 1869; de- 
ceased: Susan, August 17, 1871; Charles, February 19, iS74;Omer, 
April 13, 1S77; Roscoe, March 22, 1880; infant daughter, 
February 10, 1882. The mother of these children was born Sep- 
tember 23, 1839, ar) d departed this life October 1, 18S4. He and 
wife were both members of the Christian Church. He was a mem- 
ber of the Grange order during the lifetime of that order. He was 
formerly a republican, casting his first presidential vote for Fre- 



762 JOHNSON" COUNTY. 

mont, but in 1874, he voted the national greenback ticket, and has 
been an ardent supporter of the principles of that party since that 
time. He now owns eighty acres of good farming land in Nineveh 
Township. lie and family are highly respected by all who know 
them. 

Francis M. Proffitt, a prosperous farmer of Nineveh Town- 
ship, is a native of Tennessee, born September 1. 1833. the son of 
Jeremiah and Elizabeth (Cox) Proflitt. The father was a native 
of Tennessee, of English descent, and the mother is also a native 
of Tennessee, of English descent. Our subject was reared in 
Greene County, Tenn. He received a good common school edu- 
cation in the old log school-house. In 1S5S he entered Mossey 
Creek College, and remained one term. At the age of t\Ventv-one 
j-ears he began life for himself as a teacher. He taught school 
until thirty years of age, and has taught about twenty years. He 
taught five years at Amity, near Edinburg. April 4, 1865, he was 
united in marriage with America Richardson, a daughter of Dud- 
lev and Elizabeth (Brent) Richardson. This union was blessed 
with the following children : Elmon M., born April 30, 1866; Ernest 
G., February 12, 1S70: Maris M., December 27, 1876. The 
mother of these children was born June 13. 1846. He and wife 
are members of the Missionary Baptist Church. In politics, he is 
a republican. He now owns a nice farm of seventv acres. He 
and wife are among the well-respected families of this township. 

Peter B. Reidexbach, a native of Pennsylvania, was born 
October 29, 1832, and is the son of Jacob and Rebecca (Baker) 
Reidenbach. The father was a native of Pennsylvania, of German 
descent. The mother is a native of Pennsylvania, of English 
descent. Our subject's boyhood and youth were spent on a farm 
in Pennsylvania. At the age of seventeen, he commenced to work 
at the blacksmith's trade, served his apprenticeship, and is now 
recognized as the first mechanic in Nineveh Township. At the 
age of twentv-one years, he began life for himself by working at 
his trade. He received a common school education, and, in 1862, 
he enlisted in Company H, Fifty-fourth Regiment Indiana Vol- 
unteers, under Capt. O. M. Wilson: he served sixteen months, and 
was discharged at New Orleans, December 14, 1S63. November 
1. 1S60, he was united in marriage with Josephia Paskins. a daugh- 
ter of Thomas and Delilah (Samples) Paskins. The father was 
originally from England, and was born in the year 1 801. The 
mother was a native of Virginia, of English descent. This union 
was blessed with the following children : William, born July 19, 
1861; George, October 20, 1863: Thomas E., October 15, 1866; 
Adam, May 7, 1868; Amanda, May 28, 1873; Alonzo, August 15, 



NINEVEH TOWNSHIP. 763 

1S75. The mother of these children was born September 12, 1S37. 
He and wife are members of the Christian Church. In politics, he 
has always been an ardent democrat. He is a member of the 
Masonic fraternity. He now owns forty-two acres of very fine 
land under a high state of cultivation. 

Ranson Riggs, deceased, was one of the pioneers of Johnson 
County. He was born November 7, 1825, and was a son of Ran- 
som and Sarah (Treamain) Riggs. The father, of German de- 
scent, was born March 6, 1789, and died January 16,1863. The 
mother was a native of New Hampshire, born June 30, 1795. Our 
subject was reared on a farm in Johnson County. He received a 
common school education, and at the age of twenty-one years he 
began life for himself. He worked at the carpenter's trade about 
ten years, and then settled on a farm, where he departed this life 
February 24, 188S. August 25, 1859, he was united in marriage 
with Catharine Vickerman, a daughter of William and Marion 
(Crichton) Vickerman, whose father was of English descent, born 
April 21, 1796; and the mother of Scotch descent, born November 
20, 1795, and departed this life September 12, 1850. This union 
was blessed with the following children: William V., born August 
1, i860; Sarah M., July 16, 1862; Elizabeth J., May 22, 1864; 
James A., May 23, 1866; Anna M., September 1, 1868, and Laura 
S., March 10, 1870. The mother of these children was born Jan- 
uary 2, 1831. He and wife were members of the old-school Bap- 
tist Church. In politics, he was a republican, and served his county 
one term as commissioner. He was a man well liked by every 
one, and b\* his straightforward course had gained the confidence 
of all who knew him. By a will, he left to his widow 340 acres of 
well-improved land in Nineveh Township. His family is among 
the highly respectable families of Nineveh Township. 

Levi Ruxshe, a respected citizen of Nineveh Township, was 
born in Bucks County, Penn., May 19, 1830. He is the son of 
Jacoband Hannah (Dearrolf ) Runshe. The father, a native of Penn- 
sylvania, was born in Lancaster County, September 28, 1800, of 
Scotch descent, and died in Knox County, Ind., in 1873. The 
mother, a native of Pennsylvania, was born in Bucks County, in 
1802, of German descent, and died in Shelby County, Ind., in 1859. 
Our subject was reared on a farm until twenty years of age, and 
received a good common school education. lie began life at the 
age of twenty years, on his own account, learning the wagon- 
makers trade, and continued in this occupation until 1883. July 2, 
1854, ne was married to Miss Mary Ann Muck. The issue of this 
marriage has been as follows: George Albert, born September 28, 
1S55; Emanuel Walter, February 18, 1S57, deceased; Ann Eliza> 



764 JOHNSON" COUNTY. 

March 22, 1859, deceased; Loretha Ellen, January 20, 1S62; Jacob 
Muck, January 14, 1864, deceased: Mary Magdalena, September 
7, 1866; Vina Mary, May 27, 1S69; Alonzo Levi, January 21, 
1872; Carrie Jane, May 20, 1875; Thomas Hendricks, July 17, 
1877, deceased; Lewis Edward, September 22, 1S79. The 
mother of these children was born in Montgomery County, 
Ohio, January 6, 1838. The father, a native of Maryland, was 
born in 1804, and died September "], 1881. The mother was a 
native of Pennsylvania, born in 1S10, and died in 1879. Mr. and 
Mrs. Runshe have, for many years, been exemplary members of 
the Christian Church at Pisgah. In politics, Mr. Runshe is a Jack- 
sonian democrat, casting his first presidential vote for Pierce. He 
was elected justice of the peace in 1S56, and from that time to the 
present, he has served continuously in that office, with the excep- 
tion of two years, when he was township assessor, making thirty- 
two years of official service. During this time he has lived in three 
different counties and has never been out of office. He has a fine 
farm in Nineveh Township, upon which he resides, dividing his 
attention between his official duties and the cultivation of his farm. 

Alfred Vandivter, a farmer and stock-raiser of Nineveh 
Township, was born May 1, 1S3S, a son of Strather and Lucy 
(Utterback) Vandivier, both natives of Kentuckv, of German de- 
scent. Our subject was reared on a farm in Johnson Countv. At 
the age of twenty-one years be began the battle of life for himself 
as a farmer. He received a good common school education. On 
October 9, 1S62, he was united in marriage with Laura A. Bran- 
igin, a daughter of Thomas and Perlina (Park) Branigin. The 
father was a native of Kentucky, of Irish descent, and the mother 
a native of Indiana. This union was blessed with the following 
children: Ira E., born December 1, 1863; John H., November 1, 
1865; Artie B., March 7, 1867, deceased; Thomas E., August 21, 
1871; Whitelaw R., October 20, 1879, and Perlina M., September 
1, 1884. The mother of these children was born July 15, 1844. 
She is a member of the Christian Church, and her husband is a 
member of the Missionary Baptist Church. In politics, he was 
formerlv a democrat, casting his first presidential vote for Doug- 
lass, but during the war he became a republican, and has been 
identified with that party since that time. He now owns 193 acres 
of fine farming land in Nineveh Township, which is under a good 
state of cultivation. 

Thomas R. Wallace, a citizen of Williamsburgh, Ind., was 
born October 16, 1S32, the son of Thomas and Loretta (Wilson) 
Wallace. The father was a native of Kentucky, of English de- 
scent, born about 1S0S, and died about 1878. The mother was 



xixevf.il township. 765 

also a native of Kentucky, born about 1S1S, and died about 1873. 
At twelve years of age our subject went to Tennessee, and rode 
race horses for about six years. He then went to Illinois, 
where he remained about one year; thence to Missouri, where he 
remained about six months; and from there he went to Arkansas, 
where he remained about three months; thence to Tennessee, 
where he resided one year; thence to Kentucky, where he lived 
twelve years; thence to Indiana, and settling in Brown County, for 
four years; thence to Nineveh Township, Johnson County, where 
he now resides. He had the advantage of but one month's 
schooling, and that while a small boy. His vocation has always 
been that of a farmer. At the age of twelve years he began the 
battle of life for himself. In 1862 he enlisted in Company H, 
Eighty-second Indiana Volunteers, under Capt. John M. Mathenia, 
and was with his company in several skirmishes, and the battle of 
Perr.yville. He served one year, and was discharged on account 
of disabilities, at New Albany. In September, he was united 
in marriage with Mrs. Martha E. Ferguson (nee Chatman), 
daughter of James and Martha (White) Chatman. The father 
was of English descent, and a native of the State of Maryland; 
and the mother of Irish descent, born in Kentuckv. This union was 
blessed with the following children: Mina M., born October 13, 
1S56, deceased; Eoretta E., May 16, 1858; Samuel I., April 17, 
i860, deceased, and Charles E., October 11, 1876. The mother of 
these children was born December 31, 1830. He is a member of 
the Ralston Post, G. A. R. He and wife are both members of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, he was formerly a 
democrat, but since the war he has been identified with the repub- 
lican party. He now owns two houses and lots in Williamsburgh. 
He draws $50 per month as a pension for disabilities. He and 
wife are among the highly respected families of the neighborhood. 
Jeremiah M. Woodruff, one of the pioneers of Nineveh 
Township, a native of Clermont County, Ohio, was born March 
4, 1812, a son of Joab and Sophia (Dunham) Woodruff. The 
father was a native of Pennsylvania, and was born December 16, 
1789; he emigrated to Ohio in 1800. He was a farmer and trader 
in those times, and was a soldier in the War of 181 2. He was a 
democrat in politics, and represented his county in the legislature 
in 1S32, 1833 an d X S34> ar, d also served the county two terms as 
sheriff. He departed this life June 14, 1850. The mother was 
a native of New Jerse}', born January 17, 1792, and was a 
daughter of Jeremiah and Anna Dunham. She was a devoted 
Christian, and a member of the Christian Church, and departed this 
life November 27, 1878. Our subject came with his parents to 



*j66 JOHNSON COUNTY 

Johnson County at the age of ten years. He remained with his 
parents until twenty-one years of age, when his father offered him 
a farm of 160 acres, or a store which he then owned. He wisely 
chose the farm, and moved on it after his marriage, which occurred 
March 28, 1833, wedding Elizabeth Allen, a daughter of Joseph 
and Jane (Gillaspie ) Allen. To this union was born the following 
children: Joab, May 12, 1834; William N., September 12, 1S36; 
John L., July 31, 1838; Harriet A., December 30, 1840: Alvira 
A., September 16, 1843; Stephen A., January 9, 1845. The 
mother of these children was born May 26, 1S16, and on December 
3, 1862, she was accidentals' thrown from a buggv and killed in- 
stantly. November 15, 1863, he was united in marriage with 
Sarah J. Piety, a daughter of William D. and Sarah (Thrailkill) 
Piety. This union was blessed with the following children : /Mice M., 
born August 28, 1864; James M., December 26, 1866; Piety, 
February 12, 1869; Rose, April 12, 1871; Benjamin F., Janu- 
ary 3, 1S74; tne mother of these children was born March 6, 
1 83 1. Mr. and Mrs. Woodruff, and all their children, are members 
of the Christian Church. In politics, he is an ardent republican. 
In 1846, he was elected county assessor, and served two terms. 
He has owned some 500 or 600 acres of land, but has given some 
of it away to his children. He is considered one of Johnson Countv*s 
best farmers. He has also devoted a great deal of his time to 
the improvement of cattle, having handled some of the finest short- 
horn cattle in the state. Montrose, his home place, is delightfully 
situated, his buildings are substantial and handsome. Surrounded by 
his family and all the comforts of life, he undoubtedly has many 
years to enjoy the fruits of his years of hard labor. 

James Work, an industrious farmer of Nineveh Township, is 
a native of Ohio, born January 29, 1834, son °^ Robert and Letta 
(Burgett) Work. The father was a native of Maryland, of Irish 
descent; and the mother was a native of Ohio, of Dutch descent. 
Our subject came with his parents to Indiana when only five years 
of age, and settled on a farm in Nineveh Township, where he was 
reared to manhood. He received a common school education. At 
the age of eighteen years he began life for himself, by working at 
the blacksmith's trade about one year, and then began working at 
the carpenter's trade, which he followed about two years, lie then 
began farming which he has continued since: July 15, 1854, he 
was united in marriage with Margaret A. Jolliffe, a daughter of 
Joseph B. and Catharine (Slack) Jolliffe. The father was a native 
of Ohio, of Irish descent, and the mother was a native of Ohio, 
of Dutch descent. The following are the children born to Mr. 
and Mrs. Work: Oliver A., July 15, 1855, deceased; Viola M., 



PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 767 

January 21, 1859, deceased; Lillie M., deceased, and Marshall 
(twins), March '3, 1871. The mother of these children was born 
November 6, 1836. He and wife are members of the Christian 
Church. In politics, he is a democrat, casting his first presidential 
vote for Buchanan. He owns 120 acres of land. 



PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 

Samuel V. Alexander, a prominent farmer and well-to-do 
citizen of Pleasant Township, was born on a farm in that township, 
October 3, 1842, and was the son of Joseph S. and Matilda (Jones) 
Alexander, the former of whom was the son of John and Elizabeth 
Alexander, and the latter was the daughter of Jubal and Jane 
(Suiter) Jones. His father was born about the 17th da)- of March, 
1819. He was" drowned while fording White River, on horseback, 
September 15, 1855. He was a farmer by occupation, and was a 
member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. The mother of our 
subject was born in Pleasant Township, this countv, about the 27th 
day of November, 1824. She was married to Joseph S. Alexander, 
in 1840, and about four years after his death, she was married to 
David Scott. She died in Pleasant Township, November 8, 1868. 
John Alexander was born March 24, 1780, and died in Pleasant 
Township, April , 5, 1855. His wife, Elizabeth Alexander, 
was born December 3, 1780, and died in Pleasant Township, 
December 13, 1872. The- first wife of Joseph S. Alexander was 
Elizabeth Lyons. When the subject of this sketch was vet a little 
child his parents located in the northeast part of Clark Township, 
but when he was eleven years old they returned to Pleasant Town- 
ship, where the rest of his youth was spent. He took up the vo- 
cation of a farmer for himself at about sixteen years of age. Mr. 
Alexander served his country in the Union army three years, hav- 
ing been enrolled as a private in Company D, Twenty-sixth In- 
diana Infantry, July 28, 1861. He received an honorable discharge 
at Indianapolis, September 21, 1864. He was in the battle of 
Prairie Grove, Ark., the siege of Vicksburg, and many other skir- 
mishes. When Mr. Alexander returned from the war he resumed 
farming in Pleasant Township, which he has since continued. He 
has occupied his present home since the latter part of December, 
1866. On the 29th of March, 1866, he was married to Mary J. 
Cox. She was born in Pleasant Township, July 6, 1846, and was 
the daughter of Irvin and Matilda A. (Davis) Cox, the former of 
whom was the son of Jonathan and Susannah Cox, and the latter 
was the daughter of Reuben and Mary (Brown) Davis. Her 



76S ' ZH JOHNSON COUNTY, 

r 



father was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, October n, 1825, and 
died at Xenia, Ind., January 23, 1SS4. He was a minister of the 
United Brethren Church. The mother of Mrs. Alexander was born 
July 27, 1S30, in Pleasant Township, and now resides in Indianapolis. 
Our subject and wife have had six children : William J., born May 
13, 1867; Elizabeth A.. July 18, 186S; Martha N., September 18, 
1871, deceased; the next was a boy that was born April 3, 1S73, 
and died unnamed; Minnie B., October 16, 1875; Rosa P., Octo- 
ber 17, 1881, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Alexander are members of 
the United Brethren Church. The former is a member of the 
G. A. R., and he is a republican in politics. He owns 104 acres of 
land, about eighty of which are in cultivation. It contains a hand- 
some slate-roofed frame residence, and is otherwise well-improved. 
The wife of Mr. Alexander owns a farm of forty acres, which is in 
Pleasant Township. 

Dr. James Beebe, of Whiteland, was born in Clermont 
County, Ohio, September 7. 1827, and was the son of Josiah and 
Elizabeth (McCofium) Beebe, both of whom were natives of the 
State of New Jersey. He was reared on a farm in his native 
county, and received a liberal education. In 1850 he took up the 
study of medicine, and during the winter of 1852-3, he attended a 
course of lectures in the Eclectic Medical College of Cincinnati. 
He also attended a course of lectures in that institution during the 
spring of 1853. He then came to this state, and after spending a 
short time in Shelby County; he came to Johnson County, and en- 
tered upon the practice of medicine at Clarksburg. In 1857 he 
retired from the practice and spent some time in Hendricks County, 
this state. In 1861 he again resumed the practice of medicine in 
this county, and from that time to the year 1S68 he resided 
in the country east of Whiteland. In March, 1865, he became a 
volunteer in the Union army, and was mustered as a private in 
Company E, One Hundred and Forty-eighth Indiana Infantry, but 
was soon promoted to the rank of assistant surgeon. He received 
an honorable discharge September 5, 1865, at Indianapolis. In 
186S, Dr. Beebe removed from his farm to Whiteland, in which he 
has resided ever since. His attention has been given to the prac- 
tice of his profession. Since August. 1875, he has performed the 
duties of agent for the J., M. & I. Railroad, at that place. Dr. 
Beebe was married in January. 1853, to Priscilla Beeler, and their 
marriage has resulted in the birth of one child, Joseph D. Beebe, 
who is now train dispatcher on the J., M. & I. Railroad. Dr. 
Beebe is a member of the Methodist Church, and of the Masonic 
lodge. In Masonry he has advanced as far as the rank of Knight 
Templar. Politically, Dr. Beebe is a republican; he is an influen- 
tial and reliable man, and a rirst-class citizen. 



a 



PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 769 

Amazon Boone, a substantial farmer and respected citizen of 
Pleasant Township, was born in Hamilton County, Ohio, August 

6, 1830, and is the son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Peckingpaugh ) 
Boone, the former of whom was born in Bucks County, Penn., 
August 4, 17S5, and was the son of Thomas and Susan (Brom- 
field) Boone. He was married to Elizabeth Peckingpaugh, March 

7, 1811. He died in Hamilton County, Ohio, May 12, 1869. The 
mother of our subject was born nearReading, Penn., April 20, 1792, 
and was the daughter of Frederick Peckingpaugh. She died in 
Hamilton Count}', August 24, 1854. The subject of this sketch 
grew to manhood on a farm in his native county. He received in 
the district schools a knowledge of the ordinary branches of learn- 
ing. In 1856, he came to Johnson County, and his home has ever 
since been in Pleasant Township. During the first three winters 
he spent in this county, he was a teacher in the public schools. 
He had become the owner of a farm in Pleasant Township, and his 
spare time was spent in improving and cultivating this. He was 
married September 26, i860, to Emeline Freeman. She was born 
in Franklin Township, this county, October 29, 1841, and was the 
daughter of Charles and Mary A. (Langston) Freeman, the for- 
mer of whom was born in the State of New Jersey, December 11, 
1S08, and was the son of of John and Hannah (Brant) Freeman. 
He was married to Mary A. Langston, February 23, 1832. He 
moved with his family from Hamilton County, Ohio, to Johnson 
County, Ind., May 28, 183^, and settled on a tract of land which he 
had entered in Franklin Township. There he spent the rest of his 
life, his death occurring February 19, 1S79. The mother of 
Mrs. Boone was born within the present limits of Union County, Ind., 
January 7, 1816, and was the daughter of Bennett and Mary 
(Brown) Langston. She is still living, and continues to reside on 
the old Freeman homestead in Franklin Township. She is a first 
cousin of Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside. Immediately after their 
marriage Mr. and Mrs. Boone located on the farm they now occupy, 
which lies just east, and adjoining the town, of Whiteland. The 
life occupation of Mr. Boone has been farming. His farm contains 
1 34' j acres, and is in a good state of improvement and cultivation. 
Mr. and Mrs. Boone have had five children : Elmer E., born Octo- 
ber 25, 1861; Eva E., December 15, 1S63: Charles J., July 23, 
1866; Clara E., December 18, 1869, and Willie W., May 15, 1877, 
deceased. Our subject and wife and all of their children are mem- 
bers of the Presbyterian Church. Politically, Mr. Boone is a re- 
publican. He has served his township as justice of the peace one 
term. He is one of the successful fanners of this township, and 
he and wife are among its best citizens. Mr. Boone is a member 



770 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

of the Odd Fellows lodge, having joined it at twenty-one years of 
age. Mr. Boone's farm is the site of the old settlers' meetings of 
Johnson and adjoining counties. 

Abram Brewer, of Pleasant Township, was born on the farm 
where he now lives, May 25, 1S30, and was the son of Garrett C. 
and Mary (Van Birke) Brewer. His life occupation has been 
farming. He was married December 6, 1871, to .Martha E. Pur- 
cell. She was born in Hancock County, Ind., October 1, 1843, 
and was the daughter of John and Sarah (Skinner) Purcell. Mr. 
and Mrs. Brewer have four children: Maggie F., born October 26, 
1872; Jessie, November 19, 1876; Charles, July 29, 1879, and Hat- 
tie, September 19, 1882, all of whom are living. Mr. Brewer and 
wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics, the 
the former is a republican. He owns 100 acres of land, about half 
of which is in cultivation. 

Edgar D. Brewer, a prominent farmer of Pleasant Township, 
was born on the old Brewer homestead, three and one-half miles 
northwest of Franklin, March 25, 1850, and was the son of Daniel 
and Magdalene (Ditmars ) Brewer. His father was born in Mercer 
County, Ky., June 18, 1814, and was the son of Daniel and Theo- 
docia (Derland) Brewer, with whom he came to Johnson County in 
1S33. The family settled in the southern part of Pleasant Town- 
ship, where Daniel Brewer, Sr., and Theodocia, his wife, spent the 
rest of their lives. Daniel Brewer, Jr., the father of our subject, 
was married four times, his second wife being our subject's 
mother. She was born in about 1S26, and was the daughter of 
Garrett Ditmars. The father and mother of our subject were mar- 
ried some time during the year 1849, the mother dying April 2, 
1862, and the father March 31, 1887. Edgar D. Brewer was 
reared on the old homestead in Franklin Township, and in ad- 
dition to a good common school education, he was a student in 
Hopewell Academy three years. At the age of nineteen, he became 
a partner in a general store in Franklin, and gave his attention to 
this three years. In 1872, he turned his attention to saw-milling, 
and for three years he was connected with a saw-mill in Pleasant 
Township. He was married October 21, 1S73, to Sallie Ana 
Beazlev. She was born in Henry County, Ky., March 23, 1851, 
and was the daughter of Augustine and Sallie Ann (Webb) Beaz- 
lev. the former of whom was born in Hensley County, Ky., Sep- 
tember 1, 1805, and the latter was born in Henry County, Ky., 
August 20, 1812. Her parents were married in Henry County, 
Ky., August 15, 1S33. They both spent their entire lives in their 
native county, the former dying July 3, 1863, and the latter Sep- 
tember 21, 1865. Augustine Beazley was the owner of a 



PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 771 

vast estate, and was also an extensive slave-holder. In Aug- 
ust, 1874, Mr. and Mrs. Brewer located on the old Brewer home- 
stead, where the former was born, and resided there until August, 
l88i,when they removed to their present home in Pleasant Town- 
ship. They now reside on a beautiful farm, one-half a mile west 
of Whiteland. It contains 104 acres, and is well improved and sit- 
uated. Besides this, Mr. Brewer is now the owner of the old home 
farm, in Franklin Township. It contains 205 acres, and is also well 
improved. Our subject and wife have three children: Norma, 
born September 1, 1874; J orm D., January 19, 1878, and Neva, 
March 24, 18S0; all of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Brewer 
are members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics, Mr. Brewer 
is a democrat. He is one of the leading farmers of the county, and 
he and wife are among its best citizens. 

Harvey Brewer, a prominent druggist of Greenwood, was 
born on a farm upon which is built the town of Greenwood, April 
19, 1844. He was the son of Abram V. and Delilah (Rice) 
Brewer, both of whom were natives of Mercer County, Ky., of 
German descent. They were reared and married in their native 
count)', and came to Johnson County, and located on a tract of land 
where Greenwood now stands, in an early day. His boyhood was 
spent on the old homestead, and at fifteen years of age he entered 
Depauw University, where he attended two years. He then re- 
turned home and remained until he attained the age of twenty-two. 
At this age he started out into the world to do for himself. Mak- 
ing his way to Topeka, Kan., he there clerked in a drug store two 
years. He then returned to this county, and on the 7th day of 
October, 1869, he was married to Alice Polk, daughter of George 
W. and Mary (Embree) Polk, whose history is given elsewhere. 
In 1872, he became the proprietor of a drug store in that place, to 
which his attention has since been directed. He has enjoyed a good 
trade and one that has enabled him to accumulate considerable 
property. He has also dealt in money more or less. Besides his 
brick business block and elegant residence in Greenwood, he owns 
three farms which comprise a total acreage of 235 acres. The wife 
of Mr. Brewer, died May 1, 1SS6, leaving four children: Fred C, 
Maude F., Mamie A. and Alma M., all of whom are living. Mr. 
Brewer is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and of the Ma- 
sonic fraternity, having reached the thirty-second degree. In politics, 
he is an ardent republican. He possesses good business qualifica- 
tions, and is one of the substantial men of the county. 

John D. Brewer, deceased, who was among the most prom- 
inent and substantial men of Johnson County, and who was a 
resident of Pleasant Township for a period of forty-eight years, 

49 



772 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

was born in Mercer County, Ky., May 20, 1S07. He was the son 
of Daniel and Theodocia (Derland) Brewer, the former of whom 
was born in New Jersey in 1770, and the latter was a native of 
Mercer County, Ky. In 1786 Daniel Brewer accompanied his 
parents to Mercer County, Ky., where he married Theodocia Der- 
land, and came with her to Johnson County in 1834. They settled 
in Pleasant Township, and there spent the rest of their lives. 
Daniel Brewer was the son of Abram and Sarah (Truax) Brewer, 
both of whom were natives of New Jersey, the former being 
born in 1742, and was united in marriage on the 30th of June, 1766. 
They both died in that county, the former in 1825. Abram Brewer 
was the son of Everardus and Cornelia (DeLanoy) Brewer, the 
former of whom was born in the vicinity of New York City, in 
1689, and was married November 30, 1738. His entire life was 
spent in the vicinity of his birth-place. Everardus Brewer was the 
son of Jacob and Annette (Bogardus) Brewer, the former of whom 
was the son of Adam Brewer, and the latter was the daughter of 
AnnekeJans, the owner of the celebrated Anneke Jans estate in 
New York City. Adam Brewer was a native of Holland, but immi- 
grated to America, and located on Manhattan Island, in 1642. 
(Jacob Brewer and Annette Bogardus were married on January 29, 
16S2.) The wife of Adam Brewer was Magdalena Vcrdon. John 
D. Brewer, the subject of this sketch, was reared on a farm in his 
native county. He spent several years as a boat-hand on the Ken- 
tucky, Ohio and Mississippi rivers. He came to Johnson County 
in 1S33 and entered a quarter section of land in the southern part 
of Pleasant Township, upon which he built a cabin and immedi- 
ately set about clearing his land. It was soon developed into a 
farm, and later on this was enlarged by purchases and other entries, 
until he finally owned a farm of 800 acres. He was married Jan- 
uary 6, 1841, to Fannie Webb. She was born in Henry County, 
Ky., January 28, 1821, and was the daughter of James and Han- 
nah (SanEord) Webb, both of whom were natives of Virginia. 
Her father was the son of William and Catharine Webb, and her 
mother the daughter of Lawrence and Fannie Sanford. John D. 
Brewer and wife became the parents of ten children: Samuel E., 
born June 28, 1842 ; Hannah S., January S, 1845, deceased; the next 
was a son that died unnamed; Sarah D., November 12, 1849; 
Mary E., July 29, 1851; Etha J., October 6, 1853; Fannie D., 
September 6, 1855; Belle, February 4, 1S59; Maggie E., July 19, 
1861; Tellie, June 22, 1863. Mr. Brewer was a member of the 
Presbyterian Church, and was a democrat in politics. He died 
jst 18, 1SS1. His surviving widow, who now resides in 
Whiteland, is also a member of the Presbyterian Church. 



PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 773 

Samuel E. Brewer, a prominent citizen of Whiteland, was 
born on a farm near that place June 28, 1842, and was the son of 
John D. and Fannie (Webb) Brewer, the former of whom was 
born in Mercer County, Ky., May 20, 1807, and died at his home 
in Pleasant Township, August 18, 1881. His mother was born in 
Henrv County, Ky., January 28, 1821, and now resides in White- 
land. Our subject was reared on the old Brewer homestead, work- 
ing on the farm in summer, and attending public school in winter. 
At the age of twenty he entered Hopewell Academy, where he 
pursued his studies three years. He then took up the vocation of 
a teacher. This furnished his winter's employment for a period of 
five years, his labors as a teacher all being performed in Pleasant 
Township. In 1871 he turned his whole attention to saw-milling, 
in which pursuit he was exclusively engaged until the fall of 1887. 
In September, 18S3, his mill was burned. In the meantime his resi- 
dence near Whiteland was burned, in May, 1881. Mr. Brewer then 
became a resident of Whiteland, where he now occupies a very 
handsome residence, that was erected by him in 1S83. In 1SS4, 
he rebuilt his saw-mill in Whiteland, and operated it until the fall 
of 1887. His entire attention is now given to the business of the 
Whiteland Fruit Packing Company, of which institution he is secretary 
and book-keeper, and in which he is a heavy stockholder. He wai 
married March 21, 1867, to Melissa A. Springer. She was born 
in Franklin, this county, January 28, 1844, and was the daughter 
of Cordnan and Orphia (Webb) Springer, the former of whom 
was born in Botetourt County, Va., in 181 2, and the latter was born 
in Kentucky, December 4, 1S10. He died in Whiteland in De- 
cember, 1S76, and his widow still resides in Whiteland. The 
father of Mrs. Brewer was a cousin of the late Reuben 
Springer, of Cincinnati. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Brewer 
has resulted in the birth of four children: Annie L., born - 
March 13, 1868; Fannie E., May 2, 1871; Edward M., June 30, 
1874, and Leona E., November 19, 18S7, all of whom are living. 
The wife of Mr. Brewer is a member of the Presbyterian Church. 
In politics, Mr. Brewer is independent. He was elected to the of- 
fice of justice of the peace in 1886. » Mr. Brewer owns a well-im- 
proved farm in Pleasant Township, most of which is under culti- 
vation. Mr. Brewer organized the Whiteland Band, and taught it 
for two years. He is yet one of its members, and probably entitled 
to more credit for its success than any one else. 

William A. Brooks, an honored old citizen of Pleasant Town- 
ship, was born in Clinton Count}-, N. Y., November 28, 1S22, and 
was the son of Gehial and Rebecca (Anson) Brooks, who were 
also natives of the State of New York. His boyhood was sj 



774 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

on a farm in his native county. At seventeen years of age he ac- 
companied his widowed mother to Madison, this state, where they 
remained some five or six years, and during that time he was 
chiefly employed at the carpenter's trade. In 1850, the family set- 
tled on a farm in Jennings County, this state. On the 10th day of 
June, of the same year, he was married to Eiiza J. Griffith. She was 
born in Jennings County, Ind., and was the daughter of Thomas 
and Hannah Griffith. In 1855. Mr. Brooks removed with his family 
from Jennings County to Johnson Count}", and he has ever since 
been a resident of Pleasant Township. His occupation has been 
that of a farmer, and in this pursuit he has been successful. He 
owns a first-class farm of 100 acres, two and one-half miles south- 
east of Greenwood, which is in a good state of improvement, and 
nearly all of which is in cultivation. Upon this place he settled 
when he first came to the count}-, and he continued to occupy it un- 
til 1878. His first wife died October 4, 1864, and on the 20th day 
of June, 1877, Mr. Brooks was married to Mrs. Ann Brewer. 
She was born in Mercer County, Ky., March 29, 1S25, and was 
the daughter of Henry R. and Elizabeth (Smock) Comingore, 
both of whom were natives of Mercer Count}-, Ky. Her father 
was the son of Henry and Rachel (Brewer) Comingore, the for- 
mer a native of Holland, and the latter a native of Pennsylvania. 
Her mother was the daughter of Jacob and Ann (Banta) Smock, 
who were, respectively, natives of Pennsylvania and Mercer 
County, Ky. The father and mother of Jacob Smock were na- 
tives of Holland. On the iSth day of February, 1S47. Mrs. 
Brooks was married to John C. Brewer, who was a native of 
Mercer County, Ky., born January 8, 182 1, and was the son of 
Abram and Ann (Cozine) Brewer. John C. Brewer died January 
24, 1874. after which his wife remained a widow until her mar- 
riage to Mr. Brooks. The first marriage of Mr. Brooks resulted 
in the birth of six children : Henry W., Jane E., Charlotte S., 
Albert R., Hannah R., and Mary E., of whom Charlotte S. and 
Mary E., are deceased. The first marriage of Mrs. Brooks re- 
sulted in the birth of eight children: Mary A.. born March 26, 1848; 
Sarah Elizabeth. August 29, 1849; Laura J., February 3. 1852, 
deceased: Macella A., January 17, 1854; Eldora, January n, 
1856; Laura M., December 29. 1857: Charles E.. May 18, 1861; 
John Edward, July 3. 1864. The wife of Mr. Brooks is a member 
of the Presbyterian Church: he is a member of the Baptist Church, 
and in politics, he is an ardent republican. Mr. Brooks is a di- 
rector and heavy stockholder in the Whiteland Fruit Packing Com- 
pany, a history of which appears elsewhere. He is an influential 
and reliable man, and he and wife are highly respected. 



PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 775 

Mrs. Mary M. Brown, widow of the late Isaac S. Brown, of 
Pleasant Township, was born in Union Township, this count}', 
September 15. 1834. She was the daughter of Andrew and Nancy 
( Bantu j Carnine, both of whom were natives of Kentucky. Her 
father was the son of Andrew and Lydia (Bice) Carnine. Her 
mother was the daughter Abram and Mary (Demaree) Banta. She 
grew to womanhood in her native township, and was married there, 
to Isaac S. Broun, April 8, 1856. He was born in Wythe County, 
Va., January 18, 1S29, and was the v son of Aaron and Margaret 
(Smith 1 Brown, who emigrated to this county, and settled in 
Franklin Township, when he was ten years old. There Isaac S. 
Brown spent his youth upon a farm. He was married March 14, 
1S50, to Cynthia E. Sorter. She was born in Pleasant Township, 
this bounty, May 8, 1832, and was the daughter of Garrett and 
Charity (Smock) Sorter, who were natives of Kentucky. Shortly 
after his marriage, Mr. Brown settled on a farm in Pleasant Town- 
ship, where he resided until his death. His first wife died 
Jul) - 30, 1S55, leaving the following two children: John B., 
born September 3, 1S51, deceased; and David M., May 27, 
1855. He is now a resident of Newton, Kan. The marriage 
of Mr. Brown to the subject of this sketch, resulted in the 
birth of six children: Robert A., born November 27, 1S58; 
Charles A., April 17, 1S59: Edward S., March 15, 1865, (de- 
ceased) ; Isaac N., September 28, 1S67; Andrew C, July 25, 1S68, 
(deceased), and Mary L., September 5, 1S72. Mr. Brown was a 
member of the Presbyterian Church, and in politics he was a re- 
publican. He became a member of the Presbyterian Church, 
November 23, 1850, and held the position of elder in that church 
for over thirty-five years. He died October 17, 1887. His widow 
still occupies the old home. She is a member of the Presbyterian 
Church, having joined the same when she was but fifteen 
years old. Her four children are members of the Presbyterian 
Church. The old home farm upon which she and two of her chil- 
dren now live, contains 240 acres of good land. It is equipped 
with a beautiful slate-roofed frame residence, and is in other re- 
spects well improved. Mrs. Brown is very highly respected by all 
who know her. Her eldest son, R. A. Brown, is a graduate of 
Franklin College, and is at present local editor of the Logansjyort 
Daily Journal. The third son, Edward S. Brown, graduated in 
the common schools, and was a student at college at the time of 
his death. Isaac N. Brown and Mary L. Brown have also grad- 
uated in the common schools. 

Anthony Brlnnemer, an old and honored citizen of Pleasant 
Township, was born in Alleghany County, W. Va., May 13, 1S11, 



7/6 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

and was the son of George and Mary (Duke) Brunnemer, both of 
whom were natives of Virginia. In the twentieth year of his age 
he accompanied his parents to this state and located with them in 
Morgan County. On June 5, 1S34, he was married to Blancha 
Mitchell. She was born in Greene County, Tenn., August 16, 1S01, 
and was the daughter of Thomas and Blancha (McPheron) 
Mitchell, both of whom were natives of Ireland. After his mar- 
riage, Mr. Brunnemer settled on a farm in Morgan Count)'. In 
1859, ' ie removed to Johnson County, and has ever since resided in 
Pleasant Township. His life occupation has been farming, but in 
his later years he has lived a retired citizen. He and his wife be- 
came the parents of four children: Sarah J., born April 1, 1836; 
William M. D., October 26, 1837; Mary E., September 23, 1839, 
and George L., January 22, 1842, all of whom are now living. 
The wife of Mr. Brunnemer died July 13, 1885. She was a mem- 
ber of the Methodist Church. Mr. Brunnemer is also a member 
of the Methodist Church, and in politics he is a staunch republican. 
He has living eighteen grandchildren and fifteen great grand- 
children. 

George L. Brunnemer, a successful farmer of Pleasant 
Township, is a native of Morgan County, this state, born January 
22, 1842, and was the son of Anthony and Blancha (Mitchell) 
Brunnemer, who were natives of Virginia and Tennessee, respect- 
ively. He was reared on a farm in his native county, and at the 
age of eighteen he accompanied his parents to Johnson Count} - and 
settled with them on a farm one mile north of Whiteland He re- 
mained with his father and mother until he reached the age of 
twentj'-one, or until after his first marriage, which occurred on the 
5th of February, 1863. The lady that became his wife was 
Sarah E. McClellan. She was born in this county, and was the 
daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Clem) McClellan, both of whom 
were natives of Kentucky. Immediately after marriage, they lo- 
cated in a house on his father's farm. February 15, 1865, he became 
a soldier in the Union Army, in Company E, One Hundred and 
Forty-eighth Indiana Regiment, with which he served as corporal 
until the close of the war. He was honorably discharged at In- 
dianapolis, September 5, 1S65. He then resumed farming on his 
father's place, but in the spring of 1866, he removed to his present 
home in Section 29, of Pleasant Township. He owns a fine farm 
of 206 acres, which is in a good state of improvement, and about 
160 of which are in cultivation. In connection with farming, for 
the past seven years, he has also owned and operated a saw-mill. 
His first wife died September 5, 1866, and on the 23rd day of 
October, 1S67, he was married to Nancy C. VanarsdaU, daughter 



PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 777 

of Cornelius A. B. and Nancy J. (Clem) Vanarsdall, whose his- 
tory is given elsewhere. She was born in Pleasant Township, 
this county, October 20, 1849. By his first wife Mr. Brunnemer 
became the father of two children: James D., born December 11, 
1863, married to Louie A. Sharp, and Sarah E., August 12, 1866, 
deceased. Mr. Brunnemer and his presentwife have had three 
children: Albert T., born October 29, 1869; Ammie J., December 
8, 187 1, married Hugh E. Johnson, and William J., March 3, 1874. 
Mrs. and Mrs. Brunnemer are members of the Methodist Episco- 
pal Church. Politically, the former is a republican. He and his 
wife are among the best citizens of their township. 

William Daily Brunnemer, a prosperous and influential citi- 
zen of Pleasant Township, was born in Morgan County, this state, 
October 26, 1837, and was the son of Anthony and Blancha (Mitchell) 
Brunnemer, a history of whom appears elsewhere in this work. 
He was raised on a farm in his native count}-. At twenty-two 
years of age, or in February, i860, he accompanied his parents to 
Johnson County, and located with them in Pleasant Township, in 
which he has resided ever since. He was married on the 6th of 
September, i860, to Caroline R. Henry. She Avas born in Pleas- 
ant Township, February 13, 1839, anc ^ was tne daughter of Hiram 
Henry. Shortly after his marriage, Mr. Brunnemer located about 
one mile north of Whiteland, where, for about three years, Mr. 
Brunnemer was engaged at farming. In 1S63, he removed to a 
farm in Section 10, of Pleasant Township, and the same one he now 
occupies. Here he resided until December, 1875, and during these 
years he carried on farming interests, and also the business of grain 
threshing. In December, 1875, he removed to Whiteland, where 
a few days later, or on the 23rd of the same month, his first wife 
died. In Whiteland he became engaged at saw-milling, in connec- 
tion with his brother, George L. Brunnemer. In February, 1876, 
thev removed their mill one mile and a half west of Whiteland, where 
the}- continued to operate it together until in September, 1S77. 
They also were partners in a threshing outfit. In September, i877> 
our subject traded to George L. Brunnemer his interest in the saw- 
mill for his brother's interest in the threshing outfit; after this 
transaction occurred, he then returned to his farm in Section 
10, where he has since resided. He was united in marriage to 
Sarah S. Sheek, December 6, 1S76. She was born in Davie 
County, N. C, February 2, 1843, and was the daughter of John B. 
and Sarah (Kinnick) Sheek, both of whom were natives of Davie 
Count}-, X. C. She accompanied her parents to Johnson County, 
in 1 85 1. The family settled in Pleasant Township, where her 
father died June 3, 1872. Her mother is still living, and makes her 



778 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

home with Mr. and Mrs. Brunnemer. He is a partner in two 
threshing outfits, also the sole owner of the two saw-mills, one of 
which stands on his farm, and the other is located at Greenwood. 
His farm contains 104 acres of good land. It is well improved, and 
about seventy acres of it are in cultivation. The first marriage of 
Mr. Brunnemer resulted in the birth of five children: John II., born 
September 29, 1861, deceased; Thomas A., August 23, 1863, de- 
ceased; Eddy H., March 5, 186S. deceased; Elmer, January 24, 
1870, and Ida E., January 28, 1872, deceased. Mr. Brunnemer 
and his present wife are the parents of one child, Ada L., born De- 
cember 1, 1877. Our subject and wife are members of the Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church. In politics, the former is a republican. 

Dr. Zachariah Carnes, of Greenwood, was born in Grayson 
County, Ky., April 4, 1S40, the son of William and Eliza (Decker) 
Carnes, who were, respectively, natives of South Carolina and Vir- 
ginia. When he was twelve years old his father died. He re- 
ceived, in the district schools, a knowledge of the ordinary branches 
of learning, and as earlv as seventeen years of age, he became a 
teacher in the public schools of Grayson County. After teaching 
three terms he engaged in mercantile pursuits in Burnettsville, 
Hardin Co., Ky., and gave his attention to this until the fall of 
1862, when he entered the military service of the State of Ken- 
tucky, on the Union side, and served in the capacity of first lieu- 
tenant one year. He entered the United States service in the fall 
of 1864, in Company C, Twenty-first Kentucky Regiment, and 
served until the close of the war. He received his discharge July 
6, 1865. He then resumed mercantile pursuits in Burnettsville, 
Ky., and soon after this he took up the study of medicine. From 
1865 to 1874 ne was engaged in mercantile pursuits at Burnetts- 
ville and Hardin Springs, Ky., and during the first years of this 
time he kept up the studv of medicine, also. In 187 1 he entered 
upon the practice of medicine at Hardin Springs, still retaining an 
interest in the store. In the fall of 1874, he entered the mecWcal 
department of the University of Louisville, and attended one course 
of lectures. From the spring of 1875, to tne * an °* J 876, he prac- 
ticed medicine at Hardin Springs, Ky. During the winter of 1876 
77, he took his second course of lectures in the above named 
university, and graduated in the spring of 1877. He tfien resumed 
practice at Hardin Springs, but in the fall of 1S77, came to this 
county, and located at Greenwood, where he has ever since been 
engaged in the practice of his profession. Dr. Carnes was married 
in May, i860, to Elizabeth Burnett, who died February 1, 1865. 
In May, 1866, he was married to Martha J. Moore, who died three 
years later, and on the 25th day of October, 1S70, he was married 



PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 779 

to Mrs. Eliza J. Wood, daughter of William and Sarah Polk, the 
former of whom died in Greenwood in 1S7S, and the latter still 
survives, and makes her home with the subject of this sketch. 
Dr. Carries is the father of the following three children: Will- 
iam S. and Henry G., twins, and Floy, the first two of whom 
are the children of his second wife, and the last was born to his 
third marriage. Dr. Carries is a member of the F. & A. M., K. of H. 
and G. A. R. lodges. He has always been particularly fond of 
fine horses, and there has been scarcely no time since he was a boy 
that he has not had in his possession a number of thoroughbreds 
ranging in value from $200 to $1,500. The Doctor is a member 
of the Johnson County Medical Society. The present wife of Dr. 
Carnes was married in about 1863, to Mr. II. Wood, who died in 
about 1S66, leaving one child, Harry, who at present is agent of 
the J., M. & I. Railroad at Greenwood. 

John L. Carson, a pioneer citizen of Pleasant Township, was 
born in Jefferson County, Tenn., July 4, 1815, and was the son of 
James and Sarah Carson, both of whom were natives of Virginia. 
His father was born October 2, 1777, and died in this county, Jan- 
uary 5, 1S53. His mother was born August 1, 1782, and died in 
this" county April 18, 1853. When he was fifteen years of age, he 
accompanied his parents to this county. The family settled in 
Pleasant Township, in which the father and mother spent the rest 
of their lives. His youth was spent with his parents, assisting to 
clear and cultivate the farm on which he has ever since continued 
to reside. His life occupation has been farming. He was married 
February II, 1841, to Elizabeth Brewer. She was born in 
Mercer " County, Ky., April 1, 1823, and was the daughter 
of Abram V. and Anna (Cozine) Brewer, who also were na- 
tives of Mercer County, Ky., the former being born April 19, I79 1 - 
The mother of Mrs. Carson died in 1830, and her father on the 12th 
day of March, 1873. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Carson re- 
sulted in the birth of two children: David N., born May 23, 1842, 
killed accidentally by a falling log from a railroad car: and Will- 
iam M., born March 17, 1844. Mr. and Mrs. Carson are members 
of the Presbyterian Church. In politics, Mr. Carson is a republi- 
can. He and wife are very highly respected. They have a com- 
fortable home near Greenwood, where they reside in a pleasant 
way. _ _ 

William M. Carson, a farmer of Pleasant Township, is a na- 
tive of the township in which he now resides, he having been 
born on a farm two miles south of Greenwood, March 17, 1844. He 
is the son of John L. and Elizabeth (Brewer) Carson, whose his- 
tory appears elsewhere in this work. He was reared in his native 



7S0 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

township, working upon a farm in summer, and attending district 
school in winter. His education is such as to lit him for the prac- 
tical affairs of life. In early manhood he took up the vocation of a 
farmer, and has ever since devoted his attention to that pursuit, in 
Pleasant Township. December 8, 1864, he was united in marriage ■ 
to Harriet H. Wheatcraft. She was born in Putnam County, this 
state, February 24, 1845, being the daughter of Malachi and 
Sophia M. (Bradford) Wheatcraft, a history of whom appears 
elsewhere. She died April 22, 1881, and on the 18th day of Mav, 
1882, Mr. Carson was married to Mary E. Peek. She is a native 
of Switzerland County, this state, born January 12, 1848, and was 
the daughter of William J. and Susan (Johnson) Peek, who were, 
respectively, natives of Trimble and Franklin counties, Ky., the 
latter being born May 12, 1S13. She died March 19, 1879. The 
first marriage of Mr. Carson resulted in the birth of two children: 
Minnie C, born Januarv 7, 1S6S, and Albert L., November 7, 1869. 
He and his present wife have one child: Emerson, born January 
29, 18S4. Our subject and wife are members of the Presbvterian 
Church. The former is a member of the K. of H. lodge, and 
the order of Chosen Friends. In politics, Mr. Carson is a repub- 
lican. He owns 167 acres of first-class land, about 125 of which 
are in cultivation. He is one of the influential men of his township, 
and he and wife are among its very best citizens. 

Ephraim Lynn Covert, an enterprising voung farmer of 
Pleasant Township, was born in Franklin Township, November 11, 
1854, an d is the son of George W. and Mary E. (Lagrange) 
Covert, who now reside in the city of Franklin. When he was 
six years old his parents emigrated to Carlyle, Allen Co., Kan., 
where the father entered upon the practice of medicine and den- 
tistrv, to which his attention has been given ever since. He after- 
ward moved to Geneva, Woodson Co., Kan. Two years later he 
removed to Donnelson, Montgomery Co., Ills., and after residing 
there two years, they returned to Carlyle, and here remained until 
1S73. In September of that y-ear they returned to this county, 
and until September, 1887, the father practiced his profession at 
Whiteland. The subject of this sketch received a good common 
school education, and in early manhood he adopted the vocation of 
a farmer. He was married February 20, 1878, to Miss Virginia 
Belle Brewer. She was born on the old Brewer homestead, in 
Pleasant Township, February 4, 1859, and was the daughter of 
John D. and Fannie (Webb) Brewer, whose history will be found 
elsewhere. Mr. and Mrs. Covert have occupied their present 
home in Section 14, Pleasant Township, since December, 1878. 
They have a good farm of ninety acres, which is well-improved, and 



PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 7S1 

seventy of which are under cultivation. Their marriage has resulted 
in the birth of three children: Ada Edell, born February 6, 1880; 
George Derlin, October 10, 18S3, deceased, and Angelo, January 
2, 1885. Mr. and Mrs. Covert are members of the Presbyterian 
Church. In politics, Mr. Covert is a republican. He and wife are 
highly esteemed by all who know them. 

John F. Crawford, the junior member of the firm of Bass & 
Crawford, of Greenwood, was born in Pleasant Township, this 
county, February 23, 1856, the son of Robert and Margaret E. 
(Carter) Crawford, of Pleasant Township. He was reared on the 
old homestead, and received a common school education. Later 
on he attended Franklin College one term, and still later he was a 
student in the Central Normal College, of Danville, Ind. On leav- 
ing school at Danville he attended a normal school a short time at 
Franklin. In Jul)', 1881, he accepted a position as salesman in the 
mercantile establishment of the late Grafton Johnson, of Greenwood. 
He clerked for Mr. Johnson from August 1, 1881, to March 22, 
1885. He succeeded in saving sufficient means to engage in busi- 
ness for himself, and two days after retiring from the employ of 
Mr. Johnson, he became the partner of Mr. W. H. Bass, of Green- 
wood, in mercantile pursuits. Their business has proved to be 
successful, and they are now among the leading business men of 
that place. He was married October 4, 1886, to Maggie Smith. 
She was born in Pleasant Township, August 27, 1861, and was the 
daughter of J. W. and Adaline (Ballinger) Smith. Their mar- 
riage has resulted in the birth of one child, Jerre R., born July 2, 
1887. Our subject and wife are members of the Methodist Epis- 
copal Church. In politics, the former is a republican. 

Robert Crawford, an old citizen of Pleasant Township, is a 
native of Wythe County, Va., born September 13, 1825. He was 
the son of William and Elizabeth (Smith) Crawford, the former of 
whom was also a native of Wythe County, Va. His mother was 
also a native of the same state. His early life was spent on a farm. 
In 1848, he came to Johnson County, a single man, and for some 
years thereafter, he worked at the carpenter's trade. During the 
winter of 1849 an ^ r ^5°> ne taught school in Pleasant Township, 
and his second term of school was taught in Green County, Ind., 
during the winter of 1S53 and 1854. He was married in Pleasant 
Township, February 28, 1855, to Mrs. Margaret A. Scott. She is 
also a native of Wythe County, Va., born November 24, 1S29, 
and was the daughter of John and Mary (Smith) Carter, who 
were also natives of Wythe Countv, Va. She came with her 
parents to Johnson County, in 1830, and for five years the 
family resided in Franklin, where her father worked at the black- 



782 JOHXSOX COUNTY. 

smith's trade. In the fall of 1S36, they located in Pleasant Town- 
ship, where Mrs. Crawford grew to womanhood, and where she was 
married to John Scott, January 29, 1S50. He was a native of the State 
of Virginia, born February iS, 1S30, and was the son of John and 
Catharine Scott. He died Ootober 19, 1853, leaving two children: 
Mary II., born December 7, 1850, and Catharine E., bom October 
17, 1S52. Ever since their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Crawford have 
resided on the farm they now occupy. The chief occupation of 
Mr. Crawford has been farming, though he has also taught school 
a great deal in the winter time. To Mr. and Mrs. Crawford these 
children have been born : William F. and John F., twins, born 
February 23, 1856: Wesley C, February 4, 1858; Robert L., 
October 25, 1859; Araminta, October 12, 1861, James A., 
July 24, 1S63, deceased; Maggie, born July 25, 1866, deceased. 
Mr. and Mrs. Crawford are members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and in politics, he is an ardent republican. Mr. Craw- 
ford has served his township in the capacitv of justice of the peace 
four years. He and wife have a farm of about fifty-eight acres, 
and a comfortable home. William F. is a member of the Indian- 
apolis bar; John F. is a merchant in Greenwood; Wesley C. is a 
student at Depauw University; Robert L. is a theological student 
of that school, and a preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
Edward Ditmars, a farmer of Pleasant Township, was born 
in Union Township, this county, March 5, 1839, and was the son of 
Garrett and Sarah (Verbryck) Ditmars, both of whom were na- 
tives of the State of New Jersey. His father was born in 1792. 
When he was twelve years of age his father died, and about one 
year later, his widowed mother removed to a farm near Hopewell, 
this county, where she spent the rest of her life. She died August 
5, 1855. Our subject remained on the farm with his mother until 
after her death. The greater part of his early education was re- 
ceived in Hopewell Academy. After his mother's death, he re- 
mained in the vicinity of I lopewell until the year 1861. He attended 
school in winter and worked on a farm in summer. July 29, 1S61, 
he became a soldier in the Union Armv, being mustered into Company 
I, Eighteenth Indiana Regiment. He served in the same company 
and regiment until the close of the war. He participated in the 
battles of Pea Ridge, Ark., Port Gibson, Jackson, Champion Hills, 
Black River Bridge, the siege of Vicksburg, and the second battle' 
of Winchester, Va. On the 19th day of September, 1864, while 
in the battle of Winchester, Va., he was wounded. This necessi- 
tated him to spend three months in a hospital. He was honorably 
discharged at Indianapolis, September 22, 1865. During the 
winter of 1865-6, he attended school at Hopewell, and during the 



PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 783 

following summer he was engaged in the manufacture of brick. 
In the fall of 1S66, he went to Decatur County, this state, where 
he made his home with a widowed sister four years, during which 
time he conducted a farm. He was married in Decatur County, 
March 9, 1S71, to Spicy D. Thomson. She was born in Decatur 
Ccunty, February 5, 1839, and was the daughter of William H. 
and Jane B. (Blair) Thomson. Her father was born in Nicholas 
Countv, Ky., in June, 1791, and her mother was born near Knox- 
ville, Tenn., in June, 1802. Immediately after their marriage Mr. 
and Mrs. Ditmars came to Johnson County and located on a farm 
which Mr. Ditmars had purchased during the preceding winter, 
one-half mile east of Whiteland. They have resided upon the 
same farm continuously ever since. It now contains 120 acres, 
and is in a good state of improvement. Mr. and Mrs. Ditmars are 
the parents of three children, as follows: John W., born May 30, 
1S72; Garrett O., December 14, 1873, and Rolla T., December 
15, 1878. Our subject and wife are members of the Presbyterian 
Church. The former is a member of the G. A. R. lodge, and in 
politics, he is a republican. 

Robert B. Dobbins, a venerable citizen of Pleasant Town- 
ship, was born in Pendleton County, S. C, November 2, 1805. 
He is the son of John and Jane (Johnson) Dobbins.' His father 
was the son of James and Elizabeth (Stephenson) Dobbins, who 
emigrated to South Carolina from Virginia. His mother was the 
daughter of Francis and Margaret (Sawright) Johnson; the latter 
of whom was a native of Ireland. In 1818, ..he parents of our sub- 
ject emigrated from Pendleton County, S. C, to Clermont County, 
Ohio, but a year later, or in March, 1819, they came to the State of 
Indiana and settled in Campbell Township, Jennings County. His 
father died there April 12, 1S27. His mother came to Johnson 
Countv in about 1832, and spent the rest of her life in Clark Town- 
ship; she died in April, 1836. Our subject spent his youth in 
Jennings County on a farm. In his early manhood he took up 
the vocation of a farmer for himself, and continued it through life. 
In 1834 he came to Johnson County and located on the farm he 
now occupies, where he has resided continuously for fifty- 
four years. His farm contains 197.^8 acres of well-improved land. 
Mr. Dobbins was married in Ripley County, this state, October 28, 
1828, to Harriet L. Hughey, who was born in Buncom County, 
N. C, November 29, 1804, and was the daughter of Joseph and 
Jane (Brank) Hughey, the former of whom was born in North 
Carolina. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Dobbins resulted in the 
birth of five children: John M., born February 17. 1S30. deceased; 
Joseph II.. September 18, 1832, deceased: Samuel J., November 



7S4 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

16, 1835, deceased; Mary J., July 25, 1S42, and Martha II., 
September 24, 1S48, deceased. The wife of Mr. Dobbins 
died April 15, 18S5. She was a devout member of the Pres- 
byterian Church. Mr. Dobbins is also a member of the same 
church. In politics, he is an ardent republican. He cast his first 
presidential vote for Gen. Jackson, in 1828. Mr. Dobbins has led 
an industrious life, and he is now permitted to spend his declining 
years in comfort and happiness. lie has now spent more than half 
a century in this count}', and although in the eighty-third year of his 
age, he is still in the enjoyment of good health. The count} - has 
no pioneer that is more highly respected than Mr. Dobbins. 

Benjamin Draper, an honored citizen of Pleasant Township, 
was born in Dearborn County, this state, July 2, 1818, and was the 
son of Thomas and Catharine (Harbert) Draper, the former of 
whom was born in Botetourt County, Va., and was the son of 
Thomas and Priscilla Draper. The latter was born in Pennsyl- 
vania, and was the daughter of Ebenezer Harbert. Before the sub- 
ject of this sketch was five years old his parents removed to 
Decatur County, this state, where he grew to manhood on a farm. 
In 1S40, he came to Johnson County, a single man, and engaged in 
agricultural pursuits in Clark Township. A year later he removed 
to Pleasant Township, where he was similarly engaged three years. 
In the latter part of 1844, he returned to Decatur County. In the 
spring of 1858, he again came to this county, and moved into his 
present home on the 1st day of March of that year. His attention 
has always been given to farming. He has three fish ponds on his 
farm, which are well stocked with different varieties of carp, and 
to these Mr. Draper gives his personal attention. .Fie owns 200 
acres of good land, of which 120 acres are in Pleasant Township, 
and eighty in Clark Township. About 150 acres of his land are 
in cultivation. Mr. Draper was married October 4, 1841, to Eliza- 
beth Wheeling. She was born in Henry County, Ky., December 
21, 1S21, and was the daughter of William and Elizabeth (Van 
horn) Wheeling. Their marriage resulted in the birth of thirteen 
children, as follows: the first was a daughter, born January 5, 1833, 
died when but one day old; Thomas M., February 6, 1844; 
Oliver H., February 6, 1846; Mahlon B., April 5, 1848: 
Miranda, November 3, 1S49, deceased; infant daughter, June 
20, 1S51, deceased; Harriet H., September 11, 1872, deceased; 
Clara M, born May 21, 1854; Mary L., January 29, 1S56; George 
\\\, October 24, 1857; Benjamin F., born November 7, 1S59; 
John W., born September 10, 1861, and Lennie L., November 16, 
1865, deceased. The wife of Mr. Draper died August 16, 1887. 
She was a member of the Christian Church. In politics, Mr. 



PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 785 

Draper was formerly a whig", but since 1S56, he has been an ardent 
republican. He cast his first presidential vote for Harrison. Mr. 
Draper is an honest man, and he is one of the county's most highly 
respected citizens. All of the children are living-, except Mahlon B.; 
are members of the Christian Church. Harriet H. was a member 
of the Presbyterian Church. 

James J. Davis, one of Johnson County's old pioneers, was 
born in Wythe County, Va., July 25, 1824. He was the son of 
Reuben and Mary (Brown) Davis. His father was the son of 
Jacob Davis, who emigrated to America from Germany. Reuben 
Davis was born December 18, 1797, in Wythe County, Va. He 
died in Pleasant Township, this county, December 23, 1857. The 
mother of our subject was also a native of Wythe County, Va., 
born October 22, 1797- She was married to Reuben Davis, April 
11, 1822. She died in Pleasant Township, this county, August 21, 
1857. Our subject was the only son in a family of four children. 
His three sisters were: Louisa J., born April 30, 1823, and died in 
September, 1846; Susan B., born»November 7, 1825, and died Sep- 
tember 14, 1S56, and Matilda A., born July 27, 1S30. She is now the 
wife of Rev. Benjamin Groves, of Indianapolis. When the subject 
of this sketch was but four years old, his parents emigrated from 
Wythe County, Va., to Johnson County, Ind., and settled in Pleas- 
ant Township, where his parents spent the remainder of their lives. 
The youth of our subject was spent helping to clear and cultivate 
his father's farm. The whole time he spent in school did not 
amount to eighteen months. He remained at home with his par- 
ents until he reached manhood. He was married on Christmas 
day, 1845, to Almyra Hughes. She was born in Fayette County, 
this state, March 6, 1S2S, and was the daughter of Rev. Jesse and 
Nancy (Melton) Hughes, the former being born in 179S. He was 
a preacher in the Methodist Episcopal Church, and was twice mar- 
ried, his first wife being Nancy Melton, and his second wife, Eliza- 
beth Hawkins. He died in White River Township, July 30, 1S73. 
The mother of Mrs. Davis died in White River Township, June 9, 
1S51. Ever since their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Davis have re- 
sided in Pleasant Township, with the exception of about two years. 
The life occupation of Mr. Davis has been farming. He and his 
wife own 1S6 acres of land, about three-fourths of which is under 
cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. Davis have had four children : Reuben, 
born September 3, 1848, deceased; Louisa M., February 9, 1852, 
deceased: John T., January 23, 1855, and Jesse H., March 20, 1S58. 
Mr. and Mrs. Davis are members of the United Brethren Church. 
In politics, he is a staunch republican. Mr. Davis served as a 
Union soldier from February, 1865, to the close of the war. lie 



786 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

was enrolled in Company E, One Hunred and Forty-eighth In- 
diana Infantry. He was honorably discharged at Indianapolis, 
September 14, 1865. When Mrs. Davis was in her fourth year 
her parents came from Fayette County to Johnson County, and set- 
tled in White River Township. By leading lives of industry, Mr. 
and Mrs. Davis are in good circumstances, and have also given 
fortv acres of land to each of their children. 

William W. Demaree, a wealthy farmer and prominent free- 
holder, of Pleasant Township, was born in Shelby Count}-, Ky.., 
February 10, 1828, and was the son of Peter and Mary (Johnson) 
Demaree, both of whom were also natives of Shelby County, Ky. 
His father was born January 1, 1796, and was the son of David and 
Rachel (Brunei; \ Demaree. David Demaree was the son of 
Samuel and Susan (Brewer) Demaree. The mother of our sub- 
ject was born May 6, 1S04, and was the daughter of John B. and 
Ruth (Beckley) Johnson. His parents were married in Shelby 
County, Ky., but immigrated to Johnson County, Ind., when he was 
but nine months old. The family settled on a tract of land which 
the father had entered, one mile west of Hopewell. Here Peter 
Demaree spent the rest of his life, his death occurring on the 22nd 
day of August, 1837. His wife afterward was married to Corne- 
lius Covert, but she died a few months later, or January 24, 1842. 
Our subject then found a home with Isaac Vannuys in the vi- 
cinity of the old home farm. He remained with him until the age 
of twenty-one, when he returned to the old homestead and began 
farming for himself. In 1864, he removed to his present home in 
Pleasant Township. His occupation has always been that of a 
farmer, and in this pursuit he has been very successful. His farm 
contains 350 acres of excellent land, over 250 of which are under 
cultivation. Mr. Demaree was married 'o Lydia Ann Carnine, 
October 21, 1S52. She was born in Union Township, this county, 
January 14, 1831, and was the daughter of Andrew and Nancy 
(Banta) Carnine, both of whom were natives of Kentucky. Her 
father was the son of Andrew and Lydia (Bice) Carnine, and her 
mother was the daughter of Abram and Mary (Demaree) Banta. 
Mr. and Mrs. Demaree have had a family of thirteen children, 
as follows: Laura I., born August 7, 1853, deceased; Dewitt C, 
July 17, 1S55, deceased: Clara J., November 22, 1856; Electa A., 
July 22, 1^58. Mattie C, and a twin sister, who is deceased, No- 
vember 11, 1S59; William L., November 18, 1861; Ira M., Septem- 
ber 13, 1S63: Victor B., December 13, 1865; Edith A., October 19, 
1867, deceased: Mary E., December 29, 1S69; Anna O., February 
6, 1872, and George W., May 22, 1S74. Air. and Mrs. Demaree 
are members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics, Mr. Demaree 






PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 787 

is a republican. He and wife are very highly respected. Mr. 
Demaree's great grandparents were both natives of Holland, where 
they were reared and married. They came to America in about 
1642. 

Francis Dickson, a prominent grain-dealer of Whiteland, was 
born in Owensboro, Daviess Count}', Ky., August 8, 1850, and 
was the son of Francis and Maria S. (Bliss) Dickson, the former 
of whom was born in Belfast, Ireland, and grew to early manhood 
in his native country, but immigrated to America about the age of 
twenty-four. Reaching this country he spent some time in Phila- 
delphia. He afterward came west and was married in the State 
of Illinois, to Ellen Clark, who died about 1S40. About 1842 he 
married Maria S. Bliss, the mother of our subject. She was born 
in Rehobeth, Mass., April 17, 1819, and was the daughter of 
Leonard and Lydia (Talbot) Bliss, natives of Massachusetts. 
Leonard Bliss was the son of James Bliss, a Revolutionary 
soldier. The father and mother of our subject were married in 
Louisville, Ky. The father died at Owensboro, Ky., December 
26, 1S51. His widow was married to Niles Hardy, in Salem, 
Washington County, this state in about 1855. He was a physician 
by profession, and later a jeweler. He died in about 1857, since 
which time the mother of our subject has been a widow. The first 
marriage of Francis Dickson, St., resulted in the birth of three 
children : Edwin, William and Joseph, of whom only Edwin is 
living. Joseph died while in the service of the Union Army. His 
second marriage also resulted in the birth of three children: 
Charles H, Ellen M., and Francis, all of whom are living, and the 
last of whom is the subject of this sketch. By her second husband, 
Niles Hardy, his mother had one child: Edward M., who now re- 
sides at Edinburg. When our subject was three years old, his 
widowed mother removed to Salem, Ind., where he remained until 
the age of fifteen years. He had a common school education. He then 
went to New Albany, Ind., where he spent five years working at 
the miller's trade. In 1869, he came to this county, and spent 
about ten months in a mill at Franklin. He then purchased an 
interest in a flouring mill at Whiteland, in which place he has re- 
sided ever since. He became the sole owner of the milling prop- 
erty in 1875, and in connection with the operation of this property, 
he bought and shipped grain, until about 1884, when he converted 
his mill into an elevator, and has since given his whole attention to 
the grain business and raising of live-stock. Mr. Dickson was 
married October 1, 1872, to Etha Jane Brewer. She was born on 
the old Brewer homestead, in Pleasant Township, October 6, 1853, 
and was the daughter of John D. and Fannie (Webb) Brewer, 
SO 



788 JOHXSOX COUNTY. 

whose history appears elsewhere in this work. Mr. and Mrs. 
Dickson are the parents of three children: John B., born August 
22, 1875; Una, February 2, 1880, and Mino, December 5, 1881, 
all of whom are now living. Our subject and wife are members of 
the Presbyterian Church. 

Dr. Kennerly P. Dobyns, a successful physician of White- 
land, was born in White River Township, December II, 1848, and 
was the son of John B. and Elizabeth (Gaston) Dobyns, the former 
of whom was born in Montgomery County, Va., of English and 
German descent, and the latter was born in Clermont County, 
Ohio, of English descent. His father was the son of Dangerfield 
Dobvns, a native of Virginia. The subject of this sketch was reared 
on a farm in his native township, and in addition to a common 
school education he received a knowledge of several of the higher 
branches of learning in an academy at Southport, Marion County. 
In the fall of 1S71, he took up the vocation of a teacher, and was 
thus engaged for six winters; with the exception of one term in this 
countv, his labors as a teacher were all performed in Marion 
County, this state. In the meantime, in the fall of 1870, he entered 
Bryant & Stratton's Business College, at Indianapolis, in which he 
graduated in 1871. In 1874 he took up the study of medicine, and 
in the fall of 1877 he entered the College of Physicians and Sur- 
geons of Indiana, and attended one term. During the vacation 
which followed, he read medicine in the office of Doctors R. N. 
and L. L. Todd, of Indianapolis. During the winter of 1878-9 he 
took his second course of lectures in the Medical College of Indiana, 
department of Butler University, graduating February 28, 1S79. 
Shortly after this he went to Kansas, and, in June, 1S79, he located 
at Arkansas City for the practice of medicine. There he soon be- 
came initiated into an extensive and lucrative practice. In the 
month of June, 1SS0, he removed to the town of Hunnewell, Kan., 
where for a few months he practiced his profession and conducted 
a drug store. During his entire residence in the State of Kansas, 
he was the partner of Dr. James T. Shepard, of Arkansas. In 
January, 1882, he located at Whiteland, only five miles from his 
birth-place, where lie has since been in the enjoyment of a lucrative 
practice. Dr. Dobyns is a member of the Indiana State Medical 
Society, the I. O. 6. F. lodge, and of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. In politics, he is a republican. Though young in his 
profession, he is very successful, and already has a creditable rank 
among the leading practitioners of the county. 

Joseph Dorrell, a well-to-do and influential citizen of White - 
land, was born in White River Township, this countv, December 
12, 1836, and was the son of Jacob and Mary (Alexander) Dor- 






PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 7S9 

rell, who were married in Dearborn Count}', this state, and came to 
Johnson County about 1832, and settled in White River Township, 
where both spent the rest of their lives. Our subject was reared 
on a farm in his native township. His early education, considering 
the very limited advantages, was thorough and complete. He was 
married in White River Township, January 14, 185S, to Louisa 
Dot} - ; she is also a native of White River Township, born Febru- 
ary r, 1S37, and daughter of Samuel and Mary (Mitchell) Doty, 
who were respectively natives of Virginia and Tennessee. In the 
spring after his marriage Mr. Dorrell located on a farm in Pleasant 
Township, upon which he pursued the vocation of a farmer until 
1S65. On the 17th day of February of that year, he entered the 
service of the Union Army, in Company E, One Hundred and 
Fortv-eighlh Indiana Volunteers, with which he served until the 
close of the war. He received an honorable discharge at Nash- 
ville, Term., September 5, 1865. He then returned to this county, 
and in the fall of 1865, he removed with his family to Howard 
County, this state. In the fall of 1S67 he returned to Johnson 
County and located on the farm he had previously occupied, in 
Pleasant Township. He has resided in that township ever since, 
with the exception of about a year and a half, which was spent on 
the old homestead in White River Township. In about 18S2, 
he removed to the town of Whiteland, where he has resided 
ever since. He was one of the foremost men who perfected the 
organization of the Whiteland Fruit Packing Company, of which he is 
a director and one of the heaviest stockholders. The marriage of 
Mr. Dorrell has resulted in the birth of live children: Mary L., 
born January 15, 1859; Julia M., July 16, 1S61; Samuel A., June 
15. 1866; Tillie A., November 29, 1872, and Eflie May, December 13, 
1881, deceased. Mr. and Mrs. Dorrell are members of the Methodist 
Church. In politics, Mr. Dorrell is independent. He is the owner 
of two farms, one of eighty-seven and one-half acres, in Pleasant 
Township, and one of forty acres, in White River Township. He 
is an influential and prosperous citizen, and he and wife are highly 
respected. 

Garrard D. Eccles, a citizen of Pleasant Township, is a 
native of Mercer County, Ky., born March 3, 1820, and was the 
son of Samuel and Jane (Darland) Eccles, who were respectively 
natives of West Virginia and Pennsylvania. His father was born 
March 15, 17S8, andwas the son of Joseph and Jane (Carr) Eccles, 
both of whom were natives of Ireland. His mother was born 
January 22, 17S5, and was the daughter of Garrard Darland, who 
was a native of Scotland. His parents were married in Mercer 
Count}-, Ky., about 181 5. They emigrated from Mercer Count}-, 



79O JOHXSOX COUNTY. 

Ky., to Johnson County, Ind., in 1835, an d located on the 
farm our subject now occupies, in Pleasant Township, which 
has been his home ever since, and where his parents both 
spent the rest of their lives. His mother died Novem- 
ber 5, 1853, and his father died August 30, 1859. At 
the age of twenty he took up the carpenter's trade.' This was 
finished in due time, and furnished his chief employment for a 
number of years. He also occasionally worked some upon the 
farm. In 1843, he and his brother, Joseph, went to the State of 
Iowa. They started on the 14th day of February, and reached 
Washington County, Iowa, some time in March. During the 
three seasons following this, our subject was employed breaking 
prairie land in Washington and Johnson counties, that state. In 
1846, he returned to this county, but in 1854, he wentto Washington, 
Tazwell Co., Ills., where, for three years, he worked at the carpenter's 
trade and clerked in a store. He then returned to the old Eccles 
homestead, where he has resided ever since. Since 1858, his un- 
divided attention has been given to farming. He has owned the 
old homestead himself since 1859. He was married December 9, 
1857, to Mary G. Lemasters. She was born in Pleasant Town- 
ship, this county, November 14, 1833, and was the daughter of 
David and Elizabeth (Alexander) Lemasters. Her father was 
born in Virginia, November 14, 1805, and was the son of Richard 
and Gemima Lemasters. Her mother was the daughter of John 
and Elizabeth (Crary) Alexander, the former of whom was a na- 
tive of Kentuckv. Her parents were married in Pleasant Town- 
ship, in 1828. Her mother died in Pleasant Township in April, 
1843. Her father died in White River Township, in August, 1870. 
Mr. and Mrs. Eccles are the parents of three children, as follows: 
Samuel B., born November 15, 1858; Albert C, October 20, 1861, 
and John C, January 25, 1S64, all of whom are living. Mr. and 
Mrs. Eccles, and all of their children, are members of the Presby- 
terian Church. In politics, Mr. Eccles is a staunch democrat; he 
has served his township in the capacity of assessor two terms. Mr. 
Eccles owns a farm of 144^2 acres of land, about 100 of which 
are in cultivation. 

W. Elmore Fitzpatrick, a prosperous business man of 
Whiteland, is a native of Clark Township, this county, born De- 
cember 27, 1854, and is the son of Salem D. and Mary E. (Shaf- 
fer) Fitzpatrick; the former of whom was born in Shelby ville, 
Shelbv Co., Ky., and the latter was born in Franklin Township, 
this county. His boyhood was spent on a farm, and he received 
in the district schools a knowledge of the ordinarv branches of 
learning. At fifteen years of age he became engaged in the pro- 



PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 



7 9 I 



duce business, having entered the employ of his cousin, R. S. Fitz- 
patrick. For him he traveled on a salary for a period of nearly 
ten years, through the States of Indiana and Illinois. The nature 
of his work was to purchase large quantities of produce for the 
New York City market. The trips he made to this city were 
very frequent, making sometimes as man}- as forty in one year. 
He became the partner of R. S. Fitzpatrick in 1881, and continued 
in that business with headquarters at Indianapolis until the 3 ear 
1884. In September of that 3-ear he opened up a general store at 
Whiteland, this count}', which he has conducted ever since. His 
store is well stocked, and he is in the enjoyment of a liberal trade. 
Mr. Fitzpatrick was married November 25, 1879, to Mary A. Car- 
son. She was born in Pleasant Township, this county, December 
23, 1S5S, and was the daughter of Daniel C. and Mary J. 
(Graham) Carson. She died January 24, 1SS1, and on the 31st of 
May, 1S83, Mr. Fitzpatrick was married at Indianapolis, to Mrs. 
Laura L. Smith. She was born in Sugar Creek Township, Shelby 
County, this state, July 7, 1855, and was the daughter of Henry 
and Margaret E. (McPherson) Gird. She was married to 
William O. Smith, October 16, 1S73. The first marriage of 
Mr. Fitzpatrick resulted in the birth of one child, a son, who died 
unnamed. The first marriage of Mrs. Fitzpatrick resulted in the 
birth of one child, Bertrand Lee Smith, born December 19, 1874. 
Mr. and Mrs. Fitzpatrick, and son, Bertrand, are members of the 
Baptist Church. In politics, our subject is an uncompromising re- 
publican. He is a successful business man, and he and wife are 
very highly respected. 

David N. Foster, a farmer and stock-dealer of Pleasant 
Township, was born in Clark Township, this county, November 
21, 1843, and was the son of Henry and Permelia A. (Barngrover) 
Foster, both of whom were natives of Ohio. His father was the 
son of Christian Foster, and his mother was the daughter of Six 
Barngrover, who was born in Germany, but who was sent to Amer- 
ica when he was but six years old. That was during the Rev- 
olutionary War. He fell in with the British soldiers, who named 
him Six. Our subject was reared on a farm in his native township. 
He was married in Greenwood, this county, April 18, 1867, to Fan- 
nie McGuire. She was born in the city of Indianapolis, February 
26, 1844, and was the daughter of Edward and Elizabeth (Stagg) 
McGuire; the former was born in Versailes, Woodford County, Ky.; 
the latter was born in Harrodsburg, Harrison Co., Ky. For a short 
time after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Foster resided" in Clark Town- 
ship. The} - then removed to the farm they now occupy. Thev have 
now resided there continuously for twenty years. He buys and sells 



79 2 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

a large amount of live-stock, and makes a specialty of dealing 
in fine horses. There is scarcely anything in any branch of 
merchandise, but what he deals in. He and wife have had 
eight children, as follows: Millie Grace, born September 16, 
1868; Lizzie Gertrude, August 7, 1871; Dora Lellie, March 28, 
1873, deceased; John Morrison, October 11, 1875: Julia Alice, De- 
cember 17, 1S77; Jessie Hannah, January 23, 1880; Dollie May, 
April 19, 1882; Guy Chester, June 11, 1885. The wife of Mr. 
Foster is a member of the Presbyterian Church. In politics, Mr. 
Foster is a republican. He owns about 100 acres of land, which is 
well improved. 

Samuel Gregg, one of the well-to-do farmers of Pleasant 
Township, was born in Scott County, Ky., January 11, 1S30, the 
son of George W. and Mary (McMurtry) Gregg, both of whom 
were also natives of Kentucky. When he was but nine months 
old his parents came to Indiana and located in Rush County, where 
his boyhood and youth were spent on a farm. In winter he at- 
tended the district school, receiving a good knowledge of the ordi- 
nary branches of learning. He was married January 13, 1853, to 
Harriet Myers, daughter of Henry and Hannah (Salisbury) 
Myers. She was born February 26, 1S34, m R- usn County, this 
state, and was reared and married there. Her father and mother 
were respectively natives of Pennsylvania and Kentucky. For a 
period of five years after their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Gregg re- 
sided in Rush County. In January, 185S, they removed to John- 
son Count}-, and they have ever since occupied their present home. 
The entire attention of Mr. Gregg is given to agriculture and the 
raising of live-stock. He owns a fine farm of 112 acres, about 
eighty-five of which are well-improved and in a high state of 
cultivation. Mr. and Mrs. Gregg have had five children, as fol- 
lows: Harley E., born December 9, 1853, deceased; Manson D., 
June 27, 1857; Orlando L., September 21, 1859; Frances O., 
August 30, 1864, deceased; George J., December 8, 1S66, deceased. 
Mr. and Mrs. Gregg are members of the Christian Church. Their 
two sons are also members of the same church. In politics, Mr. 
Gregg is an ardent republican. He is a prosperous farmer, an in- 
telligent man, and he and Mrs. Gregg are among their township's 
respected citizens. 

James M. Howard, a citizen of Pleasant Township, was born 
in Switzerland County, Ind., August 19, 1840, and was the son of 
John W. and Aletha (March) Howard, both of whom were natives 
of the State of Kentucky. He grew to manhood in his native 
county on the old homestead, and was married in that county, Jan- 
uary 24, 1866, to Lydia Rayl; she is also a native of Switzerland 









PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 793 

County, born December 29, 1S45, and was the daughter of Eli 
and Elizabeth (Lineback) Ravi, both of whom were natives of 
Switzerland Countv. Mr. and Mrs. Howard began their married 
life in Switzerland County, but in August, 1867, they came to this 
countv, and located on the farm they now occupy. The entire at- 
tention of Mr. Howard has been given to farming. His farm 
contains 140 acres, about ninety of which are in cultivation. It 
contains a handsome residence, and is substantially improved. Mr. 
and Mrs. Howard have had six children: Authur, born November 
16, 1866, deceased; Amrai U., January 26,1868; Clara B., No- 
vember 2, 1S69; Clarence E., September 3, 1874, deceased; 
Stella V., January 13, 1S79, and Grace, December 12, 18S0. Out- 
subject and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. 
Howard is a member of the Masonic fraternity, having reached the 
Roval Arch degree. In politics, he is a republican. He is one of 
the prosperous farmers of his township, and he and wife are among 
its best citizens. 

Captain Gideon Johnson, a retired farmer, and prominent citi- 
zen of Whiteland, was born in Clark County, this state, November 
14, 1829, and was the son of Daniel and Elizabeth (Mosley) Johnson, 
the former of whom was born in Maryland, in November, 1763, 
and was the son of Jonathan Johnson. By occupation his father 
was a farmer. He served in the Revolutionar}' War three years. 
His death occurred in Scott County, lnd., May 31, 1S47. The 
mother of our subject was born in Scott County, Ky., July 25, 
1798, and died in Scott County, lnd., in October, 1S60. Our sub- 
ject's early life was spent on a farm. He received a good common 
school education, and at the age of twenty-one he took up the voca- 
tion of a farmer in Scott Count}', and continued to follow that pur- 
suit in that county until July, 1S62, when he became a Union 
soldier in Company K, Sixty-sixth Indiana Regiment, with which 
he served till the close of the war. He enlisted as a private, but 
was soon promoted to second lieutenant, and served in this capac- 
ity one year. He was then given the rank of first lieutenant and 
quartermaster, and eight months later, or in November, 1863, he 
was made captain of his company, and served as such to the end 
of the war. He was in the battle of Richmond, Ky., the siege of 
Atlanta, and several other smaller engagements. He commanded 
his company July 22 and 28, 1864, in the battle of Atlanta, the 
march to the sea, and the many engagements attending and fol- 
lowing this march. He received an honorable discharge at Indian- 
apolis, June 15, 1865. He then resumed farming in Scott County, 
and remained there until 1876, during which time he served as 
county commissioner two terms. In 1876 he came to Johnson 



794 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

County and located in Whiteland. Two and one half years later 
he removed to his farm one mile and a half north of that place. In 
November, 1887, he retired from the farm, and again became a 
resident of Whiteland, where he now resides. Mr. Johnson was 
married December 7, 184S, to Martha B. Wilson. She was born 
in Scott County, Ind., December 22, 1827, and was the daughter 
of Hugh A. and Margaret E. (Dickey) Wilson. She was thrown 
from a wagon in a runawav, July 19, 187S, and was instantly killed. 
He was married March 3, 1S79, to Mary M. Duke. She was born 
in Morgan County, Ind., and was the daughter of George and 
Mary ^Brunnemer) Duke. Mrs. Mary Johnson died April 
6, 1879, on h r tNV0 weeks after her marriage. On the 27th 
day of November, 1S79, Mr. Johnson was married to Eliza 
E. Duke, who was a cousin of his second wife, and who 
was born in Morgan County, Ind., Januar}- 15, 1844, and was the 
daughter of William and Nancy (Glassburn) Duke, who were na- 
tives of Virginia. Mr. Johnson is the father of eleven children, as 
follows: Albinus A., born February 8, 1852; Mary S., August 20, 
1853; Sarah L., December 25, 1855; Martha F., May 22, 1858; 
James A., January 11, i860; David B., November 12, 1S61; 
Gideon E., May 11, 1866; Hugh E., October 12, 1867; Willie R., 
December 5, 1SS0; Daisy M., November 16, 1S82, and Ora O., 
October 4, 18S4; all of whom are living. The first eight are the 
children of his first wife, and the last three are the children of his 
present wife. Captain Johnson is a member of the Methodist 
Church, and the Masonic lodge, and the Grand Army. In 
politics, he is a republican. He has served as justice of the peace in 
Pleasant Township, one term. In 1S86 he was the candidate of 
his part}- for the state legislature, but failed to overcome an op- 
posing majority. Three of the sons of Mr. Johnson, Albinus A., 
James A. and David B., are graduates of colleges, the first and last 
of Depauw University, and James A. of the Northwestern Uni- 
versity, of Evanston, 111. Albinus A. Johnson is now president of 
the Texas Wesleyan College, of Fort Worth, Tex. These three 
sons are all ordained ministers in the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
Grafton Johnson, late of Qreenwood, this county, was born 
in Mercer County, K\\, December 14, 1819, and was the son of 
James and Mary (Taylor) Johnson, who were respectively natives 
of North Carolina and Virginia. While he was yet a small boy, 
his parents came to this state and located in Brookville, Franklin 
County, and later on, in his youth, he accompanied them to Miami 
County, this state, the family locating on a farm near Peru. In 
addition to a common school education, he received two years' in- 
struction in Franklin College. In his early manhood, he located 



PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 795 

at Greenwood, this county, where, soon afterward, he engaged in 
mercantile pursuits; for thirty-six years he was extensively engaged 
in the retail of general merchandise. He accumulated consider- 
able property, and, at the time of his death, he was one of the 
county's wealthiest men. His marriage occurred near Greenwood, 
February 21, 1859. The lady that became his wife was Miss Julia 
A. Noble, daughter of George and Louisa (Can by) Noble, who came 
to this state from Boone County, Ky., in about 1S31. This mar- 
riage resulted in the birth of eight children, as follows: Mary L., 
born August 22, 1S60; George T., August 3, 1861, deceased; 
Charlotte I., June 6, 1863; Grafton, September 14, 1864; Julia N., 
June 27, 1S67; Grace, August 10, 1S69; Martha E., October 10, 
1870, deceased, and J. Albert, November 6, 1871. The eldest 
child, Mary L., is a graduate of Depauw University, and is now the 
wife of H. B. Longden, professor of Latin in that institution; 
Charlotte I. is the wife of Thomas B. Felder, an attorney at law, 
of Dublin, Ga.; Grafton is a graduate of Franklin College; Julia 
N. is a graduate of Wellesley College, and Grace has pursued her 
studies in both Wellesley College and Depauw University. Mr. 
Johnson was a member of the Baptist Church, and politically, he 
was a republican. He was one of the directors of Franklin College, 
and was a member of the Indianapolis board of trade. He died 
October 2, 1883. His surviving widow, who is an estimable lady, 
continues to occupy the family residence in Greenwood. She is a 
devoted member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

David Justus, an old and honored citizen of Greenwood, 
was born in Guilford County, N. C, January 24, 1810, the son of 
Garrison L. and Tasitis (Purdue) Justice, both of whom were na- 
tives of Granville County, N. C. His mother died when he was 
nine years old, and some three or four years later his father came 
westward to Jennings County, hid. Our subject remained in Guil- 
ford County, and was employed as a farm hand. In 1S30 he joined 
his father in Jennings County, this state. November 13, 1830, he 
married Minerva, daughter of Edward Wilson. For a period of 
nearly twenty years after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Justus re- 
sided in Jennings County, and during the first fifteen years of this 
time he was engaged at farming. In about 1846, he became em- 
ployed as section hand on the Madison & Indianapolis R. R. 
In the fall of 1850, he removed his family to Pleasant Township, 
this county, with the intention of resuming agricultural pursuits. 
He had hardly settled in this county, when he was waited upon 
by the superintendent of the Madison & Indianapolis Railroad, who 
urged him to take charge of the road between Greenwood and 
Franklin as section foreman. He accepted this position, and during 



796 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

the ten years which followed he gave his whole attention to rail- 
roading. His labors finally extended to various parts of the road, 
and he frequently had in his charge as many as fifty men. Some 
idea of the appreciation of his services may be had from the fact 
that his wages were increased from 75 cents per day without board, 
to $3.25 per day with board. In 1859 he retired from the road 
and resumed the management of his farm near Greenwood, and 
has given his attention to its management ever since. It contains 
153 acres, of which 130 acres are in cultivation. It is splendidly 
improved, and is situated on the pike just one mile and a half east of 
Greenwood. Mr. and Mrs. Justus passed their golden wedding 
anniversary November 13, 1880, and they were permitted to re- 
main together until December 24, 1S83, when the hand of death 
removed Mrs. Justus from earth. Since her death Mr. Justus has 
made his home with his daughter. Mrs. Peas, of Indianapolis, and 
with his sons, Sylvester and Marquis L. Justus, of Greenwood. 
He and wife had a family of twelve children: William L., Rebecca, 
Sarah A., Alanson L., Sylvester, Elizabeth, Catharine, Daniel, 
Melissa J., Marquis L., David and Edward W., of whom Elizabeth, 
Daniel and Melissa J., are deceased. In politics, Mr. Justus is a 
republican. His first presidential vote was cast for Jackson. He 
is now in the seventy-ninth year of his age. 

Marquis L. Justus, of Greenwood, was born in Pleasant 
Township, this county, November 27, 1851, and is the son of 
David G. Justus, a history of whom appears elsewhere in this 
work. He was reared on his father's farm, and received a com- 
mon school education. In the fall of 1871, he became employed 
in a wheel factory in Indianapolis, and was thus engaged three 
months. He then returned home, and on the 14th of November, 
1872, he was married to Miss Fannie Shryock. She was born 
February 22, 1856, in Kentucky, the daughter of Hillery and 
Mary (Lewis) Shryock, who were natives of Kentucky. For two 
years after his marriage, Mr. Justus was engaged at farming. For 
a period of five years following he was employed on the J., M. & I. 
Railroad. On the 10th of January, 1888, he entered the employ of 
his brother, Sylvester Justus, and now acts as salesman in his gen- 
eral store at Greenwood. He and wife have had a family of seven 
children, as follows: Katie, Hallie, Mamie, deceased, Ethel, 
Charles E., Chester D., and a daughter, who died in infancy, un- 
named. Our subject and wife are members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. The former is a member of the I. O. O. F 
lodge, and is a republican in politics. 

Sylvester Justus, of the firm of S. Justus & Co., of Green- 
wood, was born in Jennings County, this state, April 5, 1S40, and 



PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 797 

was the son of David and Minerva (Wilson) Justus, both of whom 
were natives of Guilford Count}', N. C. When he was ten years 
old his parents came to this county and located in Pleasant Town- 
ship, where the youth of our subject was spent on a farm. In 
August, 1S61, he entered the service of the Union Army in Com- 
pany G, Third Cavalry, Forty-fifth Indiana Regiment, with which 
he served until the 3rd of August, 1864, when his term of enlist- 
ment expired. He was captured at La Verne, Term., in 1862, but 
was immediately paroled. In the latter part of June, 1864, he was 
captured, but was fortunate enough to make his escape during the 
following night. He participated in the battles of Shiloh, Stone 
River, Resaca, Nashville, the siege of Atlanta, and many other en- 
gagements of less importance. From this service he returned to 
this county and engaged in the harness business in Greenwood. 
August 3, 1869, he was married to Adelia A. Brewer, who was born 
in Pleasant Township, this county, March 25, 1851, and was the 
daughter of David G. and Mary (Commangore) Brewer, who 
were natives of Kentucky. Mr. and Mr. Justus entered upon their 
married life on a farm in Pleasant Township, where the former 
was engaged in agricultural pursuits for a period of six years. He 
then operated a tile factory at Greenwood two years. March, 
1882, he launched in mercantile pursuits, in Greenwood, but sold 
his stock at about the end of one month, and soon afterward he 
became the proprietor of a lively and feed barn in that place, to 
which his attention was given until September 1, 18S7. In January, 
1888, he, in connection with his father and brother, Marquis L. 
Justus, opened a general store in Greenwood, which now has a 
creditable rank among the leading enterprises in that place. The 
firm name is Justus & Co. The marriage of Mr. Justus has re- 
sulted in the birth of seven children : Leola, Bertie, Bessie, Oma, 
Edith, Tasitis and Mary, of whom Leola, Bertie and Oma are de- 
ceased. Mr. and Mrs. Justus are members of the Baptist Church. 
The former is a member of the I. O. O. F. and G. A. R. lodges. 
James II. Kelly, one of Pleasant Township's progressive far- 
mers, was born in Franklin Tow'nship, September 12, 1838, and 
was the son of Madison and Eliza (Patterson) Kelly; the former 
of whom was born in Washington County, Ya., in 1809, and was 
the son of Anthony and Betsey ( Henderson) Kelly, who were re- 
spectively natives of Virginia and Pennsylvania. Madison Kelly 
accompanied his parents to Clark County, "this state, where, in about 
the year 1S31, he was married to Eliza Patterson. He removed 
with his family to Johnson Count)- about 1837, and spent the rest 
of his life in Franklin Township. His first wife died in Septem- 
ber, 1850. He was afterward married to Mrs. Bathsheba Tay- 



7<?S JOHNSON COUNTY. 

lor. He died in March, 1857. He was a farmer by occupa- 
tion, and he was also a consistent member of the Presbyterian 
Church. Politically, he was a republican. The mother of our 
subject was born in Fayette Count}-, Ky., and was the daughter of 
Robert Patterson. She was also a member of the Presbyterian 
Church. The early life of our subject was spent in his native 
township. He worked on a farm in summer, and attended the dis- 
trict school in winter. His earl)- education was such as to fit him 
for the practical affairs of life. At the age of twenty-three, or in 
August, 1862, he became a Union soldier in Company I, Seventieth 
Indiana Volunteer Infantry, with which he served until the close of 
the war. He entered a the service as a private, but was afterward 
promoted to the ranks of corporal, sergeant and orderly sergeant. 
He participated in the battles of Resaca, Kenesaw Mountain, 
Peach Tree Creek, the siege of Atlanta, the march to the sea, the 
siege of Savannah, and the battle of Bentonville, N. C. Besides 
these he participated in a number of smaller engagements, in all of 
which he discharged his duties in a manner becoming a loyal sol- 
dier. He was honorably discharged June 8, 1S65. He then re- 
sumed farming in Franklin Township. On the 27th day of March, 
1877, he removed to Pleasant Township, and he has ever since 
occupied his present home. The whole attention of Mr. Kelly is 
given to farming. He owns a fine farm of 155 acres, which is well 
improved, and about 125 acres of which are under cultivation. He 
was married November 23, 1865, to Mary A. Henderson. She was 
born in Franklin Township, this county, April 3, 1S42, and was the 
daughter of John P. and Zerilda (Banta) Henderson, who were re- 
spectivelv natives of Favette County, Ky., and Johnson County, 
Ind. Mrs. Mary A. Kelly died October 28, 1884. On the 4th day 
of May, 1S87, Mr. Kelly was married to Miss Nancy C. Beatty. 
She was born in Bourbon County, Ky., August 5, 1847, and was 
the daughter of John and Sarah (Patterson) Beatty, both of whom 
were natives of Kentucky, the former of Bourbon County, and the 
latter of Fayette County. Her father was born September 30, 
1804, and was the son of John and Jane (Sanderson) Beatty, the 
former of whom was born in England, and the latter in Maryland. 
The mother of Mrs. Kelly was born August 1, 1805. Her parents 
were married in April, 182S. Her father died on the 27th day of 
February, 1S63, and her mother departed this life on the 23rd 
of July, 1S82. By his first wife, Mr. Kelly became the father of 
seven children: Alice, born September 16, 1866; Luella, August 
25, 1869; Walter S., February 3, 1S72; Nellie, July 17, 1874, 
deceased: Sarah Grace, December 14, 1875; the next was a daugh- 
ter, born November 28, 1877, died unnamed, December 1, 1S77; 



PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 799 

and Laura M., born November 24, 1879. Mr. anc ^ Mrs. Kelly are 
members of the Presbyterian Church. Four of the children are 
members of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Kelly is a member of 
the G. A. R. 

William Law, a prominent citizen of Pleasant Township, was 
born in Oldham County, Ky., January 11, 1820, and was the son 
of John and Mary (Tracy) Law, both of whom were also natives 
of Oldham Count}', Ky. He grew to manhood in his native 
county, and received a common school education. At twenty-one 
years of age, he came to Johnson County, a single man, and for 
nearly one year he was employed on a farm in Pleasant Township. 
He then engaged in agricultural pursuits for himself in that 
township, and his home has chiefly been there ever since. 
The chief occupation of his life has been farming and stock- 
raising. He has also given considerable attention to the buy- 
ing and selling of hogs in the city of Cincinnati, Ohio. He 
owns one of the largest and best farms in Johnson County. It 
contains 744 acres, over half of which are in cultivation. Mr. Law 
was married April 3, 1842, to Malinda Whittaker; she was also a 
native of Oldham County, Ky., born April 14, 1824, and was the 
daughter of Nimrod and Sarah (Brackett) Whittaker, both of 
whom were born in Shelby County, Ky. Their marriage resulted 
in the birth of one child, Benjamin F. Law, who is now a resident 
of Pleasant Township. The wife of Mr. Law died March 20, 
18S3. Mr. Law is a member of the Christian Church, and is a 
democrat in politics. He is an honorable, upright man, and a good 
citizen. When Mr. Law came to this county he had a horse, sad- 
dle and bridle, and about $40 in money. Through industry and 
good management he has become one of the wealthiest men in the 
county. 

James Blair Luvster, a farmer of Pleasant Township, was 
born on a farm three and one-half miles west of Franklin, August 
22, 1855. He is the son of Hon. Henry H. and Mary I. (Carna- 
han ) Luvster, whose history appears elsewhere in this book. He 
was reared on the old homestead. In summer he worked on the 
farm, and in winter attended the Hopewell i\cademy. He contin- 
ued to pursue his studies in that institution until he reached the age 
of eighteen, and in addition to a common school education, he ob- 
tained a knowledge of algebra, rhetoric, philosophy and book- 
keeping. January 1, 1878, he was married to Hattie D. McCaslin. 
She was born on a farm one mile and a half from Franklin, 
May 20, 1S55, and was the daughter of Allen and Margaret 
(Ditmars) McCaslin, who still reside in Franklin Township. Ever 
since his marriage Mr. Luyster has pursued the vocation of a 



SOO JOHNSON COUNTY. 

farmer. December 24, 1885, he removed with his family from 
Franklin Township to his present home in Pleasant Township. lie 
and wife are the parents of four children: Jessie, born April 14, 
1879; Homer, August 12, 1SS1; Gilbert, May 6, 1S84, and Hattie, 
January 20, 1S87, all of whom are now living. Mr. Luyster and 
wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. The former is a 
member of the K. of P. lodge of Franklin, and in politics, he is "an 
ardent republican. He was elected township trustee in 1887. lie 
is a thoroughly reliable man in whom the public has full confidence. 
He and wife are highly respected. 

William II. McClain, a prosperous and well-to-do farmer 
of Pleasant Township, was born in Marion County, this state, 
December 17, 1S39, and was the son of Nathaniel and Lo- 
vina (Billingsly) McClain, who were respectively natives of Ken- 
tucky and North Carolina. He was the son of a farmer, and 
during his boyhood and youth he helped to clear the land and culti- 
vate the crops in summer, and occasionally attended the district 
school in winter. He was placed in the family of his grandfather 
when four years old, and remained with him until he reached the 
age of twenty-one. At this age he came to Johnson County, and 
engaged in agricultural pursuits in Clark Township. He was mar- 
ried in that township, September 22, 1864, to Mary Margaret 
Cope, daughter of John and Eliza (Mock) Cope. She was born in 
Virginia, in July, 1848. Mr. McClain entered upon his married life 
as an agriculturist, on a farm in Clark Township, and in De- 
cember, 1870, he removed to his present home in Section 26, 
Pleasant Township. He owns a good farm of no acres, about 
ninety of which are in cultivation. When Mr. McClain began life 
for himself, his only capital was willing hands. With these he went 
to work, and his comfortable home and good farm are the results 
of the industrious life he has led. His first wife died January 17, 
1872, and on the 22nd day of September, 1872, he was married to 
Lucinda Hendrickson. She was born in Clark Township, this 
county, June 27, 1850, being the daughter of Josiah and Sarah 
Margaret (Parr) Hendrickson, the former a native of Kentucky, 
and the latter a native of this county. To the first marriage of Mr. 
McClain three children were born: George B., born July 8, 1S65; 
Eliza J., February n, 1868, deceased, and Lucinda A., February 
3, 1869, deceased. He and his present wife have had six children: 
the first was a daughter, born September 12, 1S74, died unnamed; 
Cora A., October 2, 1875, deceased: William L., January 29, 1877: 
Josiah, September 13, 18S0: Edgar, January 29, 18S4, and Lester, 
November 24, 1886. Mr. and Mrs. McClain, are members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, Mr. McClain is a 
democrat. 



PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. Soi 

George W. McClellan, a successful farmer of Pleasant 
Township, was born on a farm one mile east of Greenwood, Feb- 
ruary 12, 1S35. He was the son of William and Rachel (Peggs) 
McClellan, the former of whom was born in Virginia, September 
17, 1790, and was the son of Joseph and Sarah (McCaslin) Mc- 
Clellan. The mother of our subject was born in Trimble Countv, 
Kv., June 9, 1793, and was the daughter of Joseph and Nancy 
Peggs. His parents were married in Trimble County, Ky., Janu- 
ary 4, 1S16, and emigrated to Johnson County in 1834. Thev lo- 
cated in Pleasant Township, where both spent the rest of their 
lives. His mother died December 21, 1873, and his father died 
February 20, 1881. The subject of this sketch spent his youth in 
his native township. He worked on a farm in summer, and 
attended school in winter. His education was practical, and 
was such as to fit him for the practical affairs of life. He was mar- 
ried May 5, 1863, to Sarah J. Huff, who died about six months 
later. On the 27th day of January, 1866, Mr. McClellan was mar- 
ried to Sarah J. Whitenack, daughter of Peter and Alvira J. 
(Harris) Whitenack, whose history may be found elsewhere. Mr. 
McClellan has spent his entire past life in Pleasant Township, and 
his home has been on the farm he now occupies. His entire atten- 
tion is given to farming. He owns sixty acres of good land, about 
fifty of which are in cultivation. His last marriage has resulted in 
the birth of two children: Clarence, born January 11, 1868, and 
Dula Blanche, May 11, 1SS3, both of whom are living. The wife 
of Mr. McClellan is a member of the Presbyterian Church. He is 
a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the Masonic lodge, 
and in politics, he is a staunch democrat. He is an intelligent man, 
and an industrious farmer. Mrs. McClellan was born in Pleasant 
Township, July 2, 1839. 

Dr. Abraham Miller, a prominent physician of Whiteland, 
was born in Fleming Countv, Kv., April 17, 1834, and is the son 
of John and Eleanor (Beckett) Miller, who were respectively na- 
tives of Pennsylvania and Virginia, the former of German, and the lat- 
ter of English, descent. When he was but six months old, his 
parents came to the State of Indiana, and located in Putnam Countv, 
where his youth was spent on a farm. He received in the common 
schools a good knowledge of the ordinary branches of learning, and 
during the winter of 1855-6, he taught one term of public school 
in Putnam County. In the meantime, in 1855, he took up the 
stud}' of medicine, and in 1S5S, he entered upon his professional 
labors in Sullivan County, this state. In 1863, he located at Fill- 
more, Putnam County, where he remained for a period of two years. 
In 1864, he served in the capacity of special surgeon in the Union 



S02 JOHXSOX COUNTY. 

Army for some time. In 1865, he removed to Johson County, and 
with the exception of a few months spent at Noblesville, this state, 
in 1883, he has ever since been actively and successfully engaged 
in the practice of medicine at White-land. Dr. Miller graduated in 
Rush Medical College, Chicago, in 1S68. He has also since pur- 
sued his medical studies at Bellevue, and the College of Physicians 
and Surgeons, at New York. Our subject was married July 12, 
i860, to Mary A. Beckett. She was born in Lewis County, Ky., 
March 4, 1S27, and was the daughter of Reason and Harriet 
(Bell) Beckett, who emigrated to Kentucky from Virginia. She died 
January 16, 1SS0, and on the 17th of February, 1881, Dr. Miller was 
married to Miss Sarah Docia Brewer. She was born in Pleasant 
Township, near Whiteland; November 12, 1S4S, and was the 
daughter of John D. and Fannie (Webb) Brewer, both of whom 
were natives of Kentucky. The first marriage of Dr. Miller re- 
sulted in the birth of one child, a son, who died in infancy, unnamed. 
He and his present wife have had three children. The first was 
a son who died unnamed, and the others are: Mabel E., born July 
7, 18S4, and Mary B., October 12, 1886. Dr. Miller and wife are 
members of the "Presbyterian Church. In politics, he is a demo- 
crat. Dr. Miller is one of the successful physicians of the count}-, 
and he and wife are among its esteemed citizens. 

Charles H. Myers, a prominent citizen of Whiteland, was born 
in Clark County, Ind., May 29 1828, and was the son of John and 
Sophia M. ( Lampton ) Myers, the former of whom was born in 
Herkimer Countv, N. Y., and the latter was born in Clark County, 
this state. In January, 1S41, his parents removed to Jackson 
County, Ind., and there settled on a farm. In April, 1S43, they re- 
moved to Jefferson County, Iowa, but a month or two later they 
returned to this state, and after a few months spent in Marion 
County, they came to Johnson County, and spent one year in the 
northern part of Pleasant Township. They then returned to Mar- 
ion County, where our subject spent his early youth and early man- 
hood. In 1852, he took up the plasterer's trade, to which his at- 
tention was given for about four years. In 1856, he took a position 
in the retail establishment of Grafton Johnson, of Greenwood, 
and remained with him for nearly fourteen years. In 1868, he en- 
gaged in mercantile pnrsuits for himself at Whiteland, in partner- 
ship with Daultin Wilson. In 1873, he retired from merchandising, 
and has given his attention to farming and stock-raising ever since. 
He owns about 170 acres of good land. He was married October 
14, 1S56, to Theodocia Brewer, daughter of William and Catha- 
rine (Graham) Brewer. She died April 7, 185S. November 3, 
1859, Mr. Myers was married to Elizabeth A. Wilson, daughter of 



PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. S03 

William and Jane Wilson. Shu died April 29, 1SS0, and on 
the 22nd day of November, 1S82, Mr. Myers was married 
to Miss Livonia A. Waggener, his present wife. She was 
born in Franklin Township, this county, July 2, 1853. and 
was the daughter of James and Caroline (Hendricks) Wag- 
gener. The second marriage of Mr. Myers resulted in the 
birth of six children: Rosa B., born October 4, i860; Lillie 
M., January 1, 1862; Jennie, January 29, 1S64; John W., 
March 4, 1866, deceased; Charles R., September 7, 1S6S, and 
Mary M., November 10, 1S71, deceased. He and his present 
wife have had three children: Helen G., born September 13, 1883, 
deceased; William E., June 27, 1885, and Mark, June 28, 18S7. 
Mr. Myers is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and, in politics, 
he is a republican. Theodocia Brewer was born in Pleasant Town- 
ship, June 30, 1S38, and Elizabeth A. Wilson was born in Pleasant 
Township, November 30, 1839. 

John C. Noble, the fourth son of George T. and Louisa 
(Canby 1 Noble, was born in Boone County, Ky\, April 7, 1S30. In 
the spring of 1834, his parents came to Johnson County and located 
on a farm near Greenwood, where the mother died December 10, 
1853. Her surviving husband continued to make his home on the 
old homestead until his death, which occurred November 2, 1884. 
The subject of this sketch spent his early life helping to clear and 
cultivate the farm, until the spring of 1S75, when he removed to a 
farm east of Indianapolis. In the spring of 1881, he returned to 
the old Noble homestead in Pleasant Township, where he has re- 
sided ever since. 

Noah E. Xoble, a prominent merchant of Greenwood, was 
born in Boone Count}-, Kv., August 10, 1828, and was the son of 
George T. and Louisa (Canby) Noble, with whom he came to the 
State of Indiana when he was four years old. The family resided 
near the city of Indianapolis for two vears, then removed to this 
county and located in Pleasant Township, where the subject of this 
sketch grew to manhood on a farm. At twenty years of age he 
became employed as clerk in a general store in Greenwood, and 
was thus engaged in the employ of James N. Doxon four years. 
He then entered the employ of Dr. William H. Wishard, for whom 
he served in the capacity of clerk in a dry goods store from 1S52 
to 1861. In May, 1S62, he engaged in business for himself in 
Greenwood, where he has ever since been the proprietor of a 
large general store. He is now one of the most substantial 
business men of that town. He was married on Christmas day, 
1855, to Ellen Brewer. She was born in Pleasant Township, this 
5i 



804 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

county, in November, 1837, and was the daughter of Abram A', 
and Delilah (Rice) Brewer. Mr. and Mrs. Noble are the parents 
of four children : Mary L., who has been a student in Depauw 
University two years; John E., Noah W. and George, all of whom 
are living. Mr. Noble and wife are members of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church. Their daughter is also a member of that 
church. In politics, Mr. Noble is a republican. He has a pros- 
perous business, and is one of the substantial men of Johnson 
County. He and wife are very highly respected. 

Rev. Samuel C. Noble, of Greenwood, is a native of Boone 
County, Ky., born July 13, 1831, and was the son of George T. 
and Louisa (Canby) Noble, who were respectively natives of Ken- 
tucky and Virginia, the former of Scotch-Irish, and the latter of 
English, descent. While he was yet a child, less than two years 
old, his parents removed from Kentucky to this state, and resided 
for one' year on a farm owned by his brother, Hon. Noah Noble, 
who was then governor of the State of Indiana. That farm was 
situated within the present limits of the city of Indianapolis. In 
1834 the family came to Johnson County, and located on a tract of 
land in the northern part of Pleasant Township, where the subject 
of this sketch was reared on a farm. At about twenty years of 
age he attended Franklin College for a few months, and later on he 
attended the Asburv University a short time, but was compelled to 
give up his studies on account of poor health. He then returned 
home, and soon afterward began to prepare himself for the 
ministry. He had become a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church in the fall of 1850. In July, 1855, he was licensed to 
preach, and in the following fall was received on trial in the south- 
east Indiana C on f erenre °f die Methodist Episcopal Church. He 
performed regularly the duties of pastor for a period of sixteen 
years, when, owing to ill health, he was superanuated. Four years 
subsequently he was employed as supply pastor of Wood Lawn Mis- 
sion, Indianapolis, now known as Edwin Ray Methodist Episcopal 
Church. Since the spring of 1876, Rev. Noble has resided in the 
vicinity of Greenwood. While his chief attention since then has 
been given to the management of farming interests, he has also 

o DO 

labored as a local pastor. He was married September 15, 1857, 
to Elizabeth Brann. She was born in Rushville, this state. May 1, 
1837, and was the daughter of George W. and Sarah Price 
(Howell) Brann, who were respectively natives of Kentucky and 
Ohio, the former of Irish-Welsh, and the latter of Irish-German, 
descent. Rev. Noble and wife have two children: Luella and 
Jessie S. The former who has been a student in Depauw Uni- 
versity two years, is now the wife of L. M. Park, of Pleasant 



PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 805 

Township. The latter attended Franklin College one year, and is 
now a student in Depauw University. 

Dr. Thomas B. Noble, an able and scholarly physician of 
Greenwood, was born in Boone Count)', Ky., February 12, 1827, 
and was the son of George T. and Louisa T. (Canby) Noble, the 
former of whom was a brother of Hon. Noah Noble, ex-governor 
of the State of Indiana. When he was eight years old his parents 
came to this state, and first located in Indianapolis. Two years 
later they came to Johnson County, and located on a tract of land 
in Pleasant Township, three-fourths of a mile north of the present 
site of Greenwood. There the subject of this sketch spent his 
youth on a farm. He received a common school education, and 
later on attended Franklin College about one year, and this was 
followed by spending one year under the private instruction of 
Rev. B. F. Wood, then of Greenwood. In 1848 he began studying 
medicine with Dr. W. H. Wishard, at Greenwood. The winter of 
1851-52 he took a course of lectures in the Ohio Medical College at 
Cincinnati. In the spring of 1852, he entered upon his professional 
duties at Greenwood, where he has been actively engaged ever 
since. He has now practiced at that point continuous!}' for a period 
of thirty-six years. During the first eight years of his practice, he 
was the partner of Dr. W. H. Wishard, but since i860, he has been 
alone. Dr. Noble was married November 29, 1855, to Margaret 
A. Wishard. She was born in White River Township, and was 
the daughter of John and Agnes (Oliver) Wishard. Their mar- 
riage has resulted in the birth of eight children: Agnes, married to 
D. T. Praigg, and resides in Indianapolis; Margaret W.,a graduate 
of Depauw University, and at present a teacher in Evanston, 111.; 
Martha, graduate of Franklin College; Thomas B., who is a student 
at Wabash College; Mary J., who is a student in Depauw Uni- 
versity; and Elizabeth, who is at home. Louisa and John are de- 
ceased. He and wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. 
Dr. Noble has enjoyed for over three decades a good practice, and 
one that has enabled him to accumulate considerable property. 
When he began his professional labors he had not sufficient means 
to complete his medical studies. But through his practice he has 
become one of the substantial men of Johnson County. He owns, 
in all, 628 acres, of land, of which 21S comprises his magnificent 
farm adjoining the town of Greenwood, and upon which is located 
his elegant residence. Ninety acres of his land are in White River 
Township, and the balance in Wabaunsee County, Kan. He is one 
of the most successful physicians of the county, and he and wife 
are among its best citizens. 



806 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Prof. Ciiari.es F. Patterson, principal of the high school at 
Greenwood, is a native of Tipton Count}', this state, born June 6, 
1862. He was the son of Benjamin F. and Lydia E. (Plummer) 
Patterson. His father was born in Fayette County, Ind., Septem- 
ber 6, 183S, and grew to manhood in Fayette and Shelby counties. 
At sixteen years of age he removed to Tipton County, where he 
afterward pursued the vocation of a farmer and stock-dealer. He 
■was married there September 5, 1861, to Miss Lydia E. Plummer, 
of which marriage the subject of this sketch was the only issue. 
The lady who became his wife was born in Rush County, this 
state, August 23, 1844. She was the daughter of Hiram and 
Lydia (Vickrey) Plummer, who removed to Tipton County 
when she was but four } - ears old. There her father pursued 
the vocation of a farmer until his death in 1S66. Her mother 
continues to occupy the old homestead in Tipton County. Benjamin 
F. Patterson died at his home in Tipton County, October 24, 1880. 
His surviving widow now resides with her only child, the subject 
of this sketch. The latter spent his boyhood on his father's farm 
in his native county. At twelve years of age he became a student 
in Spiceland Academy, in Henry County, Ind., in which institution 
he completed an academic course. Later on he entered the Cen- 
tral Normal College, of Ladoga, Ind., in which he completed both 
the scientific and classical courses, graduating in 1879. Since then 
he has completed a course in pedagogy, and has passed the ex- 
aminations of Wabash College. He labored as an instructor in the 
schools of Tipton County, for several years, during two of which 
he was principal of the high school at Sharpsville, and, during 
three of which, he was principal of the high school at Tipton. In 
1 886, he accepted the principalshipof thehigh school at Greenwood. 
Prof. Patterson was married October 10, 1884, to Miss Melva M. 
Avis. She is a native of Greenfield, Hancock County, Ind., born 
March 6, 1862, and was the daughter of James F. and Lucy J. 
(Lineback) Avis, the former of whom was born in Greencastle, 
Ind., and the latter in Greenfield, Ind. They are at present resi- 
dents of Tipton. Prof. Patterson and wife are members of the 
Christian Church. The former is a member of the K. of H. lodge, 
and in politics, he is a democrat. He is admirably adapted for the 
duties of his chosen profession, and, though young, his reputation 
as a successful educator is already well established. 

Grafton Peek, a prominent business man of Greenwood, was 
born in Bedford, Trimble County, Ky., January 17, 1S53, and is the 
sonof William A. J. and Susannah (Johnson) Peek, who removed to 
this state, and located at Morristown. When he was seven or eight 
years of age, his parents removed to Greenwood, which has been 



PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. S07 

his home ever since. His early life was chiefly spent in school, and 
clerking in a store. At fifteen years of aye he entered the employ 
of the late Grafton Johnson, of Greenwood, for whom he worked 
in the capacity of clerk in a general store for thirteen consecutive 
years. In that whole time he lost but two weeks. During a por- 
tion of the time the support of a large family devolved on him, 
but out of his earnings he succeeded in saving enough to engage in 
business for himself. August iq, 18S1, he opened a general store 
in Greenwood, to which his undivided attention has been given ever 
since. He has enjoyed a good trade, and is now one of the leading- 
business men of Greenwood. He was married in March, 1SS0, to 
Miss Florence Polk, daughter of George W. Polk, of Pleasant 
Township. Their marriage has resulted in the birth of six children: 
Roy J., Frank, Georgie E., Harry, and two others, a son and a 
daughter, who died in infancy, unnamed. Mr. Peek and wife are 
members of the Baptist Church. In politics, the former is a demo- 
crat. He is a successful business man and first-class citizen. 

Charles E. Peggs, a farmer and tile manufacturer of Pleas- 
ant Township, was born on a farm, June 4, 1857, and was the son 
of Joseph and Mary (McCrady) Peggs, of Pleasant Township. 
As early as fourteen years of age he became employed in a tile 
factorv, which is located on the home place, and which was then 
owned by his father. During the next four years he attended school 
in the winter, and in summer he was wholly employed in the tile 
factorv. At the age of eighteen he rented the factorv, and for several 
years conducted it in this way. At the age of twenty-four, or in 
e88i, he became its proprietor, and has continued to operate it since. 
Mr. Peggs also attends to the management of his farm, which is in 
a good state of improvement and cultivation. He was married 
October 28, 1S77, to Clara V. Hester. She was born in Sheiby 
County, this state, October 23, 1857, and is the daughter of 
Stephen W. and Martetia (Stanton) Hester, who now reside in 
Pleasant Township. Mr. and Mrs. Peggs are the parents of five 
children: Harry E., born April 14, 1879; Joseph W., October 15, 
1881; Alfred L., December 8, 1883; Arthur R., August 7, 1885, 
and Clara A., November 10, 1S87, all of whom are living. Mr. 
and Mrs. Peggs are members of the Christian Church. In con- 
nection with his other interests Mr. Peggs makes a specialty of 
breeding short-horn cattle. He now owns a half interest in an ex- 
cellent herd of that class of stock, and he is at present secretary of 
the Short-horn Breeders' Association, of Johnson County. 

Joseph Peggs, a pioneer, and honored citizen of Pleasant Town- 
ship, was born in Henry (now Trimble) County, Ky., October 24, 
1807, and was the son of Joseph and Nancy (Cunningham) Peggs, 






8o8 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

the former of whom was a native of Ireland, and the latter was a 
native of Pennsylvania. His early life was all spent in his native 
county. He attended country school in the winter time, but owing 
to the poor advantages, his early education was quite limited. 
Early in his youth he began the shoemaker's trade, which he fol- 
lowed in different places until 1S42, when he moved his family 
to Johnson County, Ind., and settled on a farm in Pleasant 
Township, and he has continued to occupy the same farm 
for a period of forty-six years. Mr. Peggs was married in German- 
town, Ky., June 9, 1833, to Mary Ann McCrady. She was born 
in Montgomery County, Ya., February 6, 1816, and was the 
daughter of Alexander and Nancy (Summers) McCrady. When 
Mrs. Peggs was but eleven months old her parents emigrated from 
Virginia to Mason County, Kv., where she grew to womanhood, 
and where she was married. Mr. and Mrs. Peggs have seven 
children: William A., born May 9, 1834; Margaret F., March 28, 
1836; John H., December 4, 1S40; Mary A., August 31, 1842; 
Louisa A., February 12, 1845, deceased; Alfred F., December 18, 
1S54, deceased, and Charles E., June 4, 1S57. In politics, Mr. 
Peggs is a democrat, casting his first vote for Gen. Jackson. The 
■wife of Mr. Peggs is a member of the Christian Church. Mr. 
Peggs has served his township as assessor one term. He and wife 
passed their golden wedding anniversary June 9, 1SS3. 

George W. Polk, an honored and respected man of Pleasant 
Township, was born in Nelson Count) - , Ky., January 7, 1816, the 
son of James and Nancy Polk, the former of whom was a native 
of Pennsylvania, and was the son of Edmund Polk, and the latter 
of whom emigrated from Pennsylvania to Kentucky, when his son, 
James Polk, was but six years old. The subject of this sketch was 
reared on a farm in his native county. At seventeen years of age 
he went to Taylorsville, Spencer Co., Ky., and there served an ap- 
prenticeship of two years, learning the cabinet-maker's trade. He 
then spent a short time working at his trade in Owensborough, 
Daviess Co., Ky., after which, in November, 1835, he crossed the 
river to the State of Indiana, and eno;a<red in the cabinet business 
for himself at Evansville. While there, he was married, August 3, 
1837, to Mary Embree. She was born in the State of Illinois, June 
3. 1^20, and was the daughter of John and Sallie (Moseley ) Embree. 
In July, 1839,' Mr. Polk removed from Evansville to Princeton, 
Gibson County, where he conducted a cabinet shop until 1850. In 
that year he, in connection with two other men, built a saw-mill on 
Marsh Creek, near Princeton, to which Mr. Polk gave his atten- 
tion some two or three years. He then purchased a farm in that 
vicinity, upon which he resided until in March, 1S61, when he came 



PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 809 

to Johnson County, and settled on a farm just southeast of the town 
of Greenwood, where he lias resided ever since. Since then he has 
given his attention to the management of his farm. He has, dur- 
ing a part of the time, been connected with the large canning estab- 
lishment at Greenwood, of which his son, J. T. Polk, is proprietor. 
His farm is a large and beautiful one, containing ioo acres 
four-fifths of which are in cultivation. It contains two handsome 
residences, one of which is occupied by his son, J. T. Polk. The 
marriage of Mr. Polk resulted in the birth of nine children: Will- 
iam F., Frances, Elizabeth R., James T., Alice, Florence, Perry E., 
Minnie M., and a son that died in infancy, unnamed. Of those 
named, Elizabeth R., Alice and Minnie M., are also deceased. The 
wife of Mr. Polk died November 10, 1SS6. She was a devoted 
member of the Baptist Church. When he began life for himself 
his only capital was willing hands and a mental capacity to direct 
them with prudence. By leading an industrious and economical 
life he has accumulated considerable property. 

James M. Polk, of Greenwood, was born in Spencer County, 
Ky., August 15, 1S37, and was the son of William and Sarah 
(Shoptaugh) Polk, who, when he was eight years old, removed to 
Bullitt Countv, Ky. There he spent the rest of his early youth 
on a farm. At eighteen years of age, or in March, 1856, he ac- 
companied his parents to Greenwood, this countv, whither they ar- 
rived on the 10th day of the month. The home of our subject 
has been in and near Greenwood ever since, and his occupation 
has chiefly been farming. He was married Jul}- 6, 18S6, to Miss 
Josephine Miller. She was born in Highland Countv, Ohio, Feb- 
ruary 24, 1853, and was the daughter of Cary A. and Sarah 
(Brous) Miller, both of whom were also natives of Highland 
Countv, Ohio. The wife of Mr. Polk is a member of the Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church. He and wife have a pleasant home in 
Greenwood, where the}- reside in a happy way. They are highly 
respected. 

James T. Polk, proprietor of the fruit packing establishment 
at Greenwood, was born in Gibson Count}-, Ind., February 25, 
1844, and is the son of George W. and Mary (Embree) Polk, a 
history of whom appears elsewhere in this work. When he was 
fourteen years old his parents came to Johnson County, and settled 
on a farm which adjoins the town of Greenwood on the southeast. 
lie received a common school education, and in September, 1863, 
entered the service of the Union Army in Company M, First In- 
diana Heavy Artillery, with which heserved until the close of the 
war. He returned home and spent t wo years improving his education. 
In 1869, in order to improve his health, he spent a period of nine 






8lO JOHNSON COUNTY. 

months in a water cure institution, at Danville, New York. Re- 
turning home, he soon conceived the idea of establishing a fruit 
packing business, and in this, by the year 1873, he was fully 
launched. To it. his entire attention has been given ever since, 
and under his careful management, has attained enormous propor- 
tions. A history of his establishment will be found elsewhere in 
this work. Mr. Polk was married December 5, 1 871, to Laura F. 
Burdick, who is a native of New York, born February 10, 1847. 
Mr. and Mrs. Polk have had born to them, three children: Pearl 
F., Ralph B., and James T., the last of whom died in infancy. Our 
subject and wife are members of the Baptist Church. 

Albert G. Prewitt, a pioneer citizen of Greenwood, was 
born near Danville, Mercer, now Boyle, Count}', Ky., Januarys, 1S15, 
and was the son of Joseph and Jane (Little) Prewitt, both of whom 
were natives of Kentucky. He was reared on a farm in his native 
countv. In 1838, he came to this county, and for a couple of years 
he worked at the carpenter's trade. He was married in White 
River Township, October 16, 1841, to Mrs. Julia F. McBride. 
She was born in Henry County, Ky., September 21, 181 1, and was 
the daughter of William and Jane (Gillespie) Eddy, both of whom 
were natives of Virginia. When she was sixteen years old, or in 
1827, her parents came to this countv and located in White River 
Township. She was married Julv 29, 1S28, to Charles McBride. 
He was born in Virginia, and was the son of William and Henrietta 
(Piles) McBride. He died on the 9th day of July, 1833. Mr. and 
Mrs. Prewitt began their married life on a farm in White River 
Township. They removed to Greenwood in 1S52. The chief 
occupation of Mr. Prewitt after this was the buying and selling of 
grain and dealing in hogs. For the past twelve vears he has lived 
a retired life. The first marriage of Mrs. Prewitt resulted in the 
birth of three children: Malinda C, Harriet A. and Henrietta J., 
of whom the last two are deceased. Her marriage to Mr. Prewitt 
also resulted in the birth of three children: Joseph W., Thomas A., 
and Julia F., of whom Thomas A. is deceased. Mrs. Prewitt was 
a ladv who was esteemed and loved b\ r all, and was a devoted 
member of the Baptist Church. She died March 17, 1888. Be- 
sides a comfortable home in Greenwood, he owns a farm of eighty- 
two acres in White River Township. 

Joseph W. Prewitt, carpenter and contractor, of Greenwood, 
was born in White River Township, October 16, 1S42, the son of 
Albert G. and Julia F. (Eddy) Prewitt, who are both natives of 
the State of Kentucky, and who now reside in Greenwood. When 
he was a lad some eight or nine years old his parents removed to 
Greenwood, where he grew to manhood. At the age of sixteen 



PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. hi I 

he began to learn the carpenter's trade. When he was twenty-one 
years old he entered Bryant's Business College, at Indianapolis, in 
which he took a course in book-keeping. He then entered the 
employ of the J., M.'& I. R. R. About the close of the war he 
retired from the road, and returned to Greenwood, where he first 
engaged in the grocery business. To this his attention was given 
about three years. He then took up the pursuit of a carpenter 
and contractor, to which his undivided attention has been given 
ever since. He was married November 12, 1875, :o Miss Mattie 
Heron. She was born in Columbus, Ind., August iS, 1844, and 
is the daughter of John and Elizabeth (Caff rev) Heron, who were 
respectively natives of Hamilton County, Ohio, and Lancaster 
Countv, Penn. The wife of Mr. Prewitt is a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, Mr. Prewitt is a demo- 
crat. He is a first-class mechanic, an honorable man, and he and 
wife are good citizens. 

Mrs. Sarah Pursell, the mother of Mrs. Abram Brewer, was 
born in Franklin County, Ind., November 11, 1815, the daughter 
of Daniel and Nancy (Scotton) Skinner, who were respectively 
natives of Delaware and Maryland. She was married to John Pur- 
sell, October 7, 1840. He was born in Franklin County, Ind., Au- 
gust 11, 1S21. In 1873, Mr. and Mrs. Pursell, came to this county 
and located in Pleasant Township, where Mr. Pursell died October 
6, 1876. She has two children: Martha and Mary. Mrs. Pursell 
is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

George W. Sanders, a well-to-do farmer of Pleasant Town- 
ship, was born in Botetourt County, Va., December 31, 1S31. He 
was the son of John and Elizabeth (Obenshain) Sanders, both of 
whom were also natives of Virginia, the former of Rockbridge 
County, and the latter of Botetourt County. The paternal grand- 
parents of Mr. Sanders were Philip and Rachel Sanders, the 
former of whom was born in Pennsylvania. His maternal grand- 
parents were Philip and Sarah (Brothers) Obenshain, natives of 
Maryland. His boyhood was spent on a farm in his native county. 
At seventeen years of age he accompanied his parents to this state, 
and located with them on a farm in Marion Count}-, where he re- 
mained with them until his marriage. He was married Novembet 
26, 1856, to Elizabeth R. Wheatcraft. She was born in 'Perry 
Count} - , Ohio, April 2, 1836, and was the daughter of Malachi and 
Sophia M. (Bradford) Wheatcraft, who were respectively natives 
of Wayne Countv, Penn., and Lincoln Co., Me. For four months 
after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Sanders resided in Marion County. 
Since 1873. they have occupied their present home. The entire at- 
tention of Mr. Sanders is given to farming. He owns fifty-six acres 



Si 2 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

of good land, most of which is in cultivation. He and wife have 
had five children, as follows: Mary B., born December 21, 1S57 : 
Elmer E., February 21, 1862; Alice E., May 10, 1864, deceased; 
Carrie E., August 22, 1869, and Annie M., August 17, 1871, de- 
ceased. Mr. and Mrs. Sanders are members of the Presbyterian 
Church. He is a member of the K. of H. lodge, and he and wife 
are both members of the Societv of Chosen Friends. 

William H. Scott, proprietor of a feed and livery stable at 
Greenwood, was born in White River Township, this county, July 
3, 1S61, and was the son of James and Elizabeth H. (Rush) Scott, 
both of whom were also natives of White River Township. He 
was reared on the old homestead where he was born, and received 
a common school education. lie was married August 8, 1879, to 
Julia M. Dorrell. She is a native of Pleasant Township, this 
county, born July 16, 1862, and was the daughter of Joseph and 
Eliza (Doty) Dorrell, who were natives of White River Township, 
this count}'. For five years after his marriage* Mr. Scott pursued 
the vocation of a farmer. In the fall of 1886, he engaged in mer- 
cantile pursuits at Stone's Crossing, this county, where he continued 
in business for a year and a half. In March, 1887, he engaged in 
the livery business at Greenwood, and he is now the sole pro- 
prietor of the only business of the kind at that place. He and wife 
are the parents of three children: Myrtle M., Raleigh A., and 
Florence, all of whom are living. Our subject and wife are mem- 
bers of the United Brethren Church. The former is a member of 
the I. O. O. F. lodge, and is a republican in politics. He is an en- 
terprising young man and a first-class citizen. 

Preserve O. Sefton, a well-to-do and successful farmer of 
Pleasant Township, was born in Decatur County, this state, July 
19, 1834, being the son of Henry and Sarah (Brown) Sefton, both 
of whom were natives of Ohio. They were reared and married in 
their native state, but removed to Decatur County, Ind., in an early 
day. They both spent the rest of their days in that county. His 
father was married three times. His second wife was Sarah Stine, 
and his third wife was Emma Vert. After his death his last wife 
married Orrin Custer, with whom she now resides in Greensburg, 
Decatur Co. The paternal grandfather of our subject was 
William Sefton, a native of Ohio. His maternal grandfather was 
Preserve O. Brown, who was born in Ohio, and for whom our sub- 
ject was named. He grew to manhood in his native county, and 
was married there in 1855, to Lucinda Draper, daughter of Thomas 
and Catharine (Ilarbert) Draper. Shortly after his marriage Mr. 
Sefton came to Johnson County, and located in Pleasant Township, 
near his present home. He has now been a resident of that township 






PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 813 

since February, 1856. His first wife died where he first settled, 
February 28, 1864, and on the 22nd day of June, 1866, be was 
married to Mrs. Mary E. Hendrickson. She was born in Clark 
Township, this county, November 14, 1S36, and was the daughter 
of Samuel and Maria L. (Harbert) Billingsly; the former was a 
native of Guilford County, N. C, and the latter a native of Dearborn 
Count}-, Ind. Her father was born November 16, 1S09, and was 
the son of Henry and Elizabeth Billingsly. Her mother was born 
October 5, 181 7, and was the daughter of Ebenezer and Mary 
M. Harbert. The marriage of her parents was solemnized in 
Clark Township, in which her father spent the rest of his life, 
and in which her mother still resides. Mrs. Sefton was married to 
Isaac Hendrickson, September 7, 1858. He was born in Clark 
Township, October 13, 1836, and was the son of Isaac and Eliza- 
beth (Dawson) Hendrickson. He died October 5, 1864. Mr. 
and Airs. Sefton removed to their present home in 1868. The 
whole attention of Mr. Sefton is given to farming. He owns a 
good farm of eighty acres, which is very desirably situated. 
Mrs. Sefton owns a farm of forty acres which adjoins the 
eighty mentioned above on the east. Besides this Mr. Sefton 
owns a one-fifth interest in an undivided two-thirds of ninety- 
six acres in Howard County, this state. By his first wife, Mr. 
Sefton became the father of four children : Catharine A., born 
October 10, 1855; Sarah S., September 7, 1857, deceased; 
Thomas H., April 21, 1861, and Rachel E., January 6, 1S64. By 
her first husband Mrs. Sefton became the mother of two children; 
Clurisa J., born May 9, 1861, and Samuel I., March 4, 1863, de- 
ceased. Mr. Sefton and his present wife have had four children: 
Robert W., born May 7, 1868; George W., November 7, 1870; 
John D., March 9, 1875, and Edwin W., March 7, 1S77, deceased. 
The wife of Mr. Sefton is a member of the Christian Church. He 
is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Sefton was 
twice drafted during the War of the Rebellion, and for both substi- 
tutes, and to clear his township of a draft, he paid $1,680. In poli- 
tics, our subject is a democrat. He is a progressive man and a 
model fanner. He and Mrs. Sefton are very highly esteemed and 
respected. 

George L. Siieek, a prosperous young farmer of Pleasant 
Township, was born on a farm near where resides, August 22, 1854, 
and was the son of John B. and Sarah (Kinnick) Sheek, both of 
whom were natives of Davie County, N. C. When he was seven- 
teen years of age his father died, after which he remained at home 
with his widowed mother, until he reached the age of twenty-seven, 
lie was married December 15, 1880, to Sarah J. Wilson. She is 



814 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

also a native of Pleasant Township, born August 31, 1S53. and 
was the daughter of Joseph A. and Louisa ( Vandiver ) Wilson, 
who were respectively natives of North Carolina and Mercer 
County, Ky. Air. and Mrs. Sheek entered upon their married life 
on a farm in Section 3, Pleasant Township. February 10, 1SS6, they 
removed to their present home, in the same section. The whole 
attention of Air. Sheek is given to farming. He owns a good farm 
two miles southeast of Greenwood, which is well improved, and 
most of which is in cultivation. He and wife are the parents of 
five children: Gracie May, born April 27, 1SS2 ; George Wilson, 
September 5, 1883; Queen Bessie, March 31, 1SS5: Nellie, 
September 12, 1S86, and Victor Noble, January 6, 1SS8, all 
of whom are living. The wife of Mr. Sheek is a member of the 
Christian Church. Mr. Sheek became a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, August 29, 1875. He is an industrious and suc- 
cessful farmer, and he and wife are very highly respected . 

Isaac D. Sheek, a well-to-do and prosperous farmer of Pleas- 
ant Township, is a native of Davie Count}', N. C, born January 9, 
1S41, and was the son of Daniel and Jane (Williams) Sheek, both 
of whom were natives of North Carolina: the former of Davie 
County, and the latter of Yadkin County. He grew to manhood 
in his native count}', working upon a farm in summer and attending 
school in winter. In April, 1861, he entered the service of the 
Confederate Army, in Company G, Fourth North Carolina Regi- 
ment, with which he served until the close of the war: he first en- 
tered as a private. He participated in the battles of Seven Pines, 
Gaines' Mill, Cold Harbor. Malvern Hill, the second battle of Man- 
assas, Sharp's Mound, Antietam, Fredericksburg, Chancellorsville, 
Gettysburg, all the rights with Gen. Grant's array in the vicin- 
ity of Richmond, and many other engagements, in all of which he 
discharged his duties in a manner becoming a brave soldier, and 
was present at the surrender of Gen. Lee, at Appomattox. In 
January, 1866, Mr. Sheek came from Davie Countv, N. C, to 
Johnson Countv, Ind., and with the exception of nearly two years 
his home has ever since been in Pleasant Township. His whole 
attention has been given to farming. He owns sixty-five acres of 
good land, nearly all of which is in cultivation. Mr. Sheek was 
married January 22, 1867, to Martha H. Henry. Mrs. Sheek 
was born in Pleasant Township, this county, November 6, 1847, 
and is the daughter of Samuel and Eliza Ann (Kinnick) Henry; 
the former was born in Virginia, and the latter in Davie County, 
N. C. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Sheek has resulted in the 
birth of three children: Willie Myrtle, born January 12, 1868; 
Daniel Walter, October 8, 1871, and Luna Ethel, October 15, 18S0, 



PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 815 

all of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Sheek are members of the 
Methodist Church. In politics, the former is a democrat. On the 
10th of March, 1888, he received the nomination of his part}- for 
the office of township trustee. He is an industrious farmer, and he 
and wife are among their township's best citizens. 

Levin W. Sheek, one of Pleasant Township's respected citizens, 
was born in Davie County, N. O, March 2, 1829, and is the son of 
George and Mary ( Call ) Sheek, both of whom were natives of 
Davie Countv, N. C. The paternal grandfather of Mr. Sheek 
was a native of England. I lis father owned extensive grist-mill- 
ing and saw-milling interests in Davie Countv, and these furnished 
our subject employment during his youth. He was married in his 
native count}-, May 11, 1S54, to Mary A. Bouden. She was born 
in Davie Countv, N. C, September 20, 1837, and was the daughter 
of Caleb and Mary (Etchison) Bouden, who were also natives of 
North Carolina. Mrs. Marv A. Sheek died in Davie Countv, 
October 2, 1S56, leaving one child, Emily J., born March 2, 
1S56, deceased. During the time which intervened between his 
marriage and the death of his wife, Mr. Sheek was engaged at 
farming. After the death of his wife he returned to his father's. 
In the fall of 1857, he came to Johnson County, and his home has 
ever since been in Pleasant Township. His second marriage oc- 
curred in that township, June 10, 1S5S, when Miss Marv E. Henry 
became his wife. She was born in Pleasant Township, April 24, 
1S37, and was the daughter of Hiram and Margaret (Cochrane) 
Henry, the former of whom was a native of Virginia, and the latter 
was a native of Tennessee. Mr. and Mrs. Sheek began house- 
keeping on the farm where thev now live. In 1S64, they removed 
to the house in which thev now live, and this has been their home since, 
excepting from March, 1882, to March, 1886, during which time 
they resided in Greenwood, whither they had gone for the purpose 
of sending their children to school. Ever since locating in this 
countv, Mr. Sheek has given his whole attention to farming. He 
owns 2io'_. acres of good land, about 155 of which are in cultiva- 
tion. Mr. Sheek and his present wife have had seven children: 
George W., born March 29, 1859, deceased; Henry A., January 2, 
i860, deceased; Margaret J., August 9, 1861; Hiram N., June 30, 
1864; Floyd A., July 19, 1S67; Franklin L., November 19, 
1S69, and Ernest C, died when one year old. Mr. and Mrs. 
Sheek are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

William H. Sheek, an industrious farmer of Pleasant Town- 
ship, was born on the old Sheek homestead, where he now lives, 
July 10, 1S59, and was the son of John B. and Sarah (Kinnick) 
Sheek, mention of whom appears elsewhere. He was reared on 



8i6 



JOHNSON COUNTY. 



the old home place, and was married August 8, 18S0, to Elzora 
Park. She was born in this county in December, 1S61, and was 
the daughter of Daniel and Emeline ( Brunnemer) Park. Mr. and 
Mrs. Sheek entered upon their married life on a farm in Pleasant 
Township, and their home has been in that township ever since; 
they have occupied the old homestead since the spring of 18S7. 
Mr. Sheek owns forty acres of good land, over half of which is in 
cultivation. He and wife have three children: Letitia Dell, born 
June 11, 1S81; Cordelia Bryant, April 26, 18S3. and Rov Clifford, 
born September 13, 1887, all of whom are living. Mr. Sheek and 
his wife are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

Dr. David H. Shutters, a respected and worthy citizen of 
Pleasant Township, was born in Scott County, this state, December 
5, 1840, and was the son of Mathias and Nancy (Thomas) Shut- 
ters, the former of whom was born in Virginia, June 9, 181 1, and 
was the son of Henry and Mary (Andis) Shutters. The latter 
was born in the State of Connecticut, September 30, 1813, and was 
the daughter of Jonathan Thomas. His parents were married in 
Jackson County, this state, November 3, 1833. They are both 
living, and now reside near Kokomo, Howard County. When the 
subject of this sketch was nine years old his parents moved to 
Marion County, Ills., butonlv remained six weeks. Returning to 
this state, they came to Johnson County, and located in White 
River Township, where our subject spent his youth. The chief 
occupation of his father at that time was farming, though 
he also in connection with this, carried on a harness and 
shoe-making business, and conducted a cooper shop, so that 
besides working on a farm, our subject had an opportunity to 
familiarize himself with some two or three trades, which he did. 
In September, 1S61, he entered the service of the Union Army, in 
Company F, Seventh Indiana Regiment, with which he served 
nearly two years, when, because of disability, he was compelled to 
retire. He was in the battles of Green Brier, W. Va., Second 
Battle of Bull Run, the Wilderness and Gettysburg, besides several ' 
other engagements. He was honorablv discharged at Indianapolis, 
May 9, 1863, and immediately returned home to recruit his health. 
On regaining his health he resumed farm work, and was otherwise 
variously employed for some four or five years. He then took up 
the blacksmith's trade to which he gave a good part of his atten- 
tion for a number of years. In 1870, he began the study of veter- 
inary surgery, and for the past sixteen years he has been actively 
engaged in the practice of that branch of medicine. He now gives 
his exclusive attention to the study of the horse and the treatment 
of its diseases. He has always had a particular fondness for this 



PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. Si 7 

animal, which, united with several years of careful study, ma 
him admirably fitted for the duties of this profession. Mr. Shut- 
ters has been a member of the State Veterinary Society since the 
fall of 1886. His home ever since he was nine years old, has 
been in this county, and he has resided in Pleasant Township since 
187 1. Mr. Shutters has been married twice. His first marriage 
was to Mary C. Surface, February 6, 1862, and his second marriage- 
was to Mrs. Mary E. Park, March 2, 1S72. His present wife was 
born in Morgan Count}-, this state, September 23, 1S39, and was 
the daughter of Anthony and Blancha Brunnemer. Mr. Shutters 
is the father of four children, as follows: Minnie A., born December 
14, 1872, deceased; Ottilia L., May 13, 1874; Fola O., September 
22, 1S76, and Charles W., June 17, 1879. Mr. and Mrs. Shutters 
are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a member 
of the Masonic and G. A. R. lodges, and in politics, he is a 
republican. 

John T. Shutters, a farmer of Pleasant Township, was born 
in Scott County, Ind., June 5, 1S43, and was the son of Mathias 
and Nancy (Thomas) Shutters, who were respectively natives of 
Virginia and New York. When he was but six years old, his par- 
ents removed to Marion County, Ills., but about six weeks later they 
came to Johnson County, and settled in White River Township, 
where his early life was spent on a farm. His parents now reside 
near Kokomo, in Howard County. September 12, 1861, our sub- 
ject entered Company F, Seventh Indiana Regiment, with which 
he served three years. He participated in the battles of Bull Run, 
Antietam, South Mountain, Gettysburg, Petersburgh, and many 
others of less importance. He was also in the engagement of the 
Weldon Railroad. He was wounded at Gettysburg, July 3, 1S63. 
He received an honorable discharge at Indianapolis September 20, 
1864. He then resumed farming in Pleasant Township, where he 
has ever since given his attention to that pursuit. He was married 
December 21, 1S71, to Matilda A. Whittaker. She was born in 
Pleasant Township, this county, November 6, 1852, and was the 
daughter of M. B. and Sarah (Crim) Whittaker, who were mar- 
ried in Oldham County,* Ky., March 16, 1838, and came to 
Johnson County in 1840. They spent the rest of their lives in 
Pleasant Township. Mr. and Mrs. Shutters are the parents of one 
child, Marlie D., born April 13, 1876. Mr. and Mrs. Shutters are 
members of the Christian Church. In politics, the former is an 
ardent republican. He and wife have a farm of sixtv-ri\ e acres, 
and a comfortable home, where they reside in a pleasant way. 
They are among their township's best citizens. 

Isaac F. Smith, a farmer of Pleasant Township, was born on 



SiS 



JOHNSON COUNTY. 



5-> 



the farm where he now lives. March n, 1853. He is the only liv- 
ing child of Robert and Louisa E. (Clem) Smith. He was reared on 
the old Smith homestead, working on the farm in summer and at- 
tending the district school in winter. When he was twenty years 
old his father died, after which he took up the vocation of a far- 
mer for himself on the old home place, and his entire attention is 
given to that pursuit. lie was married March 11, 1879, to Mattie 
C. Demaree. She was born on a farm near Hopewell, November 
11, 1S59, and is the daughter of William W. and Lydia A. (Car- 
nine) Demaree, whose history will be found elsewhere. Mr. and 
Mrs. Smith are the parents of two children: William F., born Feb- 
ruary 7, 1SS0, and Ezra A.. January 8, 1S86, both of whom are 
living. Mr. and Mrs. Smith, and son Willie, are members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. 

Jeremiah W. Smith, a citizen of Pleasant Township, was born 
in White River Township, this county, June 25, 1840, and was the 
son of Joseph and Nancy (Lacy) Smith, both of whom were na- 
tives of Fayette County, Ind. Nancy Smith was born in Fayette 
County, Ind., May 2, 1S12, and is the daughter of Charles and 
Martha Lacy, natives of North Carolina and South Carolina, re- 
spectively. They were early settlers of Indiana. Mrs. Smith 
was married to Abner Liones. One child, a daughter, named 
Martha, was bom unto the marriage. The father died in 1831, and 
in 1835, the mother married Joseph Smith, the son of Tobias and 
Martha Smith. He was of Virginia parentage; he was born in 
Fayette County, Ind., in 1813, and died in Johnson County, Ind., 
in 1882. The following are her children: Mary, Rebecca, Jere- 
miah W. and Nancy J. He grew to manhood on the old home- 
stead, and was married in Marion County, Ind., October 4, i860, to 
Martha A. Ballenger. She was born in Wayne County, Ind., 
September 27, 1837, and was the daughter of Edward B. and Mar- 
garet (Thompson) Ballenger, natives of Virginia and North Caro- 
lina. After their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Smith located on the farm 
they now occupy, where they have resided ever since. The entiie 
attention of Mr. Smith is riven to farming. He and wife are the 
parents of one child: Maggie M., born August 27, 1861. She is 
now the wife of John F. Crawford, of Greenwood, whose sketch 
appears elsewhere. Mr. and Mrs. Smith are members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. The former is a member of the 
I' . & A. M., I. O. O. F. and K. of H. lodges, and is a republican 
in politics. In 1S84, he was the candidate of his party for county 
commissioner. He is cfn influential man, and he and wife are highly 
respected. 

Mrs. Louisa E. Smith, of Pleasant Township, was born in 



PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 819 

Gallatin County, Ky., July 30, 1827, and was the daughter of Isaac 
and Nancy (Shepherd) Clem, the former of whom was born in 
Honey County, Ky., and was the son of Philip and Phebe (Miller) 
Clem. The latter was the daughter of James and Elizabeth (Hill) 
Shepherd. Isaa*c Clem was born Jul}- iS, 1794. and died in Miami 
County, this state, in December, 1880. Nancy Shepherd was born 
March 17, 1 791, and died in Pleasant Township, September 3, 
1847. When our subject was four years old her parents came to 
Johnson County, and located in Pleasant Township, where she 
grew to womanhood, and where she was married to Robert Smith, 
April 21, i8S2. He was born in Grayson County, Va., June 26, 
1808, and was the son of Joseph and Elizabeth (Black) Smith, 
both of whom were born in Grayson Count} , Va., the former in 
1760. After their marriage the}' settled on a part of what is now 
the Smith farm, and in that vicinity Mr. Smith pursued the voca- 
tion of a farmer until his death. In his early manhood he taught 
school a number of years. He was a member of the Methodist 
Episcopal Church, in which he was a local preacher for over twenty- 
five years. He was a republican in politics, and died May 4, 1873. 
Mr. and Mrs. Smith's marriage resulted in the birth of five children: 
Isaac F., born March 11, 1853; Sarah E., August n, 1S55, deceased; 
and three others, two sons and one daughter, died unnamed. Mrs. 
Smith has been a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church ever 
since she was fourteen years old. She still resides on the old 
homestead. 

[SAAC T. Tinkle, a successful farmer and respected citizen of 
Pleasant Township, was born June 15, 1824, in Preble County, 
Ohio, being the son of Henry and Martha (Young) Tinkle; the 
former a native of Virginia, and the latter a native of West Vir- 
ginia. His paternal grandparents came to America from Germain'. 
When he was nine years old his parents came to Indiana and located 
in Carroll County, where he grew to manhood on a farm, and where 
he was married August 28, 1845, to Mahala Dowden; she was a 
native of Hamilton County, Ohio, born August 27, 1S24, and was 
the daughter of Augustus Dowden. After his marriage, Mr. 
Tinkle pursued the vocation of a farmer in Carroll County until 
the year 18S2, when he removed to Clinton County, this state, where 
his first wife died. November 19, 1S83, he was married to Mrs. 
Elizabeth J. West, who was born in this county April 20, 1841, and 
was the daughter of Lemuel and Sidney (Crow) Tilson, who were 
both natives of West Virginia. She was married to John West 
December 25, 1870. He died December 2, 187S, after which his 
surviving wife remained a widow until her marriage to Mr. Tinkle. 
The first marriage of Mr. Tinkle resulted in 'he birth of ten child- 
52 



820 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

ren, as follows: Mary J., January n, 18^7 ; Lewis A., December 
7, 1848; Caroline, March 2<S, 1S51: Dorcas M., May 4, 1853; 
James M, April 2, 1855, deceased: Roena E., October 25, 1S57; 
William H., January 29, i860; Martha M., September 21, 1862; 
Warren E., February 7, 1866, and Emma E., May 14, 1S6S, de- 
ceased. The first marriage of Mrs. Tinkle resulted in the birth of 
one child — a daughter — Martha Ann, born the 3d day of Sep- 
tember. 1S72. Mrs. Tinkle is a member of the Baptist Church. 
He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and of the 
Masonic lodge. In politics, he is a democrat. While a resident of 
Carroll County, he received his party's nomination for count}' com- 
missioner, but declined. Mr. Tinkle owns a well-improved farm 
in Clinton County, this state, and his wife is the owner of a good 
farm in Pleasant Township, which is also well improved. 

Louis F. Tracy, a farmer of Pleasant Township, was born in 
that township near where he now resides, November 9, 1853, and 
was the son of Mathew J. and Susan M. (Smith) Tracy, whose 
history appears elsewhere. He was but three years old when his 
mother died. His entire life thus far has been spent in Pleasant 
Township. During his boyhood and youth he worked on a farm, 
and also assisted his father at the carpenter's trade. August 3, 
1873, he was married to Miss Louisiana Pierce. She was born in 
Pleasant Township. February 27, 1854. anc ' was tne daughter of 
James and Amanda E. (Davis) Pierce. They began housekeeping 
on a farm in the southern part of Pleasant Township, where Mr. 
Tracy pursued the vocation of a farmer until the death of his 
first wife, October 29, 1879. He was married to Miss 
Maggie E. Brewer, January II, 1S82. She was born near White- 
land, July 19, 1862, and was the daughter of John D. and Fannie 
(Webb) Brewer, the history of whom appears elsewhere in this 
work. Ever since their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Tracy have re- 
sided in Pleasant Township, and the entire attention of the former 
has been given to farming. The} - moved to their present home in 
Section 16, March 1, 1887. Thev own 246 acres of land which is 
well improved, and most of which is in a splendid state of cultiva- 
tion. They are the parents of two children: Ethelyn Grant, born 
April 23, 1884, and Mathew Virgil, October 18, 1886, both of 
whom are living. Mrs. Tracy is a member of the Presbyterian 
Church. Mr. Tracy is a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and of the Masonic lodge. 

Mathew J. Tracy, a prominent citizen of Whiteland, and presi- 
dent of the Whiteland Fruit Packing Company, was born near 
Whiteland, January 6, 1832, and was the son of James and 
Mary (Tanner) Tracy, both of whom were natives of North 



PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 82 1 

Carolina. His father was born in the year 17S3, and was the son 
of Nathaniel and Mary Tracy, the former of whom was a native o f 
Maryland. Ilis mother was born December 31, 17S8, and was the 
daughter of Josiah and Martha (Wooten) Tanner, who were both 
natives of Virginia. Both of his grandfathers served in the Rev- 
olutionary War. His paternal grandfather, Nathaniel Tracy, 
served under the immediate command of Gen. George Washington. 
His maternal grandfather, Josiah Tanner, was wounded in 
the battle of King's Mountain, in the month of September, 17S0. 
Nathaniel Tracy was born in 1736. He was married to Mrs. Mary 
Hill, in 1765. He died in Kentucky in 1816. His wife, Mary 
Tracy, was born in 1734, and died in Kentucky in 1820. Josiah 
Tanner was born in 1744, and was married to Martha Wooten, in 
1767. He died in Kentucky in 1818. His wife, Martha Tanner, 
was born in 1747, and died near Vernon, this state, in 1844. The 
father and mother of our subject were married in the State o^ Ken- 
tucky, in 1S05. They removed from Henry County, Ky., to John- 
son Count}-, Ind., in 1827, and became early settlers of Pleasant 
Township. They located on a farm five miles north of Franklin, 
where the father died February 14, 1833, an d where the subject of 
this sketch was born, and where his early boyhood was spent. James 
Tracy was a farmer by occupation, and a whig in politics. He was 
a soldier in the War of 181 2. The mother of our subject died in 
Franklin Township in 1S48. Our subject was the youngest of 
fourteen children, seven sons and seven daughters. He received a 
fair knowledge of the ordinary branches of learning, and at the age 
of sixteen, he began to learn the carpenter's trade. For a period 
of over thirty years, he was a contractor in that branch of mechanics. 
In connection with this pursuit, he controlled farming interests. 
His place of residence has always. been in Pleasant Township. He 
resides at Whiteland, where he has a comfortable home. He helped 
to organize the Whiteland Fruit Packing Company in December, 
1887, and besides being a stockholder, he was elected president of the 
company, which position he now fills. Mr. Tracy served in the 
War of the Rebellion from July 25, 1S61, to September 1, 1S64. 
He served in Company F, Third Indiana Cavalry. He partici- 
pated in the battles of South Mountain, Antietatn, Upperville, 
Fredericksburg and Gettysburg. He was also in the campaign of 
Gen. Grant, through the wilderness to Petersburg. In all, he 
served in fifty-two battles and skirmishes. Mr. Tracy has been 
twice married, the first being to Susan M. Smith, December 2, 1S52, 
the second to Mary K. Varner, April 20, 1859. He had five children : 
Louis F., born November 10, 1853; James B., April 10, 1855; 
Richard M., March 7, i860, deceased; Mathew V., February 2^, 



822 JOHNSON COUNTV. 

1862, deceased, and Clarence A.. December 9, 1867. Mr. Tracy- 
is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, the F. & A. M. 
and the G. A. R. lodges. He began life in very moderate circum- 
stances, and he has become one of the well-to-do and influential 
men of the county. 

David Trout, a prominent citizen and well-to-do farmer of 
Pleasant Township, was born in Augusta County, Va., June 5, 
1828, and is the son of Solomon and Hannah (Miller) Trout, the 
former a native of Augusta Countv, Va., and the latter a native of 
Rockingham Count)-, Va. In the month of September, 1838, his 
parents came to the State of Indiana, and after a residence of a few 
months in Floyd Countv, they came to Johnson County in Feb- 
ruary, 1839, and settled in Pleasant Township. Both his father 
and mother spent their lives in Pleasant Township. The former 
was killed by a falling tree, April 4, 1846, and the latter died Feb- 
ruary 3, 1S77. After his father's death the subject of this sketch 
remained at home with his widowed mother until his marriage. 
He was married November 8, 1855, to Nancy E. McClain. She 
was born in Pieasant Township, this county. May 27, 1835, ar >d is 
the daughter of Thomas and Sarah F. (Tracy) McClain, both 
of whom were natives of Kentucky. Immediately after their mar- 
riage Mr. and Mrs. Trout begati housekeeping on a farm in Pleas- 
ant Township, upon which they resided until in March, 1863. At 
that time they removed to their present home, which is in Section 
21, of the some township. Mr. and Mrs. Trout have had a family 
of nine children: Solomon A., born September S, 1856; James T., 
March 31, 1858; Samuel N., April 17, r86o; Jonathan J., Septem- 
ber 6, 1S62: Calvin E., August 15, 1864; Martha A., January 12, 
1S67; William D., August 1, 1870; Adolphus F., August 13, 1872, 
and Robert E., September 1, 1877, all of whom are living. The 
whole attention of Mr. Trout is given to farming, and the breeding 
of stock. Besides excellent specimens of other kinds of stock, he 
is the owner of a fine thoroughbred norman stallion, that was im- 
ported from France in 1886, and for which he paid $1,500. He 
owns a splendid farm of 180 acres in a good state of improvement, 
and which is very desirably situated. He is one of the substantial 
and influential men of his township, and one of its progressive and 
prosperous farmers. 

Mrs. Delilah Trout, of Pleasant Township, was born in 
Clark Township, January 3, 1844, and was the daughter of Jack- 
son and Sarah (Parr) Williams, both of whom were natives of 
Tennessee. She grew to womanhood in her native township, and 
was married there January 26, 1859, to John G. Calvin. He was 
born in this county, January 9, 1S33. They began housekeeping 



PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 82 



O 



in Clark Township. Mr. Calvin served in the Union Army one 
year. About 1863, he and wife removed to Morgan County, but 
Mr. Calvin's health was very poor, and while visiting with relatives 
in Clark Township in 1864, he died on the 26th day of April. He 
left one child: San Francisco, born December 14, i860. In 1866, 
on the 6th day of September, Mrs. Calvin was married to Benja- 
min G. Trout. He was born in this count}', January 6, 1842, and 
was the son of Abram and Rebecca (Garrett) Trout who were na- 
tives of Virginia. After this marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Trout settled on 
a farm in Franklin Township. In 1S72, they removed to Pleasant 
Township, where Mr. Trout pursued farming until March 8, 1SS1, 
when he died. Her last marriage resulted in the birth of three 
children: Warren W., born October 20, 1867; Harry, January 31. 
1S69, and Jackson, August 5, 1S72, all of whom are living. Mrs. 
Trout is a member of the Methodist Protestant Church. She owns 
eighty acres of good land, which is well improved, and most of 
which is in cultivation. She is very highly esteemed and respected 
bv all who know her. Mr. Trout served in the Union Army three 
years. 

Cornelius A. B. Vanarsdall, a retired farmer and promi- 
nent citizen of Whiteland, was born in Mercer County, Ky., Octo- 
ber 3, 1823, and was the son of Simon and Catharine (Whitenack) 
Vanarsdall, both of whom were also natives of Mercer County, 
Ky. His father was born December 22, 1799, and was the son of 
Cornelius A. B. and Mary (Brewer) Vanarsdall. Simon Vanars- 
dall died in Franklin Township, November 14, 1S82. The mother 
of our subject was born June 11, 1803, and was the daughter of 
Henry and Eva (Terhune) Whitenack; she died in Franklin Town- 
ship, August 14, 1875. When the subject of this sketch was but 
four years old, his parents emigrated from Mercer County, Ky., to 
Johnson County, Ind., and located on a tract of land in the northern 
part of Franklin Township, in September, 1827, a time when the 
woods still abounded with wolves and game. The tract of land on 
which his parents located, was developed into a farm, and upon 
this the father and mother spent the rest of their lives. Our sub- 
ject spent his boyhood and youth helping to clear and cultivate the 
farm. He was married November 25, 1847, to Nancy J. Clem. 
She was born in Henry County, Ky., September 24, 183 1, and was 
the daughter of Isaac and Nancy (Shepherd) Clem, the former of 
whom was born in Henry County, Ky., in 1797, and was the son 
of Philip and Phebe (Miller) Clem. He died in Miami County, 
Ind., December 27, 1881. Her mother was born in Shelby 
Countv, Ky., March 17, 1792. She died in Pleasant Town- 
ship, "September 2, 1847. After his marriage, Mr. Vanarsdal 



824 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

pursued the vocation of a farmer until the fall of 1SS4. 
On the 10th day of October, 1884, he and wife retired from the 
farm, and have since resided in Whiteland, where the}' have a 
beautiful home. They have had five children, as follows: Nancy 
C, born October 20, 1849; M- a »&' e J-> J une 5> I ^5 1 '-, William D., 
April 22, 1853; Sarah E., March 5, 1855, deceased, and Samuel 
E., February 3, 1S57. Mr. and Mrs. Vanarsdall are members of 
the Presbyterian Church. Mr. Vanarsdall is one of the county's 
thoroughly reliable men, and he and wife are among its honored and 
respected citizens. 

William D. Vanarsdall, a prosperous young farmer of 
Pleasant Township, was born in Franklin Township, April 22, 1853, 
and was the son of Cornelius A. B. and Nancy J. (Clem) Vanars- 
dall, a history of whom is given elsewhere. When he was three 
years years old his parents removed to Pleasant Township, in 
which his boyhood and youth were spent on a farm. He received 
a good knowledge of the ordinary branches of learning, and at the 
age of twenty-one he took up the vocation of a farmer for himself, 
in Pleasant Township. In 1S82, he removed to Franklin Township, 
but in the fall. of 1886 he returned to Pleasant Township, and lo- 
cated on the farm he now occupies. He owns a good farm of sev- 
enty-nine acres, about fifty-two of which are in cultivation. It 
contains a good new frame residence, and is in other respects well 
improved. Besides farming he gives considerable attention to saw- 
milling', and to the business of grain threshing. He was married 
August 26, 1S74, to Cynthia Adams. She was born on a farm two 
and one-half miles south of Franklin, September 19, 1855, and was 
the daughter of James C. and Rebecca P. (Voris) Adams. Our 
subject and wife have had five children: Gustin O., born August 
10, 1876; Cornelia J., February 15, 1878; William E., March 1, 
18S0; Arvil D., March 19, 1SS1, and Charles T., September 11, 
1887, all of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Vanarsdall belong to 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Vanarsdall is a successful 
and prosperous farmer, and he and wife are highly respected. 

Dominicus Van Dyke, one of Pleasant Township's honorable 
and respected citizens, is the son of Peter and Ady (Blue) Van 
Dyke, both of whom were natives of Somerset County, N. J. He 
was born in Franklin Count v, this state, July 30, 1S18, and spent 
his boyhood there on a farm. His parents removed to Rush 
County, Ind., when he was fourteen years of age, and in this 
count}- his youth was spent assisting to clear and cultivate a farm. 
Owing to the very limited advantages for schooling in those days, 
his early education was quite limited. Bv reading, in later years, 
however, he has somewhat mitigated the lack of a good education. 



PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 825 

He was married in Rush County, this state, November 19, 1S37, 
' to Nancy, daughter of Henry and Hannah (Salisbury ) Myers, born 
in Lewis County, Ky., September 13, 1816. When she was eight 
years old her parents came to this state and settled in Rush County, 
where she grew to womanhood. In January following their mar- 
riage, Mr. and Mrs. Van Dyke came to Johnson County, and re- 
sided for one year in Pleasant Township. They then returned to 
Rush County and resided there on a farm for seven years. In 
iS|5, they again came to this county, and have ever since occupied 
their present home. The life occupation of Mr. Van Dyke has 
been farming. He owns a well-improved farm of no acres, about 
eighty of which are in cultivation. The marriage of Mr. Van 
Dvke resulted in the birth of two children, a son and daughter, who 
died in infancy, unnamed, and George P., born January 12, 1849, 
deceased, and John H., December 12, 1852. Mr. and Mrs. Van 
Dyke are members of the Christian Church. In politics, he is a 
republican. He is one of the influential and well-to-do men of his 
township, and he and wife are among its highly respected citizens. 
Andrew W. Vorhies, a farmer of Pleasant Township, was 
born in the township in which he resides, April 6, 1835, and was 
the son of Isaac B. and Rachel B. (Whitenack) Vorhies, both of 
whom were natives of Mercer County, Ky- His father was born 
August 10, 1801, and was the son of Jacob and Margaret Vorhies. 
His mother was born September 28, 1801, and was the daughter 
of Abram and Ann Whitenack. His parents were married in 
Mercer County, Ky., July 21, 1825. They came to Johnson 
Count}' and settled in Pleasant Township in 1827. They after- 
ward removed to White River Township, where both spent the 
rest of their lives, the father dying March 29, 1871, and the mother 
December 25, 1879. The subject of this sketch was, perhaps, 
four or five years old when his parents removed to White River 
Township. He grew to manhood in that township, but in April, 
1861, he located in Pleasant Township, and there resided until 
December, 1866. He then removed to White River Township, 
but in August, 186S, he returned to Pleasant Township, and settled 
where he now resides. His entire attention has been snven to 
agricultural pursuits. He owns eighty-two acres of good land, 
which is well improved, and fifty-five of which are in cultivation. 
Mr. Vorhies was married October 10, i860, to Fannie Neiman. 
She was born in Dauphin Count}-, Penn., December 19, 1839, and 
was the daughter of George and Mary (Franks) Neiman, botli of 
whom were natives of Pennsylvania. Her mother was born April 
20, 1808, and died March 29, 1842. The marriage of Mr. and 
Mrs. Vorhies has resulted in the birth of six children: Mary A., 



826 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

born September 24, 1S61: Isaac H., December 17, 1S63: Elizabeth 
E., September 12, 1S66, deceased; Ollie F., April 22, 1S6S, de- 
ceased; Bertie A.. October 7, 1876, and Maudie May. November 
22, 1S81. Mr. Vorhies is a member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and of the Knights of Honor lodge. He is an industrious 
and successful farmer, and he and wife are good citizens. 

William II. Yoris, a farmer of Pleasant Township, was born 
near his present home, December 21, 1847, and was the son of 
Abraham B. and Sarah (Lyons) Voris, both of whom were natives 
of Lexington County, Ky. He was reared on the old Voris home- 
stead, and on the 1st day of October, 186S, he was married to 
Elizabeth Rairdon. She was born in Brown County, this state, 
August 3, 1S50, and was the daughter of Henry and Margaret 
Rairdon. both of whom were natives of Commercial County, Ky. 
Ever since their marriage Mr. and Mrs. Voris have re- 
sided in Pleasant Township. The occupation of the former is 
farming. He owns ninety-four acres of land, nearly all of which is 
in cultivation. He and wife have had nine children: Maggie M., 
born March 25, 1870; Arthur D., July 7, 1S72; Charles R., De- 
cember 16, 1S73, deceased; Dessie P., September 24, 1875, de- 
ceased; Maud D.. June 16, 1877; Lida J., January 29, 1879; Sallie 
D., March 31, 1881; Theresa B., August 15, 1883, and Fletie D., 
August 20, 1885. Mr. and Mrs. Voris are members of the Chris- 
tian Church. 

John West, deceased, was born October 8, 1817, in Owen 
County, Ky., and was the son of Van and Sarah (Bourn) West, 
the former of whom was born February 15, 17S8, and the latter 
was born September 5, 1798. They were married March 23. 1815. 
He died March 5, 1S29, and she died October S, 1S32. The sub- 
ject of this sketch came to Johnson County at the age of twenty- 
one, and was married here to Karon II. Hendricks, September 29, 
1S40. She was born in Franklin Township, this county, and was 
the daughter of Lewis and Sarah (Lamasters) Hendricks, the 
former of whom was a second cousin of ex-Vice President Thomas 
A. Hendricks. After his marriage Mr. West pursued the vocation 
of a farmer and live-stock dealer, in Franklin Township, until about 
1858, when he removed to Pleasant Township. His first marriage 
resulted in the birth of twelve children: Miner, born June 19, 
1S42; Sarah C, December 29, 1844: William C, November 
1, 1847; Lucretia J., May 7, 1850; Van A., August 6, 1852; 
Charles J., September 6, 1856; Dora A., March 17, 1859; 
James E., June 18, 1S61, deceased; a twin brother of James, who 
died unnamed; Melvenia, September 1, 1863; Oliver P., April 1, 
1866, and a son that died unnamed. Mrs. Karon H. West died 



PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. S27 

August 24, 1S6S. The history of his marriage to Elizabeth Til- 
son, appears elsewhere. Mr. West was a member of the Baptist 
Church, and of the Masonic and Odd Fellows lodges. He died 
1 )ecember 2, 1879. 

Harvey H. Wheatcraft, a well-to-do citizen of Pleasant 
Township, was born in Putnam Count}-, this state, December 8, 
1847, and was the son of Malachi and Sophia M. (Bradford) 
Wheatcraft, a history of whom appears elsewhere in this work. 
When he was a child his parents removed from Putnam County 
to Johnson County, and settled on a farm in the northern part of 
Pleasant Township, where he was reared to manhood. In summer 
he worked on the farm, and in winter he attended school — at first 
in a district school, and later, in the public schools of Greenwood. 
In the fall of 1867, he entered Hartsville University, in which 
his father had purchased a scholarship. At the close of one 
term at Hartsville he returned home. In the fall of 1868, he be- 
came a student in Wabash College, and there pursued his studies 
two years. Returning home he took up the vocation of a farmer 
and stock-raiser, to which his attention has entirety been given ever 
since. He was married March 15, 1877, to Margaretta L. Todd. 
She is a native of Marion County, this state, born on Christmas 
day, 1850, the daughter of Thomas J. and Betse\ 7 J. (Duke) Todd, 
both of whom were natives of Lexington, Ky. For three years 
after their marriage, Mr. and Mrs. Wheatcraft resided on the old 
Wheatcraft homestead. In 1S80, they removed to the farm they 
now occupy, which is part of the home farm. They have a farm of 
ninetv-six acres, about eighty of which are in cultivation. It con- 
tains a handsome frame residence, and is in other respects substan- 
tiallv improved. Our subject and wife are the parents of three 
children, as follows: Bradford T., born December 5, 1877; Oren 
M.. December 15, 1878, and William B., February 28, 1SS2. Mr. 
and Mrs. Wheatcraft are members of the Presbyterian Church. The 
former is a member of the K. of H. lodge, and he and wife are 
both members of the order of Chosen Friends. In addition to 
farming our subject gives considerable attention to the breeding of 
fine stock. He is now the owner of a number of blooded horses, of 
Blue Bull, Hambletonian and other stocks noted for speed, and his 
large herd of Jersey cattle is one of the best in the country. He 
has repeatedly received first premiums at St. Louis fairs and In- 
diana and Illinois State fairs. 

Malachi Wheatcraft, deceased, was born in Wayne 
County, Penn., September 8, 1807, and was the son of Joseph and 
Rachel (Brothers) Wheatcraft. His paternal grandparents were 
Edward and Rebecca (Taylor) Wheatcraft. His maternal grand- 



S2S JOHNSON" COUNTY. 

parents were Thomas and Nancy (Dever) Brothers, natives of 
Baltimore County, Md. Joseph Wheatcraft emigrated with his fam- 
ily from Wayne County, Perm., to Perry County, Ohio, in 1816, and 
there spent the rest of his life. On the 31st day of January, 1S33, 
he was married in Licking County, Ohio, to Sophia M. Bradford. 
She was born in Lincoln County, Me., March 17, 1813, and is a 
descendant of ex-Governor William Bradford, of Massachusetts. 
Of her parents, Charles and Elizabeth Bradford, the former was born 
in Plymouth, Mass., September 14, 1777; about 1804, he was 
married to Elizabeth Brown. In an early day he immigrated 
to Licking County, Ohio. In November, 1S34, he removed to 
Persifer Township, Knox Count}-, Ills., where he spent the rest of 
his life. He died February 25, 1868, in the ninety-first year of his 
age. Malachi Wheatcraft and wife entered upon their married life 
upon a farm in Perry Count v, Ohio. In the fall of 1840, they re- 
moved to Knox County, Ills. In 1843, they came to the State of 
Indiana, and located on a farm near Bainbridge, Putnam County. 
In the year 1850, they removed from Putnam County to Johnson 
County, and settled on a farm in the northern part of Pleasant 
Township, where the father pursued the vocation of a farmer until his 
death on the 19th day of October, 1873. He was a member of 
the United Brethren Church, and in politics, he was a republican. 
His surviving widow still continues to occupy the old homestead. 
She is a member of the Presbyterian Church. The marriage of 
Mr. and Mrs. Wheatcraft resulted in the birth of ten children, as 
follows: The first was a son, who died unnamed; Elizabeth R., born 
April 2, 1836; Eliza J., May 17, 1839; Joseph B., November 1, 
1S42, deceased; Harriet H., February 24, 1845, deceased; Har- 
vey II., December S, 1S47; Malachi, September 7, 1850, deceased; 
Mary L., October 24, 1852, deceased; the next, a son, who died 
unnamed, and William C, November 22, 1857. 

William C Wiikatcraft, a farmer of Pleasant Township, 
was born in the house he now occupies, November 22, 1857, the 
son of Malachi and Sophia M. (Bradford) Wheatcraft. He was 
reared on the old homestead, fifty acres of which he now owns. 
He was married February 17, 1886, to Ida M. Moore. She was 
born in Warsaw, Gallatin Co., Kv., April 27, 1858, and was the 
daughter of John and Josephine (Krutz) Moore. Their marriage 
has resulted in the birth of one child, Raymond M., born Novem- 
ber 18, 1886. Mrs. Wheatcraft is a member of the Christian 
Church. He is a member of the Presbyterian Church, and both 
are members of the Society of Chosen Friends. He is a republican. 
The paternal grandparents of Mrs. Wheatcraft were Dr. John and 
Martha Temple ^ Elliott) Moore, the former of whom was born in 



PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. S29 

Lexington, Ky., and the latter in Woodford Count}-, Ky. The 
maternal grandparents of Mrs. Wheatcraft were Edward T. and 
Ann (Kelso) Krutz, both of whom were natives of Switzerland 
Count}-, Ind. She died in that county in 1846, and he died near 
Warsaw, Ky., in 1880. The parents of Dr. John Moore were 
Rev. James and Betsey (Todd) Moore, the former of whom was 
a minister in the Presbyterian Church. 

David S. Whitexack, undertaker and furniture dealer, of 
Greenwood, and one of the prominent c itizens of that place, was 
born in Pleasant Township, this county, January 30, 1837, anc ' is 
the son of Peter and Elmira J. (Harris) Whitenack, who were re- 
spectively natives of Mercer County, Ky., and Culpepper County, 
Ya., the "former of Dutch, and the latter of English, descent. He 
was reared to manhood on the old homestead, where he was born, 
and in the district school obtained a knowledge of the ordinary 
branches of learning. Later, he attended Wabash College two 
years. On the 28th day of December, 1863, he entered the ser- 
vice of the Union Army, in Company F, Fifth Indiana Cavalry, 
with which he served until the 31st of July, 1864, when he was 
captured and made a prisoner of war. His brother, George M. 
Whitenack, whose history appears below, had become a member 
of the same company, August 18, 1862, and he also was captured 
at the same time and place. Both were imprisoned at Ander- 
sonville. On the 16th of September, 1864, they were removed to 
the prison at Florence, S. C. Their food was barely sufficient to 
keep them alive. On the third day of their confinement they suc- 
ceeded in breaking guard and making their escape. After spend- 
ing nine days in a fruitless effort to break entirely away, during 
which time they were pursued by both men and bloodhounds, they 
were re-captured about 100 miles from Florence, and were lodged 
in jail at Columbia, S. C, where they were confined six weeks. 
They were then returned to the prison at Florence, and there con- 
fined until February 14, 1865, when the entire body of prisoners 
was removed to Richmond, Va., and paroled on the 2 2d of the month. 
On regaining their freedom, the Whitenack brothers made their 
way to Annapolis, Md., where it became necessary for the younger, 
George M., to enter a hospital. David S. Whitenack determined 
not to leave his brother in his almost dying condition, so he availed 
himself of the first opportunity and made off with him on a vessel 
bound for Baltimore. At that city they took a train for Indianap- 
olis, whither they arrived on the 4th of March, 1865. Thirty 
days later the subject of this sketch rejoined his regiment at 
Pulaski, Tenn., and remained with it until the original members 
were mustered out. June 27, 1865, he was transferred to the 



830 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Sixth Indiana Cavalry, and was commissioned as second lieutenant, 
which rank he held until September 15, 1865, when he was hon- 
orably discharged at Murfreesboro, Term. From the war. Mr. 
Whitenack returned to Pleasant Township, and for a number of 
years he farmed in summer and taught school in winter. In Oc- 
tober. 1883, lie removed to Greenwood. In the fall of 1S84, he 
became the proprietor of an undertaking business at that place, 
which he has successfully conducted ever since. In connection 
with this, he has also owned and conducted a first-class furniture 
.store. Mr. Whitenack was married January 1, iS6r, to Sylvia R. 
Unthank. She was born at Port Roval, this county, April 2S, 1840, 
and was the daughter ot William S. and Nancy' L. (Moreland) 
Unthank, who were respectively natives of North Carolina 
and Kentucky. The mother of Mrs. Whitenack was the daughter 
of Rev. John R. Moreland. The marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Whitenack 
has resulted in the birth of ten children, as follows: Eva J., April 
18, 1862; Ida M., April, 1864; Cora S., August 3, 1S66; Laura F., 
October 7, 1867, deceased; Emma F., December S, 1S69; Nannie 
E., January 19, 1872; Hattie, January 24, 1874, deceased; Bertha 
B., April 28, 1875, deceased; Edwin H., July 27, 1877, deceased, 
and Nellie Mabel, January 5, 18S0. Mr. and Mrs. Whitenack are 
members of the Presbyterian Church. The former is a member of 
the K. of H. and G. A. R. In politics, he is an ardent republican, 
and in 186S he was the candidate of his party for the office of 
county clerk, but was defeated. He has served as assessor of his 
township one term. Mr. and Mrs. Whitenack are devoted mem- 
bers of the church, and take an active part in the work of it, and 
the Sabbath school. 

Georue M. Whitenack, a worthy and respected citizen of 
Pleasant Township, was born on a farm between one and two 
miles south of Greenwood, December 3, 1S42, and was the son of 
Peter and Elvira J. (Harris) Whitenack. He was reared on the 
old homestead and received a common school education. August 
18, 1862, he entered the service of the Union Army in Company 
F, Fifth Indiana Cavalry, and served until July 31, 1S64, when he 
was taken prisoner near Macon, Ga., and imprisoned at Anderson- 
ville. He received an honorable discharge at Columbus. Ohio, 
June 21, 1865. He then returned home and engaged at farming 
December 20, 1865; he married Elizabeth Park, born in this county 
November 2, 1845, and was the daughter of James W. and Eliza- 
beth (Young) Park, who were respectively natives of Kentucky 
and Indiana. While the chief pursuit of Mr. Whitenack has been 
farming, he has also, for the past fifteen years, been quite exten- 
sively engaged in buying and selling poultry. He and wife have 



PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. S3 1 

had a family of ten children, as follows: William L., James H., 
George M., Fred D., Charles E. and Carrie, who are living; and 
Minnie, Jessie, Samuel, and a son unnamed, who are deceased. Our 
subject and wife are members, of the Presbyterian Church. Mr. 
Whitenack is a member of the G. A. R., and, in politics, he is a re- 
publican. His record, both as a citizen and soldier, is irre- 
proachable, and his honesty and integrity are unquestioned. 

Peter Whitenack, one of Johnson County's pioneers, and 
who for the past fifty-five years has been a resident of Pleasant 
Township, was born in Mercer County, Ky., February S, 1S06. 
He was the son of John and Ann (Debon) Whitenack, botli of 
whom were natives of the State of New Jersey. His father was 
the son of Andrew Whitenack, and his mother was the daughter of 
Abram Debon. The boyhood and youth of our subject were spent 
on a farm in Mercer County, Ky. He was married there to Elvira J. 
Harris, November 17, 1828. She was born in Culpepper County, 
A 'a.. March 20, 1806. In 1833, Mr. Whitenack removed with his 
family to this county and settled in Pleasant Township, in which he 
now resides. His occupation throughout his life has been farming. 
He owns a farm of 190 acres, which is in a good state of improve- 
ment and cultivation. His first marriage resulted in the birth of eight 
children, as follows: John J., born February 8, 1830, deceased; 
Harriet F., October 1, 1831; Elizabeth A., February 20, 1834, de- 
ceased; David S., January 30, 1S37; Sarah J., July 2, 1839; 
George M., December 3, 1842; Man* E., January 30, 1845, and 
Martha G., April 3, 1849. The mother of these children died 
March 29, i860. About eight years later Mr. Whitenack was 
married to Margaret Van Horn, his present wife; she was born in 
Pennsylvania, and was the daughter of Robert and Margaret Van 
Horn. This latter marriage has resulted in the birth of one child, 
Edith, who is a graduate of the Greenwood high school, and who 
is now preparing herself for the teacher's profession. For a num- 
ber of years prior to her death the first wife of Mr. Whitenack was 
a devoted member of the Presbyterian Church, of which, also, he 
and his present wife are members. 

Daultin Wilson, a druggist of Greenwood, and the present 
postmaster of that place, was born on a farm in Pleasant Township, 
May 2, 1844, the son of William and Jane (Todd) Wilson, who 
were repcctively natives of North Carolina and Kentucky. He was 
reared on the old homestead, and in addition to a common school 
education, he attended Franklin College between one and two 
years. In January, 1865, he entered Bryant & Stratton's Busi- 
ness College, at Indianapolis, in which he remained three months, 
and during that time obtained a knowledge of telegraphy. In 



832 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

April, 1865, he took a position as operator for the J. ,M. & I. R. R., 
and as agent for the Adams Express Co., at Franklin, this county, 
and continued there three years. In April, 1S6S, he and his 
brother-in-law, C. II. Myers, opened a store in this county, where 
Mr. Wilson continued in business until March, 1S71. About the 
15th of that month he accepted the agency of the J., M. & I. 
Railroad, at Greenwood, and continued in that until in November, 
1882. Earlv in i8S2 he began the erection of a brick business 
block in Greenwood, and on the first day of June of that year, he 
opened in it a drug store, to which his attention has since been 
given. He was married October 25, 1870, to Miss Lizzie F. Polk, 
daughter of William and Sarah (Shoptaugh) Polk, who were both 
born in Nelson Countv, Kv., in 1805. Mrs. Wilson was born in 
Bullitt Countv, Kv., June 16, 1848. Their marriage has resulted 
in the birth of five children: Susie P., Burr L., Cliffie H., Bessie 
D. and Harry, all of whom are living. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson are 
members of the Presbyterian Church. In politics, Mr. Wilson is 
a staunch democrat. He was elected trustee of Pleasant Town- 
ship in the spring of 1SS0, and was re-elected in the spring of 1882. 
He was appointed postmaster of Greenwood, July 10, 18S5, and has 
performed the duties of that position since August 3, of that year. 
James D. Wilson, a successful farmer and prosperous citizen 
of Pleasant Township, is a native of Guilford County, N. C, born 
March 3, 1828, being the son of Edward and Ann (Billingsly) Wil- 
son, both of whom were natives of North Carolina. When he was a 
child his parents emigrated westward to Johnson Countv, and located 
on a tract of land in Pleasant Township. Our subject has ever since 
continued to reside on the same tract. During his early life he 
was employed upon the farm in summer, and was occasionallv per- 
mitted to attend the district school in winter. At about the age of 
twentv-one he took up the carpenter's trade, and to it his attention 
was given for some six or seven years. He then turned his atten- 
tion to the vocation of a farmer and stock-raiser, to which it has 
since entirely been given. lie owns a farm of no acres, about 
seventv-five of which are in cultivation. It is in a good state of im- 
provement, and is very desirablv situated. On the third day of De- 
cember, 1S57, he was married to Susan C. Oldham. She was 
born in Rush Count}', Ind., April 25, 1838, and was the daugh- 
ter of Thomas and Elizabeth (Wilson) Oldham, who were respect- 
ively' natives of Pennsylvania and Kentucky. Mr. and Mrs. Wilson 
have had seven children, as follows: Laura B., born December 4. 
1858 (married Granville R. Trout, March 17, 1885. He was 
born in this county, June 20, 1859, an ^ was trie son °^ Andrew J. 
and Elizabeth (Lemasters) Trout. Mr. Trout lived only a few 



PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 833 

months after his marriage, his death occurring August 6, 1885.); 
Clara A., March 2, i860, deceased; John A., June 18, 1S62; 
James N., September 22, 1S64: Charles G., November 15, 1867; 
Susan O., May 11, 1S73, and Jessie M., June 24, 1SS3. Mr. and 
Mrs. Wilson and their five oldest children, are members of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. Their daughter, Clara A., was also 
a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, Mr. 
Wilson is a democrat, and has served his township as assessor four 
years. He is an enterprising and progressive farmer, and he and 
wife are highly respected. 

James F. Weley, a citizen of Pleasant Township, was born in 
Lewis County, Ky., January 25, 1S23, and is the son of James and 
Martha K. (Looney) Wiley, the former of whom was born in 
Philadelphia, December 14, 1790, and died in Indianapolis, March 
1, 1883; the latter was born in Lewis Count}', Ky., January 23, 
179S, and died in the city of Indianapolis, March 29, 1875. They 
were married in Lewis County, Ky., June 27, 1816. When the 
subject of this sketch was three years old his parents removed to 
this state and settled in Rush County. There he spent his boy- 
hood and youth, doing farm work in summer and attending school 
in winter. He was married in Rush Countv, February 24, 1S42, 
to Drusilla Myers. She was born in Rush County, November 22, 
1822, and was the daughter of Henry and 'Hannah (Salisbury) 
Myers, the former of whom was a native of Pennsylvania, born 
Septembers, 17S7, and died in this county in September, 1S71; 
the latter was a native of Lewis County, Ky., born July 15, 1794, 
and died in Greenwood, this county, in September, 1870. They 
were married in Lewis Countv, Ky., February 17, 181 2. In 1856, 
Mr. and Mrs. Wiley removed from Rush County to this county, 
and located where they now reside. The life occupation of Air. 
Wiley has been farming. He owns a handsome farm of 204 acres, 
which is admirably situated, and about 160 of which are in cultiva- 
tion. Mr. and Mrs. Wiley have had seven children: Nancy A., 
born January 15, 1S43; American P., December 29, 1S47, deceased; 
Sarah J., August 4, 1849; Marcus D.L., August 2, 185 1 ; Myrtle B., 
October 17, 1856, deceased; William A., May 27, 1859, anc ^ Friend 
F., July 14, 1S62. Mr. and Mrs. Wiley, and their hve children, 
are members of the Christian Church. In politics, Mr. Wiley is a 
democrat. He was elected a member of the board of county com- 
missioners in 1858, and was subsequently re-elected to that position 
three times, serving, in all, twelve consecutive years, to the entire 
satisfaction of the public. 

Dr. Joseph M. Wisiiakd, a prominent physician of Greenwood, 
was born in White River Township, this county, January 1, 1828, 



S34 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

and was the son of John and Agnes H. (Oliver) Wishard, the 

former of whom was born in Red Stone Fort, Penn., in 1792, of Scotch- 
Irish descent, and the latter was born in a fort, on the present 
site of Lexington, Kv., in 1793, of Scotch descent. He was 
reared on a farm in his native township. He received a common 
school education, and in the fall of 1849, entered Wabash College, 
where he remained nearly two years. He was married to Rachel 
A. Lyons, April 14, 1S52. She was born in Pleasant Township, 
this county, in February, 1S26, and was the daughter of Robert R. 
and Jane "( Yanarsdall ) Lyons, who were natives of Pennsylvania 
and Kentuckv. In 1S52, they located on a farm in White River 
Township. They removed to Greenwood in 1S54, where our sub- 
ject entered upon the study of medicine, with his brother, Dr. W. 
H. Wishard, now of Indianapolis. During the winter of 
1855-6, he took a course of medical lectures in the Rush 
Medical College of Chicago. During the winter of 1S56- 
57, he took his second course of lectures in the Ohio 
Medical College of Cincinnati, graduating in March, 1^57. Dr. 
Wishard, entered upon his professional labors in this county, and soon 
won a lucrative practice. His labors as a physician have nearly all 
been performed in Greenwood and vicinity. In October, 1862, he 
entered the service of the Union Army in the capacitv of assistant 
surgeon. In the fall of 1863, he was promoted to the rank of sur- 
geon, and served as such until the close of the war. He was cap- 
tured Julv 31, 1S64, near Macon, Ga., and was a prisoner for live 
weeks. At the close of the war, he resumed his practice at Green- 
wood, where he has continued ever since. His first wife died 
July 31, 1871. On the 27th of June, 1S77, Dr. Wishard was 
married to Mrs. Vandalina L. E. Creasey. She was born 
in Pleasant Township, and was the daughter of John and 
Ellen (Smock) Shortridge. In 1S5S she was married to Richard 
Ferree, who was killed in the battle of Resaca, Ga. In 1864 
she was married to Lawrence P. Creasey, who died in 1873. The 
first marriage of Dr. Wishard resulted in the birth of eight chil- 
dren : Laura Ella, Robert Wilbur, John Watson, Harvey Hadley, 
Jennie, Joseph Ellis, William Arthur and Maggie, all of whom are 
living, except Harvey and I ladle} - . One child was born to the first 
marriage of Mrs. Wishard, and two children were born to her sec- 
ond marriage. Their names are: Charles Anderson, Ollie and 
Aurilla Bertha Corilla, all of whom are living. Dr. Wishard and 
wife are members of the Presbyterian Church. The former is a 
member of the I. O. O. F. and G. A. R. lodges. He is a success- 
ful physician, and has a creditable rank among the leading practi- 
tioners of the county. He has held the position of elder of the 
Presbyterian Church for a period of twenty-five years. 



PLEASANT TOWNSHIP. 835 

Capt. Robert C. Wishard, a pioneer of Johnson Count}', 
was born in Fleming County, Ky., August 29, 1S03, and was the 
son of William and Elizabeth (Furlow) Wishard, the former of 
whom was born in County Tyrone, Ireland, and the latter was born 
in the city of Philadelphia. At twenty years of age, he accom- 
panied his widowed mother to Johnson County, and located in 
White River Township, where he pursued the vocation of a 
farmer until the spring of 1848. At that time he removed to 
Pleasant Township, and he has ever since occupied the farm where 
he now resides. The chief occupation of his life has been farm- 
ing. His farm contains 120 acres, about seventy of which are in 
cultivation. While he has devoted almost his entire attention 
to farming, he has also been identified with the county's 
military and political history. As earl}' as 1831 or 1S32, he was 
made captain of a military company organized in White River 
Township, and it is for this reason that he is so familiarly known as 
Capt. Wishard. In politics, Mr. Wishard was formerly a whig. 
He was made the candidate of his party for the state legislature, 
but though he failed to be elected, he received every vote in his 
township but three. He served as constable in White River Town- 
ship for five years. Since 1856, Mr. Wishard has been identified 
with the republican party. He was married May 22, 1826, to Re- 
becca C. Smith. She was born in Mason Count}-, Ky., October 
29, 1S05, and was the daughter of Samuel and Mary (Martin) 
Smith, who also were natives of Kentucky. Their marriage re- 
sulted in the birth of eight children, as follows: Caroline H., 
born August 10, 1827; Milton M., December 12, 1829, deceased; 
Emily F., June 18, 1832; John M., November 24, 1835; 
Mary W., October 31, 1S39; Robert W., May 10, 1S42, deceased; 
James A., July 25, 1S44, deceased, and Hattie L., July 26, 1S49, 
deceased. The wife of Mr. Wishard died August 23, 1882, aged 
seventy-seven. Though in the eighty-fifth year of his age, Mr. 
Wishard still enjoys good health. He was the youngest of a family 
of fifteen children, ten sons and five daughters, all of whom, except 
himself, are now deceased. He is one of Johnson County's oldest 
pioneers, having resided here continuously for sixty-five years. 

Alfred C.Woods, a prominent farmer of Pleasant Township, 
was born in Blount County, Tenn., December 17, 1821, and was the 
son of William and Mary (Hannah) Woods, who were respectively 
natives of North Carolina and Tennessee. When he was nine 
years old, his parents came to Johnson County, and located in 
White River Township. In his early manhood, he engaged in 
agricultural pursuits for himself, and he has ever since given that 
his attention. In about 1S48, he located in Pleasant Township, 
53 



836 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

where he has resided ever since. He has occupied his present 
home, in Section 29, since 1850. His farm contains 125 
acres, of which about no are in cultivation. It contains a hand- 
some brick residence, and is substantially improved. He was mar- 
ried Julv 1, 1S47, to Elizabeth A. Smock. She was born on the 
farm where Mr. Woods now lives, March 30, 1S29, and was the 
daughter of John B. and Jane (Brewer) Smock, who were respect- 
ivelv natives of Pennsylvania and Kentucky. She died August 4, 
1876. On the nth day of September, 1878, Mr. Woods was mar- 
ried to Mrs. Margaret Tilson. She was born in Anderson County, 
Ky., December 30, 1835, and was the daughter of Richard A. and 
Lucy (Jordan) Wheat, who were natives of Virginia and Ken- 
tucky, respectively. She was married September 30, 1852, to 
William T. Yories. He was born in Henry Count}-, Ky., Septem- 
ber 2, 1833, and was the son of John and Elizabeth (Shuck) 
Yories, who were natives of Kentucky. Mr. Yories died February 
23, 1862. On the 23d day of January, 1S66, his widow was 
married to Robert B. Tilson. He was born in the State of 
Virginia, December 15, 1816, and was the son of Stephen and 
Anna (Buchanan) Tilson. He died June 16, 1867, after which his 
surviving wife remained a widow until her marriage to Mr. Woods. 
The first marriage of Mr. Woods resulted in the birth of twelve 
children: Jane A., William C, James H.,Eva and Henrietta (twins), 
deceased, Ellen E.,John E., Charles W., Annie E., Woodford W., 
Mary F., deceased, and Alice C. The second marriage of Mr. Woods 
has resulted in the birth of one child, Roscoe, deceased. The first 
marriage of Mrs. Woods resulted in the birth of two children: 
Mary I. and Laura A. Her second marriage resulted in the birth of 
one child, Cora. Mr. and Mrs. Woods are members of the Presby- 
terian Church. In politics, Mr. Woods is a republican. In 1863, 
he participated in the pursuit of John Morgan, serving first as cap- 
tain of Company A. Ninth Battalion, and subsequently was com- 
missioned major of the Johnson County Regiment, Indiana Legion. 



RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 837 



CHAPTER X. 

Religious History — Presbyterian Churches at Fraxklix, 
Greenwood, Whiteland, Shiloii, Hopewell, Edinburg, 
and Others — Baptist Churches at Fraxklix, Green- 
wood, Amity, Mt. Ziox, Trafalgar, Mt. Pleasaxt, Ed- 
ixburg, and Other Points — Christian Churches of the 
County — Methodists — Catholics. 



HE history of the Presbyterian Church in Franklin* 
dates from the 30th clay of November, 1S24. In 
what house the little congregation met to engage in 
public worship on the occasion of the organization is 
not known, but it is not unfair to presume that it was 
the old log court house. The record chronicling the 
organization reads as follows: "Franklin, Johnson 
County, Indiana, November 30, 1S24. — This certifies 
that after public worship, the following persons, who were members 
of the Presbyterian Church, came forward and were, by adminis- 
tration of the subscriber, with prayer, constituted a Church of 
Christ, which was, by agreement, called Franklin: George and 
Eleanor King, Joseph and Nancy Young and David McCaslin. The 
members proceeded to choose George King and David McCaslin 
to the office of ruling elders, who were ordained to that office 
after a sermon by the Rev. George Bush. The session then re- 
ceived Jane ?dcCaslin a member of the church on examination. 
(Signed) Rev. John M. Dickey, moderator." 

At this point it may not be improper to speak a word with 
reference to the ministers who officiated on the occasion. From 
the internal evidence contained in the record it is apparent that Rev. 
John M. Dickey preached the organization sermon. The Rev. 
George Bush, who preached the ordination sermon, was born in 
Vermont in 1796, was educated at Dartmouth College, and studied 
theoloyv at Princeton. In 1S24, he came to Indianapolis, and re- 
mained in this state for nearly five years. He was the author of a 
number of well-known works, and died about the year 1869. The 
record shows that Jane McCaslin, who was the wife of David W., 
was the first member admitted "on profession of faith." On the 

* From Judge Eauta's Semi-Centennial Address. 




838 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

25th of June following, Simon Covert and Mary, his wife, were ad- 
mitted on "certificates," and at the same time, their infant daughter, 
Dorothy Ann, was baptized, the first celebration of this ordinance 
occurring within the church. In August of 1827, Mrs. Margaret 
Gilchrist, the wife of Robert Gilchrist, died, hers being the first 
death of a member of this church. 

For many years there were neither pastor nor house of wor- 
ship. Sometimes meetings were held at Pleasant Hill, now Hope- 
well, and sometimes the members met at private houses, occasion- 
ally in the open woods, but oftener in the old court log-house. 
Those who ministered to the people then came at the charge of 
others; Franklin was a missionary station. Of these missionaries, 
the names of Revs. Isaac Reed, William Duncan, John Moreland, 
Jeremiah X I ill and William Wood, are the most familiar. In 1830, 
Rev. David Monfort, of the Presbytery of Chillicothe, Ohio, came 
into the state as a missionary, and was installed pastor of the Franklin 
Church six months after his coming. Dr. Monfort served the 
church until 1S50, when he was succeeded by Rev. James A. 
McKee, whose pastorate continued ten years. He was succeeded 
by Rev. Alexander B. Morey, whose labors continued a little over 
ten years. Rev. Samuel E. Wishard was the next pastor. His 
labors began in 187 1, and closed in 1877. His successor was Rev. 
William Torrence, whose pastorate continued about nine years, 
ending in 18S6. Toward the close of the latter year, Rev. Ernest 
McMillen, the present pastor, was installed. 

The church now embraces 646 members, being the second in 
the state in point of numerical strength. The following named 
ministers were members of this church prior to licensure, the first 
two being deceased: Revs. John C. King, Anderson Wallace, 
Samuel E. Barr, James H. L. Vannuys, Robert M. Overstreet and 
Sylvester Bergen. The church worshiped in a frame structure 
until 1852, when a plain, commodious brick building was erected. 
This was taken down in 1875, and the present church edifice erected 
on the same site. The present building is of brick and stone, 
Gothic style, with slate roof, and seats 650 persons, with a lecture- 
room seating 500 adjoining in the rear, and so arranged with sliding 
doors, that upon occasions the two can be thrown into one large 
audience chamber. The value of the property is estimated at 
$30,000. Officers, 1S8S. — Elders: A. Bergen, R. V. Ditmars, 
J. R. Covert, W. II. Lagrange, George W. Voris, George W. 
Demaree, C. II. Voris, I.N. Lagrange,W. B.Ellis. Deacons: W. B. 
McCollough, J. C. Smith, C. M. Demaree, E. C. Miller, O. C. Dunn, 
and R. A. Brown. Trustees: John Clark, I. M. Crowell and R. A. 
Alexander. Con £re ^rational Clerk: W. B. McCollough. Treas- 



RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 839 

urer: E.C.Miller. Chorister: C. H.Voris. Organist: Mrs. Julia 
Yoris. 

Greenwood Presbyterian Church. — The settlements in the north- 
ern part of Johnson Count}- were visited by ministers of the Presby- 
terian Church as earl}' as 1824, in December of which year, Rev. 
George Bush held religious services at the residence of John B. 
Smock, a short distance south of the present site of Greenwood. 
Rev. James II. Johnson preached in the neighborhood at an early 
day, as did also Rev. Isaac Reed, and on the 31st of December, 
' 1S25, the latter officiated at the organization of the Greenwood 
Church, which was constituted with nine members: James, Charity, 
Isaac, Rachel, Mary, Henry, John B. and Mary Smock, and Gar- 
rett Brewer. James Smock and Garrett Brewer were elected 
ruling elders, and in January, 1826, trustees were chosen, and 
steps taken toward the erection of a house of worship; a "parcel of 
land," one-half mile north of the present limits of the town, was 
donated for the purpose by Isaac Reed and Garrett Brewer, and in 
due time a small log house, about iSx20 feet in size, was erected 
thereon, and formally dedicated with appropriate ceremonies. 

For some time after the organization the church did not enjoy the 
labors of a regular pastor, but was ministered to from time to time by 
transient preachers, among whom were Revs. H. Patrick, Jeremiah 
Hill, William W. Woods and Eliphalet Kent. In 1839, Rev. P. S. 
Clelland became pastor. He was a man of ability, and a logical 
speaker. Rev. Horace Bushnell became pastor in 1866, and served 
with great acceptance till 1869. The next pastor was Rev. A. 
Dunn, who ministered to the congregation until 1878. His succes- 
sor was Rev. J. B. Logan, whose term of service extended from 
1878 to 18S0. Rev. J. B. Jones then became pastor, and after 
serving one year was succeeded by A. Dunn, who preached about 
eighteen months. The next pastor was Rev. James Williamson, 
wlv.se term of service expired in October, 1SS7, at which time the 
present incumbent, Rev. D. R. Love began his labors. The first 
church edifice was replaced about the year 1832, by a commodious 
frame building, fitted up with two apartments, one of which was 
used for school purposes. The building stood on the ground occu- 
pied by the first house, and was used until about the year 1852 or 
1853. In 1S52, it was decided to erect a new house of worship, 
and a building committee was appointed to select an appropriate site 
for the same. A lot near the central part of Greenwood, on Bluff 
Street, was secured, and the building, a substantial frame structure, 
was completed and formally dedicated in 1853. The house is still 
in use, and is a comfortable place of worship. Present member- 
ship, 175. 



S4O JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Bethany Presbyterian Church (Whiteland) was organized Sep- 
tember, 1S33, by Rev. David Monfort and William Sickles, pur- 
suant to an order from the Indianapolis Presbytery. The following 
are the names of those \\ ho petitioned for an organization : A. V. 
and Emma Banta, Jane, Jane Ann, Mary, and Francis Dobbins, 
John Fitzpatrick, Thomas, L. R., Samuel C, Elizabeth; James II., 
Archibald C. and Poll)' R. Graham, Samuel G. and Jane Hender- 
son. The organization was effected at the residence of Lewis Gra- 
ham, a short distance from the present site of Whiteland, and at 
the first meeting the following persons additional to those enumer- 
ated, were received into membership: A. Banta, Adaline Dobbins, 
Allen D. and Elizabeth Graham. For about four years services 
were regular!)- held in a school-house, three quarters of a mile 
southeast of Whiteland, and at the end of that time, a building for 
the especial use of the church, was erected, about two miles north- 
east of the village. This was a frame edifice, 30x40 feet in size, and 
answered well the purposes for which it was intended, until 1866. 
In that year a beautiful brick building, 40x60 feet in size, was 
erected in the village of Whiteland, at a cost of $4,000. A neat 
parsonage was built in 1875, an d die church property is now among 
the best in the county. The following ministers have sustained 
the pastoral relation to the church: Revs. William Sickles, B. F. 
Woods, J. Q. McKeehan, James Gilchrist, J. G. Williamson, J. B. 
Logan, John H. Harris, William II. Hyatt, and the present incum- 
bent, Rev. H. L. Dickerson. 

Shiloh Presbyterian Church (Union Township) was organized 
on the 5th day of October, 1832, at the residence of James Wylie, 
by Rev. David Monfort, the following persons presenting certifi- 
cates of admission: Jesse Young, and Margaret, his wife, from 
Strait Creek, Ohio; Rebecca Clark, Rachel Titus, and Rachel 
Young, from West Union, Ohio; and John Young from Franklin, 
Ind. Jesse Young was elected, ordained and installed ruling elder, 
and it was unanimously resolved to call the new organization the 
Shiloh Presbyterian Church. Before July, 1S34, four additional 
members were received, all upon examination: Joseph Young, 
Mary Young, Thomas Titus and Mary Titus. The congregation 
had occasional preaching until July, 1834, when the first church 
building was erected. The first meeting in this house was held 
July 30, 1834, Rev. David Monfort preaching, and ordaining and 
installing an additional ruling elder, Joseph Young. From this 
period until 1S40, the church records show an addition of thirty-one 
members. From the same source it is learned that from the or- 
ganization, until 18S7, 243 members had been received into the 
church, of whom only twelve were remaining July 1, 1S87. It was 



RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 84I 

in the decade between 1840 and 1S50, that old log meeting house 
was removed, and the present tasteful frame structure erected in 
its stead. The value of the present building and grounds would 
be from $600 to $800. Pastors and stated supplies: Revs. David 
Monfort, William Sickles, David V. Smock, James H. McKee, 
Robert M. Overstreet, John Lyle Martin, Benjamin T. Wood, 

Lee, J. Quincy 'McKeehan, W. W. Sickles, John King, Nathan 

L. Palmer, B. F. Wood, A. C. Allen, Arthur Naylor, Horace Bush- 

nell, Michael M. Lavvson, Reeves, Robert Herron, Henry C. 

Cave, Edward N. Post, Daniel B. Banta, L. L. Larimer and 
Josiah Pugh. 

Hp-pewell. — The history of this prosperous church dates from 
1 83 1, but several years prior to that time the Hopewell settlement 
was visited at intervals by Presbyterian ministers, who held public 
worship in the residences of the pioneers. " The first of these 
preachers, it is believed, was Rev. Samuel Gregg, of Tennessee, 
and his first sermon was preached at the house of Mr. Simon 
Covert, in the fall of 1S25. " After laboring a short time here as 
a missionary, Mr. Gregg seems to have returned to Tennessee, 
where soon afterward he entered into his rest. Rev. Isaac Reed, 
of Bloomington, seems to have preached a few sermons in the 
neighborhood during the same year, and the next, and in March, 
1827, Rev. William Lowery visited the neighborhood and preached 
here and at Franklin. " Revs. William Henderson, William Dun- 
can. Jeremiah Hill, J. R. Moreland and E. Kent, are also re- 
membered as having preached here and at Franklin occasionally, 
prior to the organization of the church in 1831. " 

" A petition was forwarded to the Presbyterv of Indianapolis in 
1 83 1, then in session at Greensburg, asking for an organization, 
which was granted." The organization was effected May 23, 183 1, 
by Messrs. Monfort and Moreland, with forty-one members, whose 
names are as follows: 

John Covert, Theodores Covert, Mary Henderson, Nancy Hen- 
derson, John Henderson, Margaret Mitchell, Peter Demaree, Mary 
Demaree, Isaac Vannuys, Ellen Vannuys, Peter Bergen, Anna 
Bergen, John B. Johnson, John Voris, Andrew Carnine, Nancy Car- 
nine, Susannah Bergen, Jane Voris, Hannah Yoris, Martha Free- 
man, Daniel Covert, Rachel Covert, Theodore List, Susan List, 
Thomas Henderson, Mary Henderson, Ann Ransdall, Simon Covert, 
Mary Covert, Samuel Vannuys, Anna Vannuys, Stephen Luvster, 
Mary Luyster, Cornelius Covert, Ann Covert. Peter Lagrange, 
Lemma Lagrange, William McGill, Sarah McGill, Simon Vannars- 
dall, Catherine Vannarsdall. 

The following officers were elected: Elders, John Covert, Peter 






842 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Demaree and Samuel Vannuys; deacons, Isaac Vannuys and Cor- 
nelius Covert. 

" During the first four years after the organization, the church 
worshiped in the log house, built for the joint purpose of a 
school-house and church." It was built about the year 1828, three 
years before the church was organized. It was a hewed log struct- 
ure, 20x30 feet in size, and was probably much the best house in 
the neighborhood at thfe time it was built. The second house, the 
first regular church building, erected in 1835, was 45x60 feet, with 
ceiling fourteen feet high, sustained by four large substantial posts 
or pillars near the middle of the auditorium. The minister who 
served the church after Dr. Monfort was Rev. William Sickles. 
He seems to have supplied the church for about one year, during 
which time eighteen persons are reported as having united with the 
church on profession. The next pastor was Rev. Savers Gazley, 
who gave three-fourths of his time to the church, for about two and 
a half years. 

Rev. D. V. Smock was pastor from 1842 to 1849, in which 
time the first parsonage was built. Rev. James Gallatin supplied 
the church for a short time, and was succeeded in i85i,by Rev. 
E. K. Lynn, who resigned February, 1854. His successor was 
Rev. A. C. Allen, who began his labors August, 1854, an< ^ con " 
tinued until June, 1859. Rev. John F. Smith was called to the 
pastorate November, 1S59, and continued with the church until his 
death in 1864. The next pastor was Rev. S. E. Barr. Rev. E. 
Black served eight years', and was succeeded bv the present pas- 
tor, Rev. J. W. Pugh, who began his labors December, 1883. The 
present church building was erected during the pastorate of Rev. 
E. K. Lynn, about 1853, remodeled during the pastorate of Rev. 
S. E. Barr, in 1867, and repaired during the present pastorate, at a 
total expenditure of $8,000. A Sunday school was organized in 
the Hopewell neighborhood in 1827, with John Covert, superin- 
tendent. 

Edinburg Presbyterian Church.* — The Presbyterian Church 
in Edinburg was organized by Rev. Henry Little, D. D., September 
4, 1864, in connection with the N. S. Branch of the Presbyterian 
Church. The original members were twelve in number, viz. : A. S. 
Rominger, Amanda Rominger, Clarissa Remley, Rachel Stuart, 
Martha Toner, Catherine Cox, Sarah Deming, Sarah Adams, Mary 
(Shipp) Givens, Emily A. Rominger and Adelaide Rominger. 
A. S. Rominger, was elected ruling elder. The first minister was 
Rev. William I. Clark, who preached his first sermon in March, 
1865. He served the church nearly two years. Rev. G. D. Parker 

* By Rev. Thomas N. Todd. 



RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 843 

began his labors with the church as stated supply, April 21, 1867, 
and closed the same, April, 1869. His successor was Rev. J. B. 
Logan, who labored for the church from May 1, 1869, until No- 
vember 13, 1S70; was then called as the S. S. for three-fourths of 
his time, on January 2, 1S71, and continued until November, 1872. 
I. A. Williams was called as S. S., November 17, 1872, and served 
until March, 1875. Rev. Henry L. Nave, of the senior class of 
Lane Seminary, was called to be pastor of the church, March 15, 
1876. His labors were earnest and successful, and closed in Au- 
gust, 1S79. September 4, 1879, Rev. Alexander Parker, of Colum- 
bus, was engaged as stated supply for one year, to preach four 
sermons every month. This engagement continued for two and a 
half years. Rev. Mr. Scofield served the church as stated supply 
for one year, from April 2, 1S82. The church was subsequently 
supplied more or less regularly by seminary students for several 
3'ears. Among these were: W. L. McEwen, of Princeton, Burt E. 
Howard and Thomas Turnbull, of Lane. Since January, 1887, 
the church has been supplied by Rev. Thomas N. Todd. The 
church began with twelve members, and has had a checkered career, 
but has done faithful service and been greatlv blessed at times. The 
highest number enrolled was in Rev. H. L. Nave's pastorate, when 
there was reported a total of 131, and an actual membership of 108. 
The building in which the church worships is a tasteful frame struc- 
ture on Main Cross Street, valued at $3,000. Ruling Elders: A. S. 
Rominger, Stewart Wilson, G. W. Downs, C. C. Forrer, H. Ewing, 
George Williams, S. B. Jenkins, Joel Kinsey, Ephraim Adams, 
Samuel Binley, W. B. Wilson, W. C. Williams and S. H. Kyle, 
clerk of session. 

New Pisgah (O. S. Presb\'terian Church), Needham Town- 
ship, was organized August 6, 1S42, by Rev. John M. Dickey, six- 
teen persons uniting with the organization : James Magill, Maria 
Magill, James Patterson, Cretia Patterson, Thomas Patterson, 
Nancy Ann Patterson, Madison Kelly, Eliza Kelly, Jefferson Kelly, 
Catherine Kelly, -William Kelly, Julia Ann Kelly, Henry Kelly, 
Francis Stewart, David McAlpin and Diana Pullen. David Mc- 
Alpin, James Magill and James Patterson were elected elders. 
The succession of stated supplies was Revs. William M. Stimson, 
Benjamin W. Nyce, John B. Save, James McCov. John Fairchild, 
James Brownlee, L. P. Webber, T. A. Steele and William Clark. 
In the same neighborhood with the New Pisgah Church, the New 
Prospect (O. S.) Church was organized by Rev. B. F. Wood, 
April 10, 1S50, the following persons joining the organization: John 
Henderson, Isabell Henderson, Joseph Henderson, Mitchell Hen- 
derson, James Henderson, Sarah Henderson, Jane McAlpin, Sarah 



S44 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

McAlpin, John McCord, George Allison, John P. Henderson, Jane 
Henderson, Thomas Patterson, Nancy Patterson, William H. Pat- 
terson, Eliza Jane Patterson and Sarah Patterson. Thomas Pat- 
terson and John P. Henderson were chosen ruling elders. The 
Rev. B. F. Wood was the first stated supply, followed by Revs. 
Blackburn, Leffler, John Gilchrist, John Q. McKeehan and James 
Gilchrist. On September 15, 1870, the New Pisgah (N. S.) and 
the New Prospect (O. S.) churches were consolidated. The united 
church assumed the new school name and occupied the old school 
building, the membership being, fifty. The Rev. J. G. Williamson 
was the first stated supply; the Rev. A. R. Naylor and Rev. Mr. 
Reeves followed, supplying the church in the order named. In 
1S75, Rev. James Williamson commenced to supply the church, and 
continued to do so for twelve years, closing his labors October 1, 
The present membership is about seventy-five. 

Shiloh Church, Cumberland Presbyterian (Needham Township), 
was organized about the year 1835, in a school-house one mile 
north of .the present site of Amity village, Rev. Alexander Downey 
officiating. Among the charter members, seventeen in number, 
were John Kerr and wife, David Alexander and wife, John Alexan- 
der and wife, John Gribbin and wife, James Taylor and wife, John 
Taylor and wife, and John R. Kerr and wife. The first house of 
worship, which was not erected until several years after the organ- 
ization, stood about a half mile north of Amity. For some reason 
not now known, this building was never completed. In 1852, a 
frame house was erected about three and a half miles southeast of 
Franklin, Needham Township, on land donated by James Taylor. 
It was a fair building, and answered the purposes for which it was 
intended, until 1882. In that year the present temple of worship, a 
beautiful frame edifice, 32x42 feet, was built on the same lot, at a 
cost of $1,600. The following list embraces the majority of the 
pastors of the church since its organization : Revs. Elam McCord, 
James Ritchey, J. W. Neely, G. W. Edmondson, W. D. Hawkins, 
N. D.Johnson, L.J. Hawkins, A. Hunter and the present supply, 
U. L. Montgomery. Present membership, 100. 

First Baptist Church of Franklin.* — This history begins at 
the time when society in Indiana was in a plastic state. The coun- 
try was quite new, and was being settled by men of various 
religious views. Among others. Baptists came. The Franklin Pres- 
byterian Church had been in existence eight years, and had about 
sixty members when the Baptist Church was formed. Blue River 
Church, the country church from which Franklin came, was organ- 

* Compiled from Semi-Centennial History of the Church, by Dr. W. T. Stott, published 
August, 1SS2. 






RELIGIOUS HISTORY. S45 

ized in 1S23. As early as January 23, 1829, an " arm " of the Blue 
River Baptist Church was constituted at Franklin. Elder Chauncey 
Butler (father of Ovid Butler, founder of Butler University) was 
chosen moderator of the meeting-, and Samuel Harding, of sacred 
memory, clerk. Andrew Vannoy (a tanner) was elected church 
clerk, and Elder Samuel Harding, who lived in the vicinity of Blue 
River Church, was requested to preach for the church " once a 
month." 

The names of the members who constituted this "arm," are 
Simon Shaffer, Sarah Shaffer, Andrew Vannoy, Rebecca Van- 
noy, David Tilson, Stephen Tilson, Mary Frary (mother of Mr. 
Frary, of East Franklin), Eleanor Foster, Jefferson D. Jones, 
Eleanor Jones and Mrs. Sidney Tilson. On the third Saturday in 
August, 1832, the Regular Baptist Church of Franklin was formed. 
Rev. James Woods was made moderator of the meeting The con- 
stituent members of the church, were Simon and Sarah Shaffer, John 
Adams, Jefferson D. Jones, Eleanor Jones, John and Eleanor Fos- 
ter, Simon Hunt, Stephen Tilson, Mary Frary, Catharine Bennett, 
Abraham Stark (brother-in-law of J. A. Dunlap), John Johns, 
Martha McDaniel, Mary Tracy, Keziah Tracy, Andrew Vannoy, 
Rebecca Vannoy and Elizabeth Cravens — in all nineteen mem- 
bers. John Foster was elected clerk. The monthly meeting, in 
September, was held in the house of Simon Shaffer, and John Fos- 
ter. J. D. Jones, W. G. Eaton and Stephen Tilson were appointed 
to ask admission for the church into the Flat Rock Association. 
At the November meeting, J. D. Jones and Simon Shaffer were or- 
dained deacons. At the December meeting the Articles of Faith 
of the Flat Rock Association were adopted. Elder Samuel Hard- 
ing was the first pastor of the church, having been elected in May, 

l8 -+ 3 - • J u 

The church seems to have had uniform prosperity under the 

pastorate of Elder Harding. The membership the first year was 
thirty-two; the second, thirty-six; the third, thirty-four. Elder 
Harding was an acknowledged leader in all enterprises undertaken 
by Indiana Baptists. He died at his home near Smiley's Mill, 
Shelby County, in the latter part of 1835, or early part of 1836. 
In June, 1836, Elder Byram Lawrence was called to the pastorate 
for one year. In October, 1837, Rev. A. R. Hinkley, of Sparta 
Church, was called to the pastorate. Under Pastor Hinkley the 
church bought a lot and built a church-house, the most commodious 
at the time in the town, and it had few superiors, if any, in the 
stale. It cost $2,500. Prof. Tilton was of great service to the en- 
terprise. He secured most of the money, and did it in a short time. 
The dedication services took place on the 28th day of January, 1841. 



846 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

The sermon was preached by Pastor Hinklev. Pastor Hinklev 
came to the church when the membership was forty-one. lie left 
it with 100. During Rev. Mr. Hinkley's pastorate, Judson Benja- 
min became a member by experience and baptism. He went to 
Shurtliff College, Brown University, and Newton Theological Sem- 
inary, and then went as a missionary to Burmah. Failing health 
obliged him to come home, and he died near Boston, in 1854. 

The next pastor was Elder S. G. Miner, who began the pas- 
torate in July, 1S41, and continued one year. Elder Miner's suc- 
cessor was Rev. George C. Chandler, who came from the pastorate 
of the First Church of Indianapolis. He resigned the pastorate 
sometime before he did the presiding over the college, and was suc- 
ceeded by Elder B. C. Morse, or possibly Elder John Currier. 
Elder Benjamin Reece was elected pastor sometime in 1850, and 
continued till August, 1S51, when Elder J. C. Post was chosen. 
During Rev. Post's pastorate, November, 1852, Dr. S. Bailev and 
wife, and Prof. A. J. Vawter and wife, joined the church, and in 
March, 1853, upon petition of A. J. Vawter, J. N. Waggener, 

C. A. Whipple, J. W. Dame, R. F. Grubbs, J. S. Houghan, and 
William Hendricks, letters were granted them to join a new inter- 
est in East Franklin. At the same meeting, Rev. J. C. Post and 
wife were granted letters to the East Franklin Church, soon to be, 
and his pastorate of the First Church ceased. 

On the 26th day of March, 1855, the following persons met in 
the college chapel to organize a church: S. Bailev, Mary P. Bailev, 
J. C. Post, Adaline Post, Mary Parkhurst, J. S. Hougham, Mary 
A. Hougham, R, F. Grubbs, Louisa Grubbs, John West, C. A. 
Whipple, Mary A. Whipple, Lydia Whipple, Mary L. Whipple, 

D. T. Whipple, Ithamar Whipple, Caroline Waggener, A. J. 
Vawter, Maria A. Vawter, G. W. Grubbs, James X. Waggener, 
Milas T. Hendricks, Mary Hendricks. Sarah Hendricks, W. T. 
Brand, M. B. Brand, M. M. Brand, J. W. Dame, J. D. P. Hungate, 
W. II. Mitchell, J. W. A. Webb, Mary A. S. Hodge, Melia Shep- 
herd, Rebecca J. Fox, Josephine Mayhall, Elizabeth Johnston, Julia 
McGriffin, Cyrene A. Peggs, Sarah L. Peggs, Margaret Eoff and 
Elizabeth J. Nance. J. S. Hougham was elected chairman, and 
A. J. Vawter secretary, and Daniel Trichler was received on a 
letter. President Bailev was selected to supplv the pulpit. In June, 
Rev. E. J. Todd was called to the pastorate of the church for one 
year. The next pastor, Rev. J. W. B. Tisdale, of Ohio, was 
elected in May, 1855, and continued till November, 1856. 

Rev. E. J. Todd was again called to the pastorate in January, 
1857, and served until January, 1858. His successor was Rev. 
John G. Kerr, during whose pastorate the union of the First Church 



RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 847 

and East Franklin was consummated. President Bailey was en- 
gaged to supply the pulpit for an indefinite time, and served until 
July, 1S61. Rev. J. S. Read was then elected pastor, and served 
two years. In August, 1862, the church was dismissed from the 
Mt. Zion Association to join the Indianapolis Association. Prof. 
Brumback acted as pastor from July, 1S63, to July, 1864, and was 
succeeded by Rev. M. D. Gage, who preached from September, 
1865, till July, 1867. August 14, 1867, Rev. J. H. Smith was 
called to the pastorate. November, 1868, Rev. I. N. Clark be- 
came pastor, and served as such until January, 1S71. His succes- 
sor was Rev. J. S. Boyden, who preached one year, at the end of 
which time, February, 1S72, Rev. L. D. Robinson was elected 
pastor. From December 17, 1876, till February, 1878, the church 
was without a pastor, but the latter year, Rev. F. M. Huckleberry 
was called to fill the pulpit, and served till 1881. October, 1881, 
Rev. C. S. Scott entered upon the pastorate, and the year follow- 
ing, work began upon the new building, which was erected in due 
time, and formally dedicated by Rev. Reuben Jeffrey, D. D., of 
Indianapolis. It is a commodious brick structure, elegantly fur- 
nished with all the modern conveniences, and represents a capital 
of about $20,000. The present pastor of the church is Rev. A. 
Ogle. The present membership is 360. Superintendent of the 
Sunday school: Prof. W. J. Williams. 

Greenwood Baptist Church. — The Baptist Church at Green- 
wood was constituted on the 17th Say of Julv, 1839, by Rev. T. 
W. Haynes, with eighteen members, seven of whom had been bap- 
tized by Mr. Haynes, while eleven held letters of recommendation 
from Regular Baptist churches elsewhere. After a sermon by Mr. 
I laynes, and the giving of the right hand of fellowship by the breth- 
ren present, principles of faith and rules of decorum were adopted, 
and under the name of " The Regular Baptists of Jesus Christ, at 
Greenwood," the organization was completed. The names of the 
constituent members are as follows: Elder Henry Hunter and wife, 
Mrs. Nancy Ransdale, Elizabeth Smith, Abigail Smith, A. H. Bryan, 
Mrs. Ann Bryan, Garrett Vandiver and wife, M. D. West, John 
Whitenack, Sr., Addison Wilson and wife, Mrs. Abbott, Jesse 
Weathers, Mrs. Weathers, Miss Ann Vandiver, Mrs. Vandyke 
and Miss Urey Vandyke. The first meetings were held in a grove 
near Greenwood, and at one of the earliest business sessions a com- 
mittee was appointed to circulate a petition for the purpose of rais- 
ing funds for the erection of a house of worship. The necessary 
steps were taken, but several years elapsed before the building was 
completed. It was finished about the year 1844, and stood a short 
distance west of the village, on ground now included within the 



S4S JOHNSON COUNTY. 

corporate limits. Rev. Mr. Haynes served as pastor several years, 
and was succeeded bv Rev. Thomas C. Townsend, who was called 
by the church in 1844. H. II. Hunter preached at intervals for some 
years, as did also Rev. J. Brumback, both of whom sustained the 
pastoral relations. About the year 1S58, Rev. J. W. B. Tisdale 
held a series of meetings, the immediate result of which was the 
addition of cpiite a number to the church, and a great revival of in- 
terest among its members. The next preacher was Rev. Mr. 
Golden, who was followed in a short time, by Rev. I. X. Clark, 
whose pastorate extended over a period of three years. Rev. E. 
S. Riley preached at intervals for about ten years, and was suc- 
ceeded bv R. W. Arnold. Following Arnold came Rev. Mr. Kep- 
linger, since the expiration of whose pastorate the church has been 
served from time to time by the following ministers: Charles Davis, 
R. W. Rariden, N. C. Smith and J. T. Green. The pastor in 
charge at this time is Rev. C H. Hall, of Franklin College. The 
large brick house in which the church now worships, was erected 
about the vear i860. It stands on Bluff Street, has a seating ca- 
pacity of about 400, and cost $2,400. Present membership, seventy- 
five. 

Amity Baptist Church was constituted April 10, 1858, Rev. 
John Vawter officiating. The original members were: Travis 
Burnett, Milton S. Vawter, James S. Vawter, James M. Golds- 
borough, William Shipp, Harrison Burnett, William Brown, Mrs. 
Caroline Shipp, Rozana Goldsborough, Martha E. Armstrong, 
Sarah E. Armstrong and Caroline Shipp, the majority of whom 
had formerly belonged to the old Blue River Church, in Shelby 
County, and Mt. Pleasant congregation, near Trafalgar. James S. 
Vawter was the first clerk, and in 1859, he was duly licensed to 
preach the Gospel. The following ministers served the church as 
pastors: Revs. E. \Y. Garrison, William Elgin, A. J. Essex, 
}. W. B. Tisdale, F. M. Buchanan, J. W. Lewis, T. J. Murphy, 

H. R. Todd, N. Johnson, John W. Ragsdale, Stark. A. A. 

Laden, T. E. Stewart and J. M. Barrow, the last named being the 
pastor in charge at this time. 

The year in which the organization was effected witnessed the 
erection of a large and commodious brick temple of worship, 35x60 
feet in size, with a seating capacity of about 400. Present member- 
ship, seventy-eight. Clerk, Andrew Barrow: deacons, S. M. Devore, 
L. O. Abbott and J. H. Brown: treasurer, Harrison Adams: trus- 
tees, P. W. Brown, John Fishback and J. H. Brown. Services are 
held regularly once a month bv the pastor, Rev. Mr. Barrow, and 
at intervals in the meantime by Rev. J. M. Wagner. 

Ml. Zion Baptist Church (Trafalgar) was formally organized 



RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 849 

June 8, 1S44, at what was known as " School District No. i," a 
short distance from the town of Trafalgar, by Elders Reece and 
Chandler. A council from Franklin, Second Mt. Pleasant and 
First Mt. Pleasant churches, was convened for the purpose of con- 
stituting the organization, and after a sermon by Elder Reece, the 
following persons were formally organized into a Regular Baptist 
Church: Frederick Ragsdale, Sarah Ragsdale, Simpson Sturgeon, 
Sarah Sturgeon, William M. Clark, Martha Clark, Annie B. Lee, 
Mary Sturgeon, Absalom Clark, Samuel Sturgeon, Burgess Wag- 
oner, and John W. Ragsdale. Of the above, only two are living: 
Sarah Sturgeon and John W. Ragsdale. Other early members 
are the following: Martha Eaton, Henderson Ragsdale, Lucinda 
Ragsdale, Mary Sturgeon, Jane Alexander, Mary R. Forsyth, 
Martha Hunt, Nicholas Selch, Man- Cole, Lucy Yandiver, Thomas 
Clemmer, James M. Buckner, Helen Sturgeon, Harrison Halbert, 
James Sturgeon, Lucy Clark, E. A. Clark, Margaret M. Clark, 
Isabelle Clark, Nancy Shoemaker, Elizabeth Featherngill, Jackson 
Adams, Mrs. Adams, W'illiam Lee, Martha Long, Rebecca Stur- 
geon, Nancy Warren, John High,Isom Bridges, Elizabeth Bridges, 
William M. Clemmer, and others. Elder J. Reece was called to 
the pastorate in 1844, and the same year a committee was appointed 
to select a suitable site for a house of worship. The ground chosen 
was '-one acre on the northeast corner of Steth Daniel's land," and 
in October, 1845, a frame building, 30x40 feet in size, was decided 
upon by the committee; The house was not erected until some time 
later. It was a frame structure, and answered the purposes for which 
it was intended until 1866, at which time the present large building 
in the village of Trafalgar was erected. This house is in size, 
36x50 feet, and cost the sum of $2,500. The following ministers 
have sustained the pastoral relation to the church at different times: 
Revs. Reece, Roberts, Ragsdale, Buchanan, Parker, Barrow, 
Huckleberry, Smith, Moore, Murphy, Hall, and Stewart. Present 
membership, 140. 

First Mt. Pleasant (Franklin Township), one of the oldest 
Baptist churches in Johnson County, was constituted July, 1828. 
The following were among the earliest members: Henry Byers, 
Elizabeth Byers, Peter Zook, Margaret Zook, Seaton Beadles, 
John Garshwiler, John Brunk, Aaron Mitchell, Nolly Kilbourn, 
Mariah Vaughn, James P. Beadles, Lamenta Beadles, Elizabeth 
Zook, Polly Helms, George Burkhardt, Elizabeth Burkhardt, 
Sarah ( Byers) Leach. Benetta Beadles, George P. Bartlett, Thomas 
Bartlett, Nancy Roberts. Francis Elliott, George Bridges, Polly 
Harbert, Cynthia Warren, Matilda Brunk, Paul Harbert, Margaret 
Harbert and Abraham Brunk. One of the first preachers was 



850 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Rev. John Reece, who held meetings in a little log school-house 
which stood a short distance from the present church building. 
About the year 1S37, or perhaps a little earlier, dissensions arose 
in the church, between the conservative and progressive or mis- 
sionary elements, the result of which was a division of the con- 
gregation. In May, 1S3S, the difficulty was partially adjusted by 
a re-organization under the original name, since which time the so- 
ciety has been known as a Missionary Baptist Church. The re-or- 
ganization was brought about by the efforts of Rev. A. R. Hinkley, 
and the following persons were enrolled as members: Henry By- 
ers, Peter Zook, Batson Dennis, John Herrell, Stephen Rollens, 
Aaron Zook, Adam Cofman, Elizabeth Byers, Margaret Zook, 
Emarine Jones, Paulina Herrell, Margaret Harbert, Mary Rollens, 
Phebe Townsend and Polly Harbert. The present membership is 
seventy-five. The following ministers sustained the pastoral rela- 
tions at different times: Revs. A. R. Hinklev, John Reece, D. Hus- 
ton, E.J. Todd, J. W. Ragsdale, R. M. Parks, N. C. Smith, J. M. 
Barrow, L. E. Duncan, Robert Moore, T. J. Murphy, C. C. Pal- 
mer and J. C. Rhodes. The first house of worship was a log 
structure erected a number of years ago, and used until the building 
of the present edifice. The present church building is brick, well 
finished and furnished, and stands about five miles southwest of 
Franklin, on the Martinsville turnpike. 

J//. Pleasant Number 2, near the Shelby Count}- line in Need- 
ham Township, was organized about the year 1S34, by Rev. Sam- 
uel Hardin, with about eight members, among whom were the 
following: Joseph Reece and wife, John Webb and wife, and John 
Duckworth. Meetings were held in private residences and school- 
houses for about eight years, when a frame building was erected 
on land donated for church purposes by Jesse Beard. This was a 
fair building, and answered the purpose of a meeting place until the 
erection of the present substantial brick edifice about the vear 1S67 
or 1S6S. The present building is 35x65 feet, and represents a value 
of $4,500. The church has enjoyed the labors of quite a num- 
ber of pastors, among whom are remembered the following: Revs. 
Benjamin Reece, Mr. Glessner, E. J. Todd, Mr. Blood, John Reece, 
Mr. Edwards, R. M. Parks, John W. Ragsdale, T. W. Jolly, F. M. 
Huckleberry, G. H. Elgin and W. T. Vancleve. The pastor in 
charge at this time is Rev. P. O. Duncan. The church is in a pros- 
perous condition, numbering about 300 communicants. The pres- 
ent deacons are William Reece, Jesse Beard and John R. Rags- 
dale; clerk, William Fisher. 

Hurricane Bap/ 1st Church (Clark Township) was organized 
about the year 1S40 or 1S41, as a branch of the Franklin congre- 



RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 85 1 

gation, and continued as such about three years, when it was con- 
stituted an independent organization. The following were among 
the earliest members: Stephen Tilson, Lemuel Tilson and wife, 
lames Tilson and wife, Mrs. John Brown, John Whitesicles, Even 
Bennett and wife, Conrad McClain and wife, and James Whitesides 
and wife. The organization was effected by Rev. Benjamin Reece, 
who preached for several years thereafter, holding meetings in the 
old log building, known as Friendship Church. Later, about the 
year 1851, a frame building was erected on ground where the old 
house stood, and served the purposes of a place of worship, until 
the growth of the congregation made the erection of a larger 
house a necessity. In 1879, the present handsome temple, a brick 
edifice, representing a capital of $3,200, was erected. The follow- 
in-" is a partial list of the pastors of Hurricane Church: Revs. 
Benjamin Reece, John Reece, Ragsdale, Miner, Todd, Elgin, 
Edwards and Hall. The present membership is 138. 

■ Baptist Church, in the northwest corner of Nine- 
veh Township, was organized a number of years ago, and app- irs 
to have been the outgrowth of the Primitive and Separate Baptist 
churches, organizations of which denominations were founded in 
the neighborhood prior to the late war. A log house of worship 
was built a number of years ago, in which the old churches held 
services, but later, after the organization of the Missionary branch, 
a frame, the one now in use, was erected. The church is reputed 
in good condition, and has an active membership, among which are 
enrolled the names of man}- of the leading citizens of the community. 
Among the early pastors were Revs. Barrow and Ragsdale. The 
pastor at this time is Rev. R. E. Stewart. 

Baptist Church {Colored ), Franklin, was constituted about 
the year 1S72 or 1873, with eight members, a number which has 
since increased to ninety -three. The first deacons were Samuel 
Elkins and Squire Moore. The following ministers have sustained 
the pastoral relation: Revs. Mr. Singleton, Thomas Robinson, Mr. 
Winyard, Ephraim Tyler, William Harris, George Smith, and the 
present incumbent, Rev. David Slaughter. A frame house of wor- 
ship was built on West Madison Street, in 1878, and formally dedi- 
cated the same year. The officers of the congregation are: M. 
Clark, Anderson Beaty, and Edward Blakemore, deacons, and II. 
Clark, clerk. Mr. Blakeman is also superintendent of the Sunday 
school. 

Ediriburg Baptist Church (colored) was organized in the fall 
of 1881, by Rev. John R. Miller, with the following constituent 
members: Henry Gooden and wife, Esther Canady, Thomas E. 
Hill, Mrs. Hill, George Quinn, Malvina Quinn, David Beeler and 

54 



85 2 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

wife, David Johnson and wife, Elizabeth Gooden, Letitia Lee and 
Elizabeth Johnson. Rev. Mr. Miller served as pastor four years, 
and was succeeded by Rev. Mr. Walker, who preached one year. 
Then came Rev. David Slaughter, the present incumbent. The 
building used by the church was erected a short time before the 
organization went into effect. It is a substantial frame edifice, and 
will comfortably seat a congregation of 300 persons. The mem- 
bership of the church at this time, is about 100. 

Bethlehem (Primitive) Baptist Church, Nineveh Township, was 
organized a number of years ago, and is now one of the oldest re- 
ligious societies in the southern part of the county. Of its early 
history but little is known save that the B^ss, Roberts, Hensley, 
Davenport, McNutt, Hoolman and Hughes families were among 
the first members. The organization was brought about by the 
labors of Elder Hiram T. Craig, a preacher of fine ability. He 
preached for the Bethlehem congregation a number of years. The 
first house of worship was a log structure which stood near where 
the present one now stands. It was used several years, but finally 
gave place to the frame building in which the congregation now 
meets. The society is not as strong in numbers as in the earl)' 
days of its history, having lost quite a number of its members in 
recent } r ears by deaths and removals. Services are regularly held 
bv the pastor, Elder E. D. Herrod. 

Stotf.s Creek Baptist {(J.S.). — Some time in the thirties there 
was erected in Section 10, near the present site of Union village. 
a log building which served as a place of worship for several de- 
nominations. In this house, what is known as Stott's Creek Bap- 
tist Church (Old School) was organized over fifty years ago. The 
following are the names of a few of the earlv members of the or- 
ganization: Bennett Jacobs and wife, Austin Jacobs and wife, 
William Burkhart and wife, David Vidito and wife, James Jacobs 
and wife, John Herrell and wife, William Utterback and wife, and 
Andrew Wysick and wife. Elder Bennett Jacobs was an early 
minister. Hiram Craig and Enoch Taber preached for the congre- 
gation a number of years ago, as did others whose names are not 
now remembered. The present pastor is Elder E. D. Herrod. 
The building in which the congregation worships is a small frame 
structure near Union village, erected about the year 1856 or 1S57. 
The society has never been very strong numerically, and at this 
time has the names of only about twenty-five members upon the 
records. 

Lick Springs Baptist Church (Nineveh Township) was or- 
ganized in the year 1836. Among the early members were the 
following: Aaron Hendricks, Merida Wilkerson, Separate Hen- 



RELIGIOUS HISTORY. S53 

dricks, Susan Hendricks and Nancy Handy. The church building 
was erected about 1S39, and rebuilt in 1S50. In the latter year 
there was a good membership, about 100. Since then the number 
has greatly decreased, until at this time there are only about forty 
belonging. The following were among the pastors of the church: 
Samuel Randolph, Jariah Randolph, James McQueen, Joshua 
McQueen, Pond and Asa Dowd. 

South StoWs Creek Regular Baptist Church (Union Township) 
was organized April, 1S36, at a school-house near the present site 
of Trafalgar. The following were among the first members: 
Thomas Sturgeon and wife; Simpson Sturgeon and wife, William 
Clark and wife, Frederick Ragsdale and wife, Henry Musselman 
and wife, Jane Forsyth, Jane Allen and Mary Catlett. Frederick 
Ragsdale was the first moderator, and J. R. Callihan, first clerk. 
For a number of years, Rev. Asa B. Nay ministered to the con- 
gregation, and much of its success was due to his efforts. Revs. 
Ransom Riggs and Willett Tyler preached for the church at differ- 
ent times. The present pastor is Elder R. W. Thompson. School- 
houses and dwellings were used for meeting places until about the 
year 1S45, at which time a frame temple of worship was erected 
in Union Township, Section 25. The building was afterward im- 
proved, and is still used by the congregation. The membership at 
this time is quite small, numbering about fifteen. The moderator 
is S. T. Riggs; clerk, Henderson Ragsdale. 

Franklin Christian Church. — The Christian Chuich of Frank- 
lin was organized on the 3d day of Julv, 1848. Previous to that time 
ministers of the current Reformation visited the town at intervals, 
and held public worship in the court house, the immediate results 
of which were quite a number of conversions. Among the early 
preachers were: Elders Love H. Jameson, J. M. Mathes and John 
O'Kane, who were widely and favorably known throughout the United 
States, where tlie Disciples have gained a footing. The meetings 
held from time to time eventually crystallized into an organization, 
July, 1848, of which the following were the prime movers: John B. 
Cobb, J. V. Branham, Horatio Jones, John A'. Parrish, Herriott 
Henderson, Elizabeth Howard, Margaret Bridges, Mary Branham, 
Catorah Chenoweth, Lucretia Branham, George W. Branham, W. 
M. Bridges, Sanderson Howard, John McCorkle, Margaret Palmer, 
Rhoda Koyle, Elizabeth Bridges, Nancy Jones, Elizabeth How aid, 
Mary II. Branham and Elizabeth Hogue. At the next meeting 
Joseph P. and Margaret Gill united with the congregation by letter 
from a sister church, and Barney Clark was received upon 
confession. 

Thus organized, the church next looked around for a suitable 



854 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

place of worship. This was found for some time in the court house, 
but shortly after the organization went into effect a movement was 
inaugurated for the erection of a building for the especial use of the 
ition. A lot on the corner of Jefferson and Water streets, 
was procured, upon which in due time was built a substantial two- 
story brick structure with auditorium above, while the lower part 
was divided into two commodious store rooms. The chapel 
was formally dedicated to the worship of God on the 17th dav of 
July, 1852, by Elders John O'Kane, J. M. Mathes and T. J. Edmon- 
son. From the date of organization until the erection of the build- 
ing in 1852, no records appear to have been kept. For some years 
the church had no regular pastor, but was ministered to from time 
to time bv transient preachers, a number of whom conducted suc- 
cessful revivals, resulting in man}- additions to the congregation. 
Elders Jameson, Mathes, Edmonson, O'Kane, Cobb and others 
preached at intervals, and in 1858, Elder J. J. Moss was called as 
as evangelist, at a salary of $700 per annum. He preached the al- 
lotted time and was successful in awakening an interest and build- 
ing up the church. In 1864, Elders John B. New and O. A. Bur- 
s held a series of revival meetings, and the same year O. A. 
Bartholomew became pastor and served during 1S64 and 1865. and 
was succeeded by Elder II. T. Buff, who served until about the 

year 1867. The next regular preacher was Elder Parker, who 

served one year, after whom ;ame the following pastors in the order 
named: Elders John Davis, a little over one year: J. M. Land, 
served three years; E. L. Frazier, eight years, and A. W. Conner, 
two years, in December, 1SS3, the present pastor, Elder S. F. 
Fowler, began his labors with the church, since which time, 
through his efforts, about 350 members have been added to 
the congregation. Elder Fowler is a man of splendid powers, 
superior oratorial abilities, and great pulpit earnestness. In 187 1. a 
suitable lot on the corner of Yandes and Madison streets was pro- 
cured, and in the same year, a magnificent brick structure, costing 
$26,000, was erected thereon. It was formally dedicated by Elder 
O. A. Burgess, and at the time of its completion, was the largest 
and most commodious church edifice in Johnson County. The 
building was struck bv lightning in June, 1885, and greatly injured, 
all the wood -work being completely destroyed. It was immediately 
rebuilt at an expenditure of $6,000, and now ranks among the bes,. 
houses of worship in the city. The membership of the church at 
this time is much stronger than at any previous period of its history, 
numbering 685. The Sunday school connected with the church, 
from the time of its organization, a number of years ago, has been 
regularly and successfully kept up. 



RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 5$ 5 

Edinburg Christian Church. — The first attempt to establish a 
Christian Church in Edinburg, was made in 1834, although travel- 
in-- ministers had visited the village at intervals, previous to that 
date, and held meetings in the houses of the few members in the 
town and vicinity. Among these early preachers are remembered, 
Elders William Irvm, J. Fawcett and James M. Mathes, under 
whose joint labors, on the 23rd day of February of the above year, 
a small organization was effected, with the following members: 
Gavin Mitchell, Rebecca Mitchell, David McCoy, C. McCoy, 
J. W. Dupree, Thomas W. Thrailkeld, Elizabeth Thrailkeld, 
Abram Dupree and Hannah Dupree. Of the above little band who 
constituted the organization, all but one, Hannah Dupree, are dead. 
Elder J. M. Mathes, the chief mover in the organization, is also 
living, at his home in Bedford, Ind. The society held its first 
meetings in the residences of the different members, and later ob- 
tained the use of the building erected by the Edinburg Benevolent 
Association in 1S34. Here the church met and prospered until 
1S46, at which time the increasing growth foreshadowed the ne- 
cessity of a building of enlarged proportions. Accordingly, in that 
year, a movement was inaugurated to erect a house of worship for 
the exclusive use of the congregation. A lot on Walnut Street 
was procured, and a frame house, 40x50 feet, erected, which is still 
standing. The building is a commodious structure, and at the time 
of its completion was the best temple of worship in town. At the 
close of 1S34 the membership of the society numbered twenty-two, 
and among the additions of that year were the Thompsons, Knowl- 
tons, Waylands, Smiths, Vaughns and others, whose names cannot 
be recalled. In 1846, Abram Dupree was licensed to preach the 
Gospel, and for that year the records show a membership of 19S. 

For a number of years after its organization the church was 
ministered to in word' and doctrine by Abram Dupree, William 
Irvin and William Oldham. From 1S34 untu I ^7 ' tne church en- 
joyed the labors of twenty-eight transient preachers. The following 
isa list of the ministers thus employed: Elders McFadden, Lockwood, 
Roberts. Woodfill, Egan, New, Brewer, Cobb, Pritchard, Jones, 
McCorkle, O'Kane, Hall, Walden, D. Franklin, Benjamin Frank- 
lin, Snoddy, Gosney, Miller, Hoshour, McCullough, Buff, Ludwig, 
Davis, Ilolton, Goodwin, Brazzleton and Lanham. The first regu- 
lar pastor appears to have been Elder B. K. Smith, who began his 
labors in 1852, and served one year. Following him in the order 
named, came J. R. Frame, Knowles Shaw, D. H. Gary, T. J. Tom- 
linson, R. T. Brown, J. F. Sloan, W. L. Germane, W. T. Sellers, 
William Hough, A. W. Conner, W. W. Carter, E. W. Darst, 
J. II. O. Smith, X. S. McCallum. The pastor at this time is 






S$6 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Elder P. S. Rhodes, who began his labors for the church in 18S7. 
He is a minister of fine ability, and has already won an abiding 
place in the affections of his congregation. The present official 
board is composed as follows: Elder, J. B. Rubush; pastor, P. S. 
Rhodes; clerk, C. W. Davis; treasurer, A. C. Thompson; dea- 
cons, D. Melville, A. J. Loughery, William Hood; trustees, A. C. 
Thompson, E. C. Thompson, II. C. Bailey, S. Cutsinger and Adam 
Mutz. 

In 1886 a new building was commenced on that part of the lot 
lying south of the old house, and, when completed, will be the finest 
specimen of church architecture in Johnson Count}'. The building 
covers an area of 90x60 feet, and the ceiling of the auditorium is 
twenty-eight feet high. Sunday school room in front will seat 300, 
gallery 100, and, when all the rooms are thrown together, which 
can be easily done, a congregation of 800 persons can be con- 
veniently accommodated. The aggregate cost of the structure 
will be about $18,500. Not the least among the potent working 
forces of the church, is the Eureka Aid Society, organized Decem- 
ber 8, 1883, for the ostensible purpose of raising funds for furnish- 
ing or assisting in furnishing the new house of worship. These 
ladies deserve <rreat credit for their untiring efforts in behalf of the 
church. By weekly contributions, festivals, sociables, lawn fetes, 
lectures, and by making quilts, carpets, bonnets, etc., etc., they 
have succeeded in raising quite a large fund, thus materially aiding 
the completion of the present handsome temple of worship. 

Williamsburg' Christian Church. — Among the early settlers in 
the vicinity of Williamsburg, was Elder William Irwin, a Baptist 
minister, who, having been convinced of the^ correctness of the 
views promulgated by Alexander Campbell, went into the cur- 
rent Reformation, and in the spring of 1831, was instrumental in or- 
ganizing a small con<n-e<jation. Among the earliest members of 
the society were William Keeton and family, Alonzo Gale and 
family, Aaron Dunham and family, Jeremiah Dunham, Emily 
White, Richard Gosney and family, John Prime and wife, John 
Elliott and wife, Milton McQuade and wife, John Wilkes and wife, 
and David Dunham and wife, the majority of whom had previously 
belonged to the Baptists. Elder Irwin is remembered as a man of 
eminent social qualities, and a good preacher. Under his ministra- 
tions the little band of worshipers soon increased until a house of 
worship became a necessity. Accordingly, a small log building was 
erected a year or two later, about a quarter of a mile northwest of 
the present site of the town. It answered the Uvo-fold purpose of 
church and school-house, and was used until about the year 1840, 
at which time the place of meeting was changed to Williamsburg, 



RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 857 

where a more commodious frame structure was erected. In the 
early years of its history the society enjoyed the ministerial labors 
of Elders Irwin and Joseph Fawcett, the latter a learned and logical 
preacher. Elders John L. Jones, J. M. Mathes, Aaron Hubbard, 
Asa Holingsworth and Hardin Watson visited the congregation at 
intervals, and in the meantime, Elan Richard Gosney, a local evan- 
gelist, preached for the church, when not similarly employed in 
other fields. Since 1850, the congregation has been ministered to 
by Elders James Blankenship, Henry R. Pritchard and Prof. J. C. 
Miller, the last named having rilled the pulpit the greater part of 
the time since 1858. During Mr. Miller's absence Elder Alfred 
Elmore preached for the church at different times. Present mem- 
bership, 225. The brick temple of worship now in use was erected 
in 1S60, at a cost of $3,000. It stands in the southeastern part of 
the village and is one of the best church edifices in the southern 
part of the county. 

Greenwood Christian Church is the successor of an old society 
which was organized a short distance north of the town in Marion 
County, as early as 183S or 1S39. In the fall of 1837, George Short- 
ridge moved to the locality from Wayne County, and being a de- 
voted member of the church, soon induced preachers to visit the 
neighborhood, and hold public services in his dwelling and barn. 
In order to build up a serviceable church of his own 'choice, 
Mr. Shortridge, about the year 1840 or 1842, erected a small house 
of worship on his farm, in which an organization was soon effected. 
Among the earliest members of this society, were Mr. Shortridge, 
Charles Robinson and family, James Webb and wife, and a few 
others, whose names have been forgotten. Services were held 
regularly for several years, by Elders L. H. Jameson, Asa Holings- 
worth, and other pioneer ministers of the Reformation, but owing 
to the unsettled condition of the early residents of the community, 
many of whom were transients, the society soon lost the majority 
of its members, and was in course of time abandoned. Early in 
the fifties, exact date unknown, a society was organized in Green- 
wood, with which several of the members of the old church at once 
became identified. Among the early members of the Greenwood 
society, were the following: William Blake and wife, Joseph Har- 
mon and wife, John Shortridge and wife, George Oldaker and 
wife, Edward Pate and wife, James Pate, Simeon Frazier 
and wife, Mrs. James Stewart and Hugh A. Morris. The 
village school-house had been purchased a short time previous, 
and fitted up for church purposes, and it was in this building that 
the organization took place. The school-house was used as a 
meeting place for several years, but the constantly increasing con- 



85S JOHNSON COUNTY. 

gregation eventually made the erection of a building, of enlarged 
proportions, necessarv. Accordingly a lot in Dobbin's addition was 
donated by Dr. Guthree, and within a short time thereafter the 
present beautiful brick temple of worship was erected at a cost of 
$4,500. The building is well finished and furnished, and will com- 
fortably seat an audience of 500 people. The church has 
enjoyed the labors of a number of able ministers, among whom 
may be mentioned Elders R. T. Brown, Elijah Goodwin. William 
Patterson. W. R. Couch, Dr. Huff, E. L. Frazier, John C. Miller, 

S. R. Wilson, J. A. McCallum, and Hall. The first elders of 

the congregation were Hugh A. Myers, William Blake and Joseph 
Harmon. There is at this time but one elder, George Robinson. 
Average attendance about seventy-five, including teachers. 

Trafalgar Christian Church. — The early history of the Tra- 
falgar Christian Church is enveloped in considerable obscurity. 
From the most reliable information it appears that services were 
held at the residence of Thomas Lynam as early as 1S4S, and 
among the first members were the Lynam, Watkins, Duckworth 
and Thompson families. Henry Branch, Benjamin Branch, Mr. 
Bridges, William Clark, E. Clark, Absalom Clark, with others, be- 
came members in a very early day also. Elders Thomas Lynam 
and Asa Holingsworth did the first preaching for the congrega- 
tion. A small log building with one door and a single window was 
erected about 1849 or 1850. It stood about one mile southwest of 
the village on Indian Creek, and was used by the congregation until 
replaced by a frame structure a few years later. The second build- 
ing stood a short distance south of the present house of worship, 
and answered the purposes for which it was intended until about 
the year 1S70. For a number of years the organization was known 
as the Hensley Town Christian Church, and among the members 
in i860 were the following: George Duckworth, Thomas Gillaspy, 
G. T. Bridges, Jerry Dunham, Thomas Lynam, Nancy E. Lynam, 
Eliza II. Lynam, Matilda M. Lynam, James S. Lynam, Thomas O. 
Lynam and John D. Lynam. Others who became members a little 
later were: William J. Lynam, Marv J. Lynam, Lorinda Lynam, 
Sarah Duckworth, Sarah Morgan, Mary J. Dunham, Sarah A. 
Daniel, William Daniel, Alonzo Dunham, Lydia Bridges, Susan 
Pefliey, Mary Peffley, Catherine Zook and others. The following 
preachers labored for the church at different times: J. C. Miller, 
J. H. Phillips, G. R. Gosney, Mr. Blank enship, J. R. Surface, 
Knowles Shaw, Asa Holingsworth, Thomas Lockhart and W. V. 
Trowbridge. Since 1865, the church has been ministered to by 
Elders W. V. Trowbridge, George E. Flower, J. B. Ludwig. J. C. 
Miller, John Henry, Marion Boles, Henry R. Pritchard, J. H. Phil- 






RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 859 

lips, John Brazzleton, Mr. Elmore, Richard Gosnev, and the pres- 
ent pastor, A. M. Hall. The membership at present is about 150. 
The present house of worship was erected about the year 1870. 
It is a frame building, 35x44 feet, and represents a capital of $1,400. 

Union Christian Church (Nineveh Township) was organized 
June 12, 1853, Elder Richard Gosnev officiating. The organiza- 
tion was the outgrowth of a series of meetings conducted by Elder 
Asa Holingsworth, during the progress of which a great religious 
awakening was experienced, resulting in the conversion of over 
thirty persons. The organization was effected with the following 
members: Clark Tucker, Sr., Margaret Tucker, Lydia Tucker, 
George Hargan, Benjamin Branch, Matilda Branch, Susan S. 
Branch, Mary Sattewhite, Henry Branch, Sarah A. Branch, Fran- 
cis Branch, John T. Tucker, Jenette Ann Tucker, John Sattewhite, 
Paulina Branch, Delia M. Tucker, John H. Featherngill, Job B. 
Parkhurst, Mary Parkhurst, David F. Featherngill, Martha J. 
Featherngill, Thomas Branigan, Paulina Branigan, James Kimber- 
lin, George F. Featherngill, George Huston, Emily Beadles, James 
Townsend, John Morgan, James Lawhorn, Sarah Kerby, Joseph 
Lee, Sarah Duckworth, Mary A. Huston, Sarah J. Hunter. Samuel 
Brown, Mary G. Brown, Parthena Tucker, Loven G. Pritchard 
and Nancy Pritchard. The first church officers were Benjamin 
Branch, elder; Thomas Tucker and D. F. Featherngill, deacons. 
Meetings were first held in a log school-house, but soon after 
the organization, a frame building was erected on land do- 
nated for the purpose near the line of Franklin and Nineveh 
Township. This was a substantial edifice, 30x40 feet in size, and 
served as a place of worship until 1869. In that year the present 
handsome brick structure was built at a cost of $9,000. It is a 
two-story building, 40x60 feet. The following preachers have 
ministered to the church at different times since its organization: 
Elders Richard Gosnev, Asa Holingsworth, B. K. Smith, Uriah 
Watson, William I. Welsh, Henry R. Pritchard, John Brazzleton, 

Phillips, Perry Blankenship," R. T. Brown, Dr. Tingley, Mr. 

Couch, Samuel Piety and John C. Miller, the present incumbent. 
Present membership, 120. Whole number enrolled since organiza- 
tion, 442. 

Clarksburg Christian Church was organized in what was 
known as the Leatherwood school-house, about one mile north of 
Clarksburg, on the 14th day of April, 1846, by Elder Love H. 
Jameson, of Indianapolis. The charter members were C. G. Dun- 
gan and wife, John Irwin and wife, David L'. Mitchell and wife, 
Joseph Dupree and wife, John Eastburn and wife, L. M. Dupree 
and wife, Moses F. Clark and wife, Robert Ross and wife, 



S6o JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Oliver Harbert and wife, John Harbert and wife, Richard 
Harbert and wife, Stephen Tinker and wife, John W. Curry 
and wife, James Williams and wife, Silas Breeding and wife, John 
J. Dungan and wife, R. B. Green and wife, Thomas Parttock and 
wife, Joseph Irwin, James Tinker, Amos Williams, Parcus Har- 
bert, Mary A. Parttock, Hisler A. Green and Father Harbert. The 
first officers were as follows: Elders, C. G. Dungan and Joseph 
Dupree; deacons, M. F. Clark and J. J. Dungan. Shortly after 
the organization went into effect, a frame house of worship was 
erected about a quarter of a mile west of the village on land do- 
nated for the purpose by J. J. Dungan. The building was not 
fullv completed until 1S49, an ^ was usec l as a meeting place until 
1873. In the latter year the present handsome frame edifice on 
the same lot, was built at a cost of $3,300. It is a substantial 
structure, 38x56 feet in size, and will seat an audience of four hun- 
dred persons. During the first few years of its history the church 
had no regular pastor, but was ministered to from time to time by 
different preachers, among whom are remembered Elders L. II. 
Jameson, Thomas Lockhart, Asa Holingsworth, John O'Kane and 
George Campbell. In 1849, Elder Giles Holmes became pastor, 
and labored as such the greater part of the time until his death, in 
i860. Following Elder Holmes came the following preachers: 

John Campbell, D. R. Vanbuskirk, Perry Hall, Jewell, R. T. 

Brown, Daniel Utter, George E. Flower, W. R. Couch, 

Huff, J. M. Canheld, J. W. Connor, E. L. Frazier, S. R. Wilson 
and W. S. Tingley. The present pastor is Elder S. J. Tomlinson. 
The membership at this time is about 200, a number considerably 
smaller than formerly, owing to the numerous removals during the 
last few years. A flourishing Sunday school is maintained. 

Mt. Carmcl Christian Church, in Nineveh Township, was or- 
ganized by Elder John C. Miller, on the 28th day of March, 1S70. 
The original members were: Valentine Burget, Aaron V. Burget, 
Sarah D. Burget, Louisa Burget, Rebecca Burget, Nancy Burget, 
Lucinda Burget, James B. Bell, Mary Bell, Cynthia A. Cook, John 
W. Collins, A. B. Dunham, Nancy Dunham, Mary Gillaspy, Cath- 
erine A. Linton, J. W. Linton, Noah F. Linton, Charles M. Linton, 
Nancy Mathews, Sarah E. McFaddin, Cornelius McFaddin, T. J. 
McMurry, Christina McMurry, Lethana McMurry, Mary McMurry, 
Sophia Jacobs, P. C. Jacobs, Sarah J. Slack, Rebecca A. Smyser, 
Sarah J. Smyser. Amelia Smyser. Mary E. Smyser, James Shoe- 
maker, Susan Shoemaker, J. F. Wheaton, Lucinda Wheaton, 
James Work, Margaret Work and W. W. Wilkerson. The present 
membership is seventy; the house of worship, a neat frame building, 
was erected in 1870. The following ministers have had charge of 



RELIGIOUS HISTORY. S6l 

the church: Elder J. C. Miller, T- M. Tilford, A. E. Elmore, 



Shutts, Brinkerhoff, Elijah White, W. I. Young, II. Tritt and 

W. 1 1. Harrison. 

Samaria. — The Christian Church at Samaria, was organized 
several years ago, and for some time met for worship in a store 
building, which had been fitted up for church purposes by the 
Christians, Methodists and Baptists. In the fall of 1S87, a house for 
the especial use of the Christian congregation, was erected, since 
which time the church has grown and prospered. There is a good 
membership at this time, ministered to at stated intervals, by Elder 
J. C. Wilier. There is a congregation of the Christian Church at 
the village of Needham, where a neat and substantial temple of 
worship was erected several years ago. The society, although 
weak numerically, has accomplished a good work in the com- 
munity, and bids fair to become a flourishing organization at no 
distant day. The membership at this time is small, and no regular 
pastorate is sustained. There is also a flourishing Christian Church 
in Blue River Township, a few miles from Edinburg, which has 
a large membership. The house of worship is a commodious frame 
structure, and the society has been a potent factor for gcod in the 
community. 

Union I'illagc. — The Church of Christ, at Union village, was 
organized at the residence of Wesley Deer, as early as the year 
1 834. The following were early members : Wesley Deer and wife, 
Samuel Park and wife, George Byers and wife, John Harris and 
wife, Cornelius Luvster and wife, John Garshwiler and wife, and 
others. Elder Thomas Jones was among the first preachers, and the 
permanency of the organization is largely due to his untiring efforts. 
Soon after the church was organized, a house of worship (log) 
was erected on the land of John Mullendore, on Section 14, but as 
no deed for the property was obtained, a subsequent owner of the 
land refused the congregation the use of the building. Later, a 
frame building was erected on the farm of Wesley Deer, which 
after being used for some time, was burned, the lire supposed to 
have been the work of an incendiary. It was replaced by another 
frame structure, which was also destroyed by fire during the late 
Civil War. The present temple of worship at Union village was 
built soon after the war, and is a very neat and commodious edifice. 
The church has grown and prospered, numbering at this time about 
250 communicants. 

Bluff Creek Christian Church ( White River Township). — This 
society was organized a number of years ago, as early, perhaps, as 
1 834 or 1835, m a Baptist Church that stood near the village of Far 
West. The Baptist society had been in existence for some years, 



862 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

but at the time services began to be held by ministers of the Chris- 
tian Church, it was extinct. Among the early members of the 
Bluff Creek congregation were Henry Brown, Mary Brown, Daniel 
Brag, Lydia Boaz, Jacob Sutton, Abigail Sutton, William Dunn, 
Christina Dunn, John Warren and wife, Barbara Tresslar, Valen- 
tine Tresslar, Mary Tresslar, Henry J. Tresslar, and others whose 
names cannot be recalled. Elders William Irwin, James Fawcett, 
John B. New and J. L. Jones, ministered to the congregation during 
the early years of its history, and later, it enjoyed the labor of some 
of the leading preachers of the Reformation. For many years the 
old Baptist Church building served as a place of worship. It was 
removed to the village of Brownstown, in 1884, and thoroughly re- 
modeled, and greatly improved. The church has been a potent 
factor for good in the community, and is still in a flourishing con- 
dition, with an active membership of 105. 

Bargersville Church. — The Church of Christ at Bargersville, 
was organized in a school-house near the village, April 7, 1S61, by 
Elder J. R. Surface, twenty-eight persons comstituting the origi- 
nal membership. The first officers were the following: Elders, 
Willis Deer, George O. List and John Clore; deacons, Joseph 
Combs, Abraham Clore and Abner Clark; treasurer, Abraham 
Clore; clerk, John Clore. Since its organization the church has 
been ministered to from time to time, by the following preachers: 
Elders, John R. Surface, Asa Holingsworth, John C. Miller, James 

Blankenship, John Phillips, R. T. Brown, Huff, Henry, 

Aaron Walker, J. W. Connor, William Mullendore, Newton Wil- 
son, Thomas Lockhart, Elmore, and others. Present membership, 
150. Present officers: Elders, W. V. King, John Clore, George 
V. List and Alfred S. Deer; deacons, John Parks, M. Clore and 
Landen Robards. Abaham Clore is treasurer, and John Clore, clerk. 

New Hope (White River Township). — The New Hope 
Christian Church was organized December, 18S3, in what is known 
as school-house No. 10, White River Township, Elder E. W. 
Darst officiating. About sixty-five members went into the organ- 
ization, and at the first meeting the following officers were duly 
elected: Elders, C. M. McCool,' George W. Wyrick and R. J. John- 
son; deacons, W. H. Dresslar, W. F. Williams, J. W. Stewart and 
John Hardin: treasurer, David Glassburn; clerk, L. B. Zaring. 
The church has made commendable progress, numbering at this 
time about 135 communicants. Meetings are still held in the 
school-house, which has been fitted up for church purposes. Since 
its organization the society has been ministered to by the following 
pastors, in the order named: Elders, George W. Smith, Irwin 
Young, John C. Miller and S. R. Wilson. 



RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 863 

Christian Chapel (Union Township). — This society was or- 
ganized at the Beech Grove Church, Hensley Township, in Janu- 
ary, 1876, by Elder A. Elmore. The original membership was 
eighteen; present membership, about 125. In the fall of the above 
year, a frame house of worship was erected in Union Township, 
and since that time the congregation has been in prosperous condi- 
tion, with a steadily increasing membership. The first officers were 
I. L. Ragsdale, Benjamin Thompson and Frank Vandiver, deacons. 
Benjamin Thompson was also treasurer, and James Davis, secre- 
tary. The officers at this time (iSSS) are as follows: Elders: John 
J. Vandiver, Robert Vandiver and Isaac Tumy. Deacons: J. K. 
Badgley, Harvey Miller, James B. Paris and Millard F. Kennedy. 
Treasurer: M. V. Taylor. Secretary: Rosalia A. Vandiver. 

Mt. Pleasant Christian Church (White River Township) was 
organized on the 17th day of April, 1884, by Elders B. M. Blount 
and E. W. Darst, with a membership considerably in excess of 
sixty. The first meetings were held in a building formerly used by 
the Presbyterians. But the same year in which the organization 
was effected, a subscription was taken, resulting in the erection of 
the present beautiful temple of worship, in Section 28, which was 
formally dedicated the following fall. The membership has stead- 
ily increased and Mt. Pleasant, at this time, is one of the pros- 
perous Christian churches of the count} - , numbering over 
100 communicants. A flourishing Sunday school is sustained 
throughout the year, and has already proved a valuable auxiliary 
to the church. The present pastor of Mt. Pleasant is Elder Wilson. 
Young's Creek Church (Christian Connection). — This is an 
old organization, dating its history from about the year 1829 or 
1830. It was founded by Elder Joseph Ashley, one of the earliest 
settlers on Young's Creek, and among the riist members the fol- 
lowing names are the most familiar: Elijah Dawson and family, 
William Harter and wife, James Mitchell and wife, Samuel Daw- 
son and wife, Fleming Harter and wife, Lucinda Ware, Martha 
Williams and members of Elder Ashley's family. For some years 
meetings were held in private residences, but later a school-house 
about one mile north of the present building was secured for church 
purposes. A frame edifice a short distance north of the present 
house was erected about the year 185 1 or 1852, and was used by the 
congregation until 1875. In the latter year the neat frame building 
in which the church now worships was erected, at a cost of $1,500. 
The following is a partial list of those who have served the church 
at different times: Elders, Joseph Ashley, Elijah Dawson, Henry 
White, Isaac Marshall. A. S. Downey. Peter Baker, John Carney, 
and the present incumbent, Rev. Mr. Threlkeld. Present member- 



864 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

ship, 100. Elders, S. T. Vandiver and John W. Abbott. Deacons,. 
William Coy and Charles S. Legan. Trustees, W. E. Adams, 
Miles DeCoursey and Benjamin F. "Williams. Superintendent of 
Sunday school, Newton Alexander. 

Franklin Methodist Episcopal Church. — It is impossible to fix 
definitely the date of the organization of the Methodist Church in 
Franklin, as the records of the original class, if any were kept, 
are not accessible. It is known that the settlement in the county 
of a number of Methodist families secured the presence and atten- 
tion of traveling ministers, and doubtless led to the temporary 
formation of classes or societies, as they are called, and in that way 
unquestionably gave the church here a historical existence in a 
very early day, yet it is not at all certain that the denomination 
had any permanent footing in Franklin until about the year 1832. 
From the most reliable information obtainable, the first class ap- 
pears to have been organized in one of the above years, but mem- 
ory fails to recall the names of but two of the original members: 
W. W. Robinson and wife, parents of Rev. R. D. Rob- 
inson, D. D., of Indianapolis. For some years after the organi- 
zation, the class met for worship in the dwellings of the members, 
and later in neighboring school-houses, but the methods of the 
church in those early days were such that it is not possible now to 
give a reliable account of what it accomplished. Among those 
who were known to have been members in 1842, were the follow- 
ing: William Carson and wife, William Clark and wife, Sam- 
uel Hall and wife, James Donovan and wife, James Harvey 
and wife, McKinney Johnson and wife, Andrew Lewis and 
wife, Zachariah Kelley and wife, William Robbins and wife, 
Abram Vestal and wife (colored), J. Hill (colored), Mrs. Mary 
Williams, John Bowen and wife, George Hunt and wife, C. 
Springer and wife. J. W. Dawson and wife, O. Fugua and 
wife, and Mrs. Williams. As already stated the first meet- 
ings were held in private residences and school-houses, but 
about the year 1844, a room in the county seminar}' was secured for 
church purposes, and here the congregation worshiped until 1S47- 
48. The increase in membership in the meantime foreshadowed 
the necessity of a building for the especial use of the church; accord- 
ingly, in 1848, a lot on the corner of Jefferson Street between Mad- 
ison Street and Home Avenue, was procured, and in due time a 
substantial frame edifice, 50x60 feet in size, was erected thereon. 
The building was formally dedicated by Rev. E. R. Ames, after- 
ward Bishop Ames, and served the purpose for which it was in- 
tended until 1869. Owing to the absence of the early records of 
the church, it will be impossible to give a list of those who served 



RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 865 

as pastors prior to 1S42. Since that year the society has been min- 
istered to from time to time, by the following pastors : Revs. J. V. R. 
Miller, Erastus Lathrop, Landy Hewens, James Mitchell, under 
whose ministration the tirst building" was commenced, Mr. Shaffer, 
J. B. Lathrop, E. D. Long, William Montgomery, John V. R. Mil- 
ler, E. G. Tucker, John A. Brouse, Joseph Cotton, F. S. Potts, 
G. P. Jenkins, H. B. Collins, F. S. Woodcock, J. M. Crawford, 
M. L. Wells, J. H. Lozier, E. L. Dolph. M. N. Marlatt, J. K. Pye, 
R. D. Black, James S. Rager, J. W. Duncan, Reuben Andrus, 
D. D., and the present incumbent, Rev. S. A. Bright. Until 1850, 
the church was the head of Franklin circuit, which for a number 
of years included several appointments: Edinburg, Greenwood, 
Mt. Auburn, Salem, Waverly, Shiloh, Glade, Clarksburg, and 
others. Franklin was made a charge the above year, with Rev. 
J. B. Lathrop as the first stationed preacher. 

During the pastorate of J^ M. Crawford, in 1S67, the church 
took the necessary steps toward the erection of a more commodious 
house of worship, and secured for the purpose a beautiful lot on 
the corner of Madison Street and Home Avenue. Work on the new 
building was pushed forward as radidly as circumstances would 
permit, but some time elapsed before the edifice was completed. 
It was dedicated with appropriate ceremonies, September, 1869, 
Bishop Simpson officiating. The building is a handsome brick 
structure, 50x80 feet in size, surmounted by a lofty and graceful 
spire, and represents a capital of $23,000. It is a very useful 
religious organization in the county, with an active membership of 
450. The present pastor, Rev. S. A. Bright, possesses large ac- 
quirements and other advantages, eminentlv fitted for his field of 
action. A Sunday school was organized shortly after the church 
was established, and with but little interruption has since continued. 
At present it is in a flourishing condition, numbering 175. 

Edinburg Methodist E pi>c >pal Church. — But limited satisfac- 
tion was derived in tracing the early historv of Methodism in the 
city of Edinburg, as the records of the first class have long since 
been lost or misplaced. According'to the most reliable information 
it appears that a small class was organized about three miles north- 
west of Edinburg, on Sugar Creek, early in the twenties, and for 
some years public worship was held in private residences, princi- 
pally in the dwelling of an early settler by the name of Gilford. 
The preaching was done In- traveling missionaries, who visited the 
neighborhood at regular intervals. Unfortunately the names of 
these early pioneers of the Cross have been forgotten. Among 
the early members of the old Sugar Creek class are remembered 
Wiliam Freeman, Isaac Marshall, Arthur Robinson, Mr. Gifford, 



S66 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

and members of their respective families, all of whom have long 
since passed from the "church militant to the church triumphant."' 
One of the early preachers, but by no means the earliest, was Rev. 
Mr. Strange, who is remembered as a very devoted and earnest 
Christian man, and good pulpit orator. After meeting for two or 
three years on Sugar Creek, it was decided to move the organiza- 
tion to Edinburg. where services were afterward held in the private 
residence of William Hunt, one of the earliest Methodists of the 
town. Here the class continued to meet until the erection of a 
house of worship by the Edinburg Benevolent Societv, after which 
services were regularly held in said building for several years, the 
congregation increasing in numbers and influence in the meantime. 
In 1S4O, a frame building for the especial use of the congregation, 
was erected on Walnut Street. 

It was made a station some lime in the fifties, and since i860, 
has been ministered to by the following pastors in the order named, 
it: Andrew Hester, David Stiver, John F. McClain, Jesse 
Brockway, Samuel Xoble, William Mopin, John K. Pye, Enoch G. 
Wood, Robert Roberts, Francis Potts, Dr. Gelet, Robert Roberts, 
Henry E. Woods. Charles W. Eee, James W. Turner, and Mar- 
tin L. Wells, at the present time. The church prospered greatly un- 
der the ministry of Rev. J. K. Pye, whose labors were blessed by 
a large increase in the membership. Rev. Mr. Roberts also was 
instrumental in strengthening the church, and during the pastorates 
of Revs. Lee, Turner and Wood, large revivals were held result- 
ing in man}- additions to the congregation. In 1869, a movement 
was inaugurated for the erection of a building of enlarged propor- 
tions. Accordingly, a beautiful lot on the corner of Main and 
Thompson streets was procured for the purpose. Work upon the 
new building was pushed forward as rapidlv as circumstances would 
permit, and the structure fully completed, was formally dedicated 
in the year 1S70. It is a handsome brick edifice, the main building, 
45x70 feet in size, connected with a chapel, 30x50 feet, the whole 
representing a capital of $16,000. The seating capacity is fully 
800. The membership is now 7 280. A large and flourishing Sun- 
day school is sustained throughout the year. 

Methodist Church (Williamsburg). — This society is the succes- 
sor of an old class which was organized in the vicinity of the village 
as early as 1S24, or 1S25. Of the early history of the class but 
little is now known, save that meetings were held in private resi- 
dences for a number of years, and that it was disorganized some 
time prior to 1S50. A re-organization was effected in 1853, with 
about thirty or forty members, and the same year witnessed the 
erection of a house of worship in the town, the one now used by 



RELIGIOUS HISTORY. S67 

the congregation. Among the ministers since the re-organization 
were Revs. Talbott, Rice, Woods, Fish, and later, Thomas Jones, 
Sydney Tinker, E. M. Farr, Thomas Brooks, George B. Young, 
J. B. Alley, Mr. Clouds, Thomas McClain, James Jamison and 
Isaac Turner. The church is quite feeble, numbering at this time 
only twenty-five members. The stewards are: Green B. Cobb and 
O. P. Burgett. The Sunday school, under the efficient superinten- 
dency of Daniel Britton, has an average attendance of about sixty 
scholars. 

Glade Methodist E-piscapal Church (Pleasant Township). — The 
history of this flourishing society dates back to a very early period 
in the settlement of that part of Johnson Count}' embraced within 
the present limits of Pleasant Township. The first meetings were 
held in what was known as the Glade school-house, near the eastern 
boundary of the township, as early as 1840, by Rev. Mr. Huffaker, 
who, the year following, organized a small class, among the first 
members of which were the following: John L. McClain and wife, 
Henry McClain and wife, Jesse McClain and wife, Jacob Peggs 
and wife, Sophia Cummings, Sarah J. Cummings, Elizabeth Cum- 
minfjs, Moses McClain and wife, Isabelle Peggs and Nancy Petrirs. 
Of the original members all have passed from the scenes of their 
earthly labors, except Sarah J. McClain (ucc Cummings), Eliza- 
beth Lemon (nee Cummings), and Jacob Peggs. The school-house 
was used for a meeting place six or eight years, after which a 
frame temple of worship was erected upon ground donated for the 
purpose by Elijah Cummings. This building answered well the 
purposes for which it was intended until the growth of the congre- 
gation made a house of larger proportions necessary, when a more 
commodious structure was erected on land of Benjamin Draper, a 
short distance east of the original place of worship. The present 
house is a frame edifice, well furnished, and represents a capital of 
about $2,000. Among the early pastors of the church are remem- 
bered Revs. J. V. R. Miller, Havens, Winchester, J. W. 

McMullen and William Goodwin. The church is in a prosperous 
condition, with the names of nearly if not quite 200 members upon 
the records. Present pastor, Rev. C. W. Tinsley. 

Greenwood Methodist Efiscofal Church.* — In thesummer of 1 849 
the pastor of Franklin circuit, Rev. Mr. Shafer, began stated preach- 
ing in the Baptist Church of Greenwood, and the year following, 
Rev. Elijah D. Long, pastor of the South Port circuit, continued 
preaching, and organized a class, among the early members of 
which were the following: M. Dashiel and wife, Mrs. Selch, Mrs. 
Prewett, George Noble, Louisa Noble, Noah Noble, Rev. Samuel 

"Contributed by Rev. Samuel Noble. 

55 



868 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Noble, John Vorhies and wife, and others whose names are not now 
remembered. In the fall of 1850, Greenwood was made the head 
of a circuit, and Rev. John A. Winchester, at present a superannu- 
ated member of the Southeast Indiana Conference, appointed 
pastor. During his pastorate, the erection of a church building 
was undertaken, and prosecuted to successful completion in the 
early part of the conference year following. The building was a 
substantial frame edifice which stood near the central part of town, 
and cost about $2,500. In the fall of 1851, Rev. Jacob Whitman 
was appointed to the pastorate. For the conference years of 
1S52-53-54, Rev. J. W. T. McMullen served as pastor, with Rev. 
Strange Sinclair as assistant the second year. Rev. Sinclair came 
next. Succeeding him came Rev. H. M. Boyd, in the fall of 
1857. Others were, Revs. William K. Ream, W. R. Goodwin, 
L. Havens, A. Kennedy, J. M. Crawford, F. S. Turk, T. W. Jones, 
Samuel Langdon, D. C. Benjamin, A. H. Reat, Jesse Miller, 
W. S. Falkenburg. Rev. Samuel Noble was appointed in 1882, 
Rev. M. Falkenburg having been transferred to the Texas con- 
ference that year. In the fall of 18S2, W. H. Wydman was ap- 
pointed pastor, serving until the fall of 1885, and was succeeded by 
Rev. Alonzo Murphy, who, in September, 1887, was followed by 
the present incumbent, Rev. C. W. Tinsley. In the spring of 
18S7, the society began the erection of a new house of worship, 
which was completed and dedicated December, 18S7. The build- 
ing stands in the northeast part of the town, and is one of the finest 
specimens of church architecture in Johnson Countv. representing 
a cost of $7,000. It is a beautiful gothic structure, built of brick, 
and will comfortably accommodate an audience of 700. Class 
leader, Vorhies Brand; assistant, William H. Bishop. The Sun- 
day school, under the auspices of the church, was organized in 
185 1, with M. Deshiel. superintendent. 

Whiteland Methodist Episcopal Church. — The organization of 
which the present class of Whiteland is an outgrowth, was founded 
a number of years ago at the residence of Martha Lamasters, about 
three quarters of a mile southwest of the present site of the village 
of Whiteland. Among the early members were a Mr. Crawford, 
Mrs. Lamarters, Isaac Clem and wife, Creed Dawson and wife, 
and John Smith and wife. The first meetings were held at the 
residence of Mrs. Lamasters, and later a school-house about three 
miles southwest of Whiteland served the congregation for a place 
of worship. Early in the forties, a log house, especially for church 
purposes, was built a short distance west of the present site of 
Whiteland, and was known in early years by the name of Mt. Ver- 
non. It was used until the growth of the congregation made a 



RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 869 

more commodious building necessary, when a frame structure was 
erected, about two miles west, on the land of David Smith, and the 
name changed to Pleasant Grove Church. Here the congregation 
met and prospered until 1S81, at which time it was mutually agreed 
to erect a building in Whiteland, and move the organization to the 
village. Accordingly a beautiful frame edifice costing $2,000, was 
built that year, and since its completion the society has been mak- 
ing substantial progress in numbers and financial strength. For the 
first few years the church was an appointment of the Franklin cir- 
cuit, and later it was attached to the Greenwood circuit. The 
majority of the preachers mentioned in connection with the Green- 
wood class, ministered to the Whiteland church at different times. 
Pastor in charge at this time, Rev. C. W. Tinsley. Present mem- 
bership, 120. 

Fair \ r iew MetJiodist Episcopal Church, White River Town- 
ship, formerly known as Pleasant Hill, was organized some time 
between 1S30 and 1835. Of its early history little that is reliable 
is now known. The old Pleasant Hill society was kept up for 
several years, and accomplished much good in the community. A 
part of the class afterward withdrew and formed what is now the 
Mt. Auburn Church, and still later, the original society ceased to 
exist. Subsequently, a remnant of its former members re-organized, 
and taking subscriptions, succeeded in raising a building fund with 
which the present frame house of worship in Section 28, was 
erected. Among the early members of the class were William K. 
Davis and wife, Joseph Smith and wife, Nicholas Orme and wife, 
and others. The present membership is nearly 100, and the church 
is reputed one of the flourishing appointments of South Port circuit. 

Mt. Auburn Ch -As already stated the church is partly 

an out-growth of the old Pleasant Hill society, and dates its history 
from a very early day. Traveling ministers visited the neighbor- 
hood as long ago as 1S34 anc ^ I 83S> and preached in the dwellings 
of the settlers, and about that time a small class was organized 
among the early members, of which are remembered the following: 
John Surface, Eve Surface, Jesse Hughes, Nancy Hughes, William 
and Jane Ilarrell, Jane Ross, Amos and Polly Smith. About the 
year 1835 or 1S36, the members of the class and others, erected a 
short distant east of the present church edifice, a small frame build- 
ing, the walls of which were made of mud. It served for church and 
and for many years was familiarly known as the 
" .Mud School-House." Here the congregation met until 1848, at 
which time the present church edifice in the eastern part of the 
township, Section n, was erected and dedicated. As orig- 
inally constructed, the building was a rough frame structure. 



87O JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Changes were afterward made in the building, and it now surpasses 
the average country church in its appearance and appointments. 
Among the early pastors of the church, were Revs. Eli P. Farmer, 
John Myers, A. Beck, A. Beech, James Scott, John Powell, J. V. R. 
Miller, James Mitchell, Jacob Whiteman, Hensley, Lathrop, Havens, 
Bowman, Ray, Shafer and others. Originally, the class belonged 
to Franklin circuit, but about the year 1850, it was attached to 
Greenwood. As a class of the latter circuit, it was organized De- 
cember 21, 1S50, by Rev C. W. Ruter, presiding elder, and J. S. 
Winchester, preacher in charge. Since 1850, it has enjoyed the 
labors of the following ministers: Revs. J. W. T. McMullen, S. W. 
Sinclair, N. M. Boyer, W. R. Goodwin, L. Havens, A. Kennedy, 
J. M. Crawford, F. S. Turk, T. W. Jones, S. Langdon, D. C. Ben- 
jamin, A. R. Reat, Jesse Miller, W. S. Falkenburg, W. H. Wyd- 
man, A. Murphy, and the present incumbent, C. W. Tinsley. The 
society has an active membership of over 150. 

Methodist Episcopal Church (Trafalgar). — This society is the 
successor of the Old Pleasant Grove Church, which was organized 
in the northwest part of Nineveh Township as earlv as the year 
1827. A number of the pioneer settlers of that locality were 
Methodists, and the names familiar in the earl}' history of the 
church were the Thompson's, Baileys. Watkins', Day's, Carroll's, 
Law's and Wilson's. Early meetings were held in the cabins of 
the settlers, and later the Watkins school-house served as a place of 
worship until a building for the especial use of the congregation 
could be erected. Late in the thirties, Mr. Mullendore, an early 
settler in the northern part of the township, donated for a church 
building a lot about one-half mile north of the school-house, and in 
clue time a frame edifice was erected thereon. Here the society 
met and nourished for a number of years, and at one time became 
a strong organization with over 100 members. James Hill. S. W. 
McNaughton and George F. Mullendore were among the early 
preachers and stated supplies of the church. Owing to deaths, re- 
movals and other causes, the membership gradually became weaker, 
until at one time meetings ceased nearly altogether. A re-organi- 
zation was effected in 1870, and the place of meeting changed to 
Trafalgar, where the same year a frame house of worship, costing 
the sum of $1,650, was erected. This building stands near the 
central part of the village, and affords a comfortable and commo- 
dious meeting place. Among the pastors of the church since its 
re-organization, have been the following: Revs. Tinker, McClain, 
Cloud, Young, Fair, Alley and Jamison. The pastor in charge at 
this time is Rev. Mr. Turner. 

JTcs/rv CIiupcI (M. E.), Union village, was organized in the 






RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 8/1 

spring of 1S7S, as a branch of Shiloh Church, in Morgan 
Countv. For some time meetings were held in a school-house 
near the village, but in the fall of the above year, a neat frame 
building was erected. Among the early members of the class 
were the following persons: James Matthews, George Smith, 
John W. Taylor, John Selch, Henry Knox, John Shrockmorton 
and John L. Knox. The following preachers have ministered to 

the church since its organization: Revs. Charles Woods, 

Asbury, Thomas Jones, J. V. R. Miller, Charles Spray, Samuel 
C. Kennedv and John D. Hartsock. The society belongs to the 
Waverly circuit, Indianapolis district, and numbers at this time 
about fifty members. 

Friendship Church (M. E.), Hensley Township, is an old or- 
ganization, which meets for worship in a frame building, not far 
from the Morgan County line. The society is not as strong as 
formerly, but is still in good condition, with an active membership. 
Rev. Mr. Turner is pastor. 

Salem Methodist Episcopal Church, an old organization in 
White River Township, dates its existence from about 1834 or 
1835. The first meetings were conducted by Rev. Jacob Brum- 
well, at the residence of Anthony Brunnemer, and among those 
who became members in an early day were Jacob and Charlotte 
Brumwell, Berrien and Catharine Reynolds, William Dresslar, 
Margaret Dressier, George Duke, Mary Duke, John Taylor, Sa- 
rah Taylor, Anthony Brunnemer. Magdalene Brunnemer, Henry 
Dressier, Malinda Dressier, William Brunnemer, Sarah Brunne- 
mer, Abraham Lowe, Harriet Lowe, and a number of other early 
settlers of the community. In 1848, Henry and Elizabeth Dress- 
ier deeded to the ti-ustees of the congregation a lot for church pur- 
poses, upon which was erected, a little later, a log house of worship. 
It answered the purpose for which it was intended until 1868, at 
which time the present frame edifice was erected upon the 
same lot. Among the pastors of Salem, from 'ime to time, are re- 
membered the following: Revs. Farmer, Beck, Brown, Crawford, 
Huffaker, McMullen, W. C. Crawford, George Havens, Landy 
Havens, Goodwin Sparks, Shelton, St. Clair, J. M. Crawford, 
Boyer, Ream, Kennedy, Smith, Wilks, Crane, Heavenridge, Woods, 
Charles Woods, Jones, Asbury, Rhoades, Miller, Sray, C. Kennedy, 
and Hastrock. The membership in 1SS8, is about 100, and the 
church is reported in prosperous condition. 

Rock Lane Methodist Episcopal Church (Clarksburg) was or- 
ganized about the year 1873 or 1874. A substantial frame house of 
worship was afterward erected at a cost of $2,000, and the society, 
though weak in numbers, the membership being about forty, is 



bj- JOHNSON COUNTY. 

now making substantial progress. The class leader is William Dun- 
lavy. Stewards: William Dougherty, Harvey Fisher and William 
Dunlavy. The church is a point on the Acton circuit, and is min- 
istered to at this time by Rev. James Hughes. There are three 
or four other Methodist churches in the county, additional to those 
mentioned, but owing to the absence of early records, their histories 
were not learned. 

African Methodist Efiscopal Church, Franklin, was organized 
in the year 1868, with the following members: Augustus Ham- 
mond. Mary Leonard, Mary Elkins, Jane Blakely and Mary Stark, 
Rev. Whitton Lankford officiating. The following pastors have 
ministered to the church from time to time: Revs. Henry Brown, 
Henry Depew, Hezekiah Harper, Joseph Alexander, Whitton 
Lankford, John Fergerson, Daniel Winslow, Alexander Smith, 
John Jordan, M. Lewis, Richard R. Titus, Nathaniel Jones and 
George Pope. The pastor in charge at this time is Rev. John 
Fergerson. The building in which the congregation meets for 
worship, a frame structure on West Madison Street, was erected 
and dedicated in the year 1S68. Present membership, fifty-five. 
Class leaders, Adam Moore and Charles A. Pettiford. Stewards, 
Charles A. Pettiford, John Fossett, Hillery Moore, Charles Jordan 
and John Pettiford. 

Pleasant Hill Methodist Protestant Church (Clark Township). — 
This flourishing organization dates its history from the year 1S36. 
The first minister of the M. P. Church in the "Hurricane" neigh- 
borhood was Rev. Mr. Cable, who, by invitation, preached at the 
residence of David Parr, as earlvas the above vear. Subsequently, 
Rev. Peter dinger became his associate, and the result of their 
labors was the organization of a Methodist Protestant Church, con- 
sisting of the following families: Samuel Overstreet and wife, 
David Parr and wife, Milton Knapp and wife, Henry McAlpin and 
wife, Lewis Jones and wife, and Nancy Yager, all of whom are 
now dead. In the year of 1836, a place of worship was in demand, 
and the new organization united with the Baptists and United Breth- 
ren, in building the old log church known as "Friendship," which 
was used as a place of worship by the three denominations; also, 
as a school-house. This old log church was built in the years of 
1836 and 1S37, on a lot donated by the late Harvey Sloan, of 
Franklin, and now occupied by the Hurricane Baptist Church. 
Samuel Overstreet appears to have been the first Methodist Prot- 
estant trustee. The rirst Methodist Protestant pastor was Peter 
Clingler, who was followed b}- George Baxter, John Williams, 
Thomas Shipp. 

From 1S40 to 1842, the church had the joint services of T. 



RELIGIOUS HISTORY. 873 

Shipp and C. H. Williams as pastors, and Isaac Wills and wife be- 
came members of the church. From 1842 to 1843, T. Shipp was 
pastor. From 1843 to 1845, the church had the services of James 
Edmeston as pastor. In February, 1844, trie Methodist Protestant 
Church resolved to build for themselves a separate place of wor- 
ship, and, having secured a beautiful lot (deeded to, and held in 
trust bv, Milton Knapp, Jackson Williams and Lewis Jones, as trus- 
tees), began immediatelv to build the old frame church known as 
Pleasant Hill Methodist Protestant Church, situated on the Hurri- 
cane pike four and a half miles northeast of Franklin, in Clark 
Township, Johnson County, Ind. From the years 1S45 to 1S48, 
H. Collings was pastor; from 1848 to 1851, T. Shipp; from 1851 
to 1854, J. Gardner. From the year 1S54 to J ^55' ^ W. B.Taylor 
was pastor. Others who followed were: T. Bland, T. Shipp, J. 
Bogle, S. M. Gentry, George Hunt, Joseph Proctor, H. Duckwortb, 
S. M. Louden, O. R. Carlton, A. S. Baker, H. Stackhouse, 
A. W. Motz, C. Caddy. E. Conn. II. M. Boyer, S. H. Flood and 
M. Gustin, John Heim, J. II. C. McKinney. 

At the conference of 1879, tne church, having been left with- 
out a pastor, was supplied by S. T. Deekens and Prof. J. H. 
Martin, during whose services the building of the present church 
building was begun. Early in Januarv, 1^80, the church, having 
decided to build a new house of worship, elected a building com- 
mittee, consisting of J. W. Davis, Rufus Williams, S. W. Dungan, 
John Ballard, W. W. McCaslin, George Cutsinger and T. B. 
Wood, through whose efforts the subscription was raised, and un- 
der whose supervision the contract was let for building. The 
present building is built of brick, is 38x60 feet, finished and furn- 
ished in the latest style at a cost of $6,000. The contract 
for constructing the building was let on the 14th day of 
March, 18S0, to Robert Wagoner. The building was commenced 
in April, 1880, and completed October 1, of the same year, and 
was dedicated to the worship of God on the 10th day of October, 
1880. Since 1879 the church has been ministered to by the fol- 
lowing pastors: J. M. Langley, F. M. Ilussey, J. L. Barclay, and 
the present membership is 100. 

Honey ('reck Church, United Brethren in Christ, an old or- 
ganization in the western part of White River Township, was 
founded as early as the year 1835. Many of the pioneer families 
of the neighborhood became identified with the society in an early 
day, and for a period of over a half century it has been a flourish- 
ing organization, numbering among its members at this time the 
leading citizens of the community. Among those who became 
members in an early clay were: John Scott and wife, Amos Smith 



874 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

and wife. Ira Stater and wife, Margaret Harrell, and others. Rev. 
Charles McCarty was an early minister, as were also Revs. George 
Muth and Farmer, who, with others, did much toward establishing 
the church upon its present substantial foundation. For several 
years the society met for worship in a neighboring school-house, 
but about the year 1845, a frame building was erected near the 
site of the present church. It answered the purposes for which it 
was intended until 1866, when it was replaced by the present 
building, a neat frame structure. Present membership, about 
ninetv. Rev. A. J. Bowling is pastor in charge. 

Bethel U. B. Church (White River Township) was or- 
ganized about the year 185S, in a school-house which stood near 
the present site of the church building. The organization was 
effected with quite a number of members, among whom were: 
Mr. Nelson, Sarah Scott, Henry Primer, Wyrmla Primer, Rev. 
W. J. Pruner, Harvev Vorhies, Bathsheba Yorhies, and others. 
Rev. H. K. Muth officiated at the organization, and preached 
for the society sometime thereafter. The temple of worship used 
by the congregation was erected about the year i860. The church 
is not very strong numerically, numbering only about fifty com- 
municants, at this time. 

Olive Branch U. B. Church, near the central part of White 
River Township, was organized about the year 1858, by Rev. 
Henrv K. Muth. Among the early members the following names 
are familiar: Shelby Fullen, Elizabeth Fullen, Evans A. Ogburn 
and wife, James M. Barger and wife, and John G. Barger. Among 
the rlrst pastors are remembered, Revs. Cox, Evans A. Cabrich. 
The present pastor is Rev. A. J. Bowling. In 1S59 a substantial 
frame temple of worship was erected, the one in which services 
have been since held. The church is in a prosperous condition, and 
has the names of over forty-five members upon the records. 

Ediiiburg Catholic Church. — The first priest to celebrate mass 
in Edinburg was Rev. Vincent Bacquelin, who visited the village 
as early as 1S36, and held services in the house of Mrs. Tierney, 
one of the early settlers of the communitv. At that time there 
were but few Catholics in the neighborhood, but in 1845, John 
Walsh, Dr. William Rush and Michael Fogarty settled here, and 
two years later came Mrs. I Iannah Ryan, mother of James, Thomas 
and Richard Ryan, and Sister St. Charles. In 1S50, the Catholic 
population was increased by the arrival of Thomas Fitzgibbon, 
James Mullen, Michael Moffett, Michael Lynch, Michael McGrayee 
and Henry Sweetman, all of whom proved valuable additions to 
the church. Services were held at different places until 1S51, at 
which time 'a neat frame temple of worship was erected in the 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 875 

western part of town on a beautiful eminence overlooking Main Cross 
Street. The building was blessed by Bishop De Saint Palais, as- 
sisted by Revs. William Doyle and Daniel Maloney, and named 
Holy Trinity. For several years Edinburg was the center of the 
Columbus, Franklin, Seymour, Henryville, Greenwood, Browns- 
town, Taylorville, Mt. Erin and Mt. Liberty missions, and conse- 
quently became an important point in the Vincennes diocese. The 
first building was used until 1886, when it was replaced by the 
present handsome brick structure, at a cost of $5,000. This is one 
of the finest church edifices in Johnson County, and reflects great 
credit upon the congregation. The present membership is about 
thirty families. The following is a list of pastors who have min- 
istered to the church from time to time: Revs. Vincent Bacquelin, 
1835-46; Daniel Maloney, 1846-55; Edward Martimoore. 1855-62; 
F. Goesse, 1862-64; Joseph Petit, 1864-65; William Henry Orem, 
1865-67; D. J. McMullen, 1867-68; Victor A. Schnell, first resi- 
dent pastor, 1868-70; John Louis Brassart, 1870 71; Victor A. 
Schnell, 1871-1S — . The present pastor is Row Anthony Oster, 
who holds services every alternate Sabbath, and at intervals in the 
meantime. The congregation is in a prosperous condition, and has 
before it a promising future. 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 

William V. Covert was born in Mercer County, Ky., April 
8, 1S10, and died in Johnson County, Ind., October 24, 1859. ^ e 
was the son of John Covert, a son of Isaac. Covert, who was a native 
of Pennsylvania, of German lineage. Isaac was an early settler of 
Kentucky, emigrating from Pennsylvania to that state. He was 
the progenitor of the following offspring: John, Simon, Daniel, Cor- 
nelius, Jane, Martha and Lamy. John Covert, one of his sons, was 
an early pioneer settler of Johnson County, locating in the county 
prior to 1830. He was born September 1, 1782, and died April 
4, 1S67. William V. Covert, his son, was united in marriage with 
Margaret Bergen, in Johnson County, February 20, 1834. Mar- 
garet Bergen was a native of Kentucky, and was born September 
19, 1S15, and died in this county December 28, 1885. To the 
marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Covert these children have been born: 
John T., Sarah A.., deceased, Peter G., William D. The sons are 
citizens of Union Township, and are farmers by occupation. Feb- 
ruary 11, 1869, Peter G. was united in marriage with Mary E. 
Vannuys, a native of this county, born March 23, 1836. The above 
union has been blessed by the birth of one child, Paul. The 



S76 JOHXSOX COUNTY. 

father, mother and son are members of the Presbyterian Church at 
Hopewell. The mother united with the church June 8, 1852, the 
father April 20, 1856, and the son in 18S4. William D. Covert, 
like his brother, is a progressive and representative citizen, and has 
devoted most of his life to farming. lie and his brother, Peter G., 
have, for several years, been associated together in the business of 
undertaking, which, together with farming, has honored both broth- 
ers in the gaining of wealth, and bv their industry and perseverance 
thev have reached prosperity, and enjoy the esteem of their neigh- 
bors. William D. is also a member of the Presbysterian Church 
at Hopewell. 

Jesse Y. Demaree is the son of George W. and Sarah W. 
(Young) Demaree. The father was born in Mercer, Ky., 
March 29, 1812, and died in this county, October 13, 1851, and the 
mother was born in Pennsylvania, April 16, 1S14, and died in this 
county August 15, 1S64. They were married in this county, Jan- 
uarv 25, 1838. This marriage resulted in the birth of the follow- 
in-- children: Jesse Y., David M., deceased, Robert B., deceased, 
Margaret J., Rachel E.. deceased, Elizabeth M. About 1835, George 
W. Demaree came to this county, and lived here till lie died. He en- 
tered the farm our subject now lives on. He was a zealous member 
of the Presbyterian Church, in which church he served as elder. The 
subject of this sketch was born and reared on the farm he owns. 
He received a fair education bv attending the countrv schools. He 
has followed farming as an occupation. He was married April 
3, 1S65, wedding Mary M. Miller, who is the daughter of 
William and Rhoda Miller. She lived but a short period of 
time after this marriage. In 1872, October 3, Mr. Demaree mar- 
ried, for a sceond wife, Margaret A. Winchester, daughter of 
John M. and Harriet Winchester. Mrs. Demaree was born in this 
county, September 6, 1S52. The children born unto the second 
marriage of our subject were: Mary Ester, Hattie, Sarah E., de- 
ceased, Bertha Jane, Mabel Edna, deceased, Byron M. and John R. 
Our subject began the battle of life for himself at an early day. 
His father died when he was but thirteen years old, and to support 
the widowed mother and the family placed upon him much respon- 
sibility; but he succeeded in his efforts, and now owns the old 
homestead his father entered, excepting forty acres. He volun- 
teered in Company F, Seventh Indiana Regiment, in August, 1861, 
as a private, and was engaged at the battle of Winchester, Ya., 
in 1862, where he received a gunshot wound in the left thigh, and 
this necessitated his discharge in October, 1862. He is a member 
of the Presbyterian Church, as is also his wife. He is a Master 
Mason of Union \ ulage Lodge, Xo. 545. 



UNION TOWNSHIP. S77 

William H. Hamilton was born in Union Township, this 
countv, September S, 1S34, and is the son of Micajah and 
Elizabeth (Euyster) Hamilton. The father was born in Culpep- 
per Countv, Ya., in 1797, and died in this county in 1S78. He was 
the son of a native of Virginia, who was an early settler of Ken- 
tuckv, where Micajah Hamilton was reared. The mother of our 
subject was born in Mercer Countv. Kv., in 1797, and died in this 
countv in 1SS4. The marriage of Micajah Hamilton and Elizabeth 
Luvster was consummated in Kentuckv, and unto them were born 
the following children: Peter L., John, Rachel, Mary, Susan and 
Nancy, and then the parents and children came to this state and 
county in 1S34, and located in Union Township, where the deaths 
of the parents occurred. To them, after their arrival, were born 
these children: William H., Martha, Robert P. and James T., and 
two others who died in infancy. Of these children, eight are 
living, four in Johnson County, two in Missouri, one in Kansas and 
one in Iowa. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, and 
received an education in the country schools. He has followed 
farming for an occupation. In 1S56 he was married to Charlotte 
J. Terrell, daughter of Henry H. and Nancy i Foster i Terrell, na- 
tives of Kentucky, coming to this state about 1S54. Mrs. Hamil- 
ton was born in Nelson County, Ky., March 2, iS_j.o. The follow- 
ing are the children born unto the above marriage: Nancy E., 
Peter S., Addie J., Mary E., Martha E., Emma S., and 
BJanche C. Not long after the marriage of Mr. Hamilton 
went to Kansas, where he lived for a period of four years, and then 
returned to his native state and county, where he has since made 
his home. Soon after his return to Indiana, the Civil War broke 
out, and in 1S62, August 20, he enlisted in Company E, Seventh 
Indiana Infantry, as private, and among the important engagements 
in which he participated, were Bull Run, South Mountain, Antie- 
tam and Union. June 30, 1865, he was mustered out of the service, at 
Point Lookout, Md. At the close of the war he returned to his home, 
and since has been actively engaged in farming. Mr. and Mrs. 
Hamilton are members of the Presbyterian Church at Shiloh. 

Daniel J. Helm, farmer and stock-trader, was born in John- 
son County, Ind., December 15, 1S52, and is the son of John and 
Nancy ( Clark) Helm. His father and mother were called away 
in death when he was but a small child. He was taken by an 
uncle to be fostered: but the time he remained with this uncle was 
short. He came to the Hopewell neighborhood when fourteen 
years old, and has lived here ever since. For twelve years he 
worked on a farm. With his earnings, he educated himself, lie 
attended Hanover College for three months, but ill-health com- 



SyS JOHNSON COUNTY. 

pelled him to quit school. He taught school one term: but agri- 
culturing has been his chosen occupation. Me now owns and 
cultivates a -well-improved farm of forty acres, and , enjoys the 
esteem of his neighbors, who regard him as a self-made and honest 
man. April 25, 1872, he was united in marriage with Rachel C. 
Carnine. She was born in this county, August 17, 1S50, and by 
the above marriage has become the mother of the following- chil- 
dren: Nannie J., Collie Roscoe, Claud A., and Annie M. Mr. and 
Mrs. Helm are members of the church: he of the Christian Church; 
she of the Presbyterian Church. He is a member of Franklin 
Lodge, I. O. O. F. 

Gkorge and Hiram Kerlin. — Among the early families of 
Johnson County, was the Kerlin family. The father, George Kerlin, 
was born in Kentucky, January 19, I79°> and died in Johnson 
County, Inch, in 1852. He was the son of James and Margaret 
(Smith) Kerlin, earl}' settlers of Kentucky, in which state George 
was reared, and was united in marriage with Rachel Banta, De- 
cember 5, 1S16. Rachel was also a native of Kentucky, born 
March 14, 1S00, and died in this county in 1S72. For about fifteen 
years after the above marriage was consummated, Mr. and Mrs. 
Kerlin resided in Kentucky, and in 1831, removed to Indiana, and 
in the same year settled in Johnson County, locating on Section 24, 
of what is now Union Township. This was their home until called 
away in death. Their marriage was blessed by the birth of the 
following offspring: John, Peter, deceased, Arta Mecv, Delilah, de- 
ceased, James, deceased, Rachel, Joseph, deceased, Margaret, de- 
ceased, Levina, deceased, George, Hiram and Carolina, deceased. 
Their father was a farmer by occupation, and was a hardy pio- 
neer, living for over twenty years in the county. He and his wife 
were members of the Regular Baptist Church, taking active parts 
in the work of the church. George Kerlin, a son of George and 
Rachel Kerlin, was born in Union Township, February 15, 
1834, an d was reared and educated on a farm, receiving a 
fair education for his day. His youth was devoted to farm work, 
and in early manhood, learned the carpenter's trade, which he fol- 
lowed till he was about thirty years of age, since when he has 
followed the pursuit of farming, in which he is practical and suc- 
cessful. February 25, 1864, he was united in marriage with Susan 
Keaton, daughter of William and Sarah Keaton, who were early 
settlers of Nineveh Township, this county. Mrs. Kerlin was born 
in Johnson County, August 22, 1S38. Unto the above marriage, 
have been born these children : Lizzie A., deceased, William H., 
George L., and John E. After Mr. Kerlin's marriage, he settled on a 
farm of twenty acres in Section 13, Union Township, andnow owns 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 



S 79 



and cultivates a farm of 118 acres. Mr. Kerlin is not a member 
of any church, yet he is not adverse to the church cause, and ad- 
vocates that religion is a reality, and has always aided the church. 
His wife is a member of the Christian Church, and both enjoy the 
esteem of their neighbors. Hiram Kerlin, also a son of George 
and Rachel Kerlin, was born in this county, August 10, 1S36. His 
youth was spent on the farm, and his education obtained at the 
country schools, during short winter terms. His life has been 
devoted to farming, and has been marked by industry and perse- 
verance. His father died when he was a youth, but he remained 
on the farm with his widowed mother till he reached the age of 
twenty-five years. December 24, 1S63, his marriage with Lucy 
A. Clark was solemnized. His wife is the daughter of Allen and 
Martha (Webb) Clark, and was born in this county, March 21, 
1840. Her parents were natives of Kentucky, and in an early day 
emigrated to Kentucky, from which state they removed in 1832, 
settling in Johnson County in the same year. This marriage has 
resulted in the following births: Jessie Albertine, Ella Belle, Isaac 
Webster, Maggie May, deceased. Soon after his marriage, Mr. 
Kerlin settled in life as a farmer, and has been favored with suc- 
cess in life. He and his wife are members of the Primitive Baptist 
Church. 

John W. Peggs was born in Johnson County, Ind., September 
22, 1S4S, and is the son of Evan O. and Margaret M. (Hunter) 
Peggs. The father was born in Trimble County, Ky., September 
14, 1814, and is the son of Joseph and Nancy (Cunningham) 
Peggs. Joseph Peggs was a native of Dublin, Ireland, and immi- 
grated to America in an earl}' day, and here was united in marri- 
age with Nancy Cunningham, a native of Pennsylvania, of Dutch 
descent. Unto the above union were born: Jacob, Rachel, Cath- 
erine, Ellen, Mary, Nancy, Sarah, Joseph, John F., Thomas, 
Evan O. and William. Soon after the marriage of the parents they 
removed to Trimble County, Ky., and not very long after they 
removed to Indiana, where their deaths occurred. Evan O. Peggs 
was reared in his native state, and in company with his brother 
Jacob, he came to this county in 1832, and has since continued in 
the county, farming for an occupation. In 1846, he was united in 
marriage with Margaret M. Hunter, a native of Trimble County, 
Ky., born in 1824, and died in this countv in 1S56. Unto the above 
marriage were born six children, of whom three are deceased. 
Those living are Taylor, John W. and Nancy E. The father still 
survives, and resides with the subject of this sketch. John W. 
Peggs, our subject, was reared and educated on a farm, and has 
followed the occupation of farming as a life work. In 1877, he was 



88o JOHNSON COUNTY. 

married unto Sarah J., daughter of Christopher and Mary Duff. She 
was born in this county August 26, i860. Her parents, both na- 
tives of Ireland, reside in Clark Township, this county. The above 
marriage has been blessed by the birth of one child, a daughter, 
named Edna. John W. Peggs is one of the enterprising and suc- 
cessful farmers of Johnson County. He formerly resided in Franklin 
Township, but in the fall of 1887, he located on a farm in Union 
Township. He is a successful breeder of fine stock, of which two 
fine stallions are of most note. One is Robert Emmett, a Mam- 
brino, and the other Jim Cox, a Norman. The former is seldom 
excelled in point of speed; while the latter has but few equals as a 
draft horse. Mr. Peggs is a thorough-going man, and enjoys the 
esteem of his neighbors. He is not a member of any church, but 
if he has any choice it is the Roman Catholic Church, of which his 
wife is an ardent member. 

W. M. Province, M. D., a practicing physician at Providence, 
(Union village) is a native of Henry County, Kv., was born De- 
cember 19, 1840, and is the son of Samuel and Nancy (Harden) 
Province. The father was born in the County of Phamana, Ire- 
land, about 1808, and died in Henry County, Kv., in 1S63. He 
came to America at the age of fourteen years, coming with his mother. 
The mother and son settled in Shelby County, Ky. He was mar- 
ried in Henry County, Ky. The mother of our subject was born 
in Henry County, Ky., and is the daughter of Daniel Harden, a na- 
tive of Kentucky, of French origin. The following children were 
born unto them : Elizabeth Jane, William M., Rebecca, Mary E., 
Daniel H., Samuel, deceased. William M. was reared in his na- 
tive count}', and his youth was spent in the village of Pleasureville. 
October 12, 1861, he enlisted in Company K, Sixth Kentucky Infantry, 
with Capt. H. C. McLoed, and December 19, 1S61, was mustered 
as a private in the United States Army, for a term of three years. 
Among the important engagements in which he took part, were: 
Shiloh, Stone River and Chickamauga. At Chickamauga he received 
a wound in the left arm. His services continued until December 19, 
1864, when he was mustered out. After the close of the war he 
came to WaveiTy, Morgan Co., Ind., where he remained a short 
time, and then went to Bloomingdale, Ind., where he attended the 
academy of that place, which was taught by B. C. Hobbs and 
daughter. He attended school for about one year, receiving a fair 
literary education. He then returned to Waverly, where he began 
studying medicine with Dr. C. M. Lindley. Later, he attended the 
Miami Medical College, at Cincinnati, Ohio, where he graduated 
in March, 1867. In 1867 he located at Union village, Ind., form- 
ing a partnership with Dr. L. C. Gair, with whom he continued to 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 88l 

practice till September 30, 1S71, when he bought out his partner 
and continued the practice alone. lie has had a lucrative practice, 
and has widely established for himself the reputation of a 
skillful and successful practitioner. From the fact that he has been 
in active practice for a period of over twenty years, and in one 
place, we conclude that he has met with more than an ordinary 
success. At the close of the war he found himself a poor young 
man, and with but limited education. He came to Indiana, and his ed- 
ucation, gained at Bloomingdale, he compensated for with his own 
finance, as well as his medical education. He has been a man of 
energy and perseverance, and though meeting with many adversi- 
ties, he has been successful in surmounting many of the obstacles 
of life. He is now a prospouous man, and enjovs the esteem of 
his neighbors. He is a member of the Christian Church, 
and is also a Master Mason in the Union Village Lodge, 
No. 545, of which he is one of its charter members. He is mas- 
ter of his lodge at present. November 12, 1S6S, he was united in 
marriage with Julia Abraham, daughter of William and Maria 
( Arnold) Abraham, born in Marion County, Ind., September 28, 1S44, 
and the above union has been blessed by the birth of the following 
children: Clarence, Florence M., and Oran. Mrs. Province is a 
member of the Christian Church. He is, beside being engaged 
in the practice of medicine, also engaged in agricultural pursuits, 
owning and cultivating a farm of 155 acres. 

James II. Vandivier, a farmer of Johnson Countv, was born 
in Mercer Count)-, Ky., February 13, 1823, and is the son of 
Peter and Sarah (Garshwiler) Vandivier. His father was a na- 
tive of New Jersey, born October 15, 17S7, and died in this county 
in 1S66. The mother was born in Kentucky, October 17, 1788, 
and died in this country June 29, 1863. This marriage was con- 
summated in Kentucky, and they came to this country in 1S26, and 
located on Section 25, Union Township, and lived here until their 
deaths. Their marriage was blessed by the following children: 
Madison, deceased, Eliza, Strather, John, deceased. William T., 
Susann, Peter, Joseph S., James II., Polly, Isaac. Henry, de- 
ceased, Jefferson and Harriet. The father was a farmer by occu- 
pation, and was a pioneer of the county. He was a member of 
the Christian Church. Mrs. Vandivier was a member same 

church. Thev came to Indiana in an early day. They endured 
many hardships, but lived to an advanced age, and were 
respected by all who knew them. Their son, James, who 
is the subject of this sketch, was but three old when he was 
brought to this county. His youth was spent on a farm. In his 
days of schooling he had but few advantages to gain an education, 



S82 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

and what he did get was gained by attending a few short terms of 
subscription schools. He is a man of strong judgment and pos- 
sessed of a keen observation, and a store of useful and practical 
knowledge, which has characterized his life with utility and practica- 
bility. He rem. lined under the parental roof until he was twenty-five 
years of age. November 16, 184S, he was united in marriage with 
Mary Ann Buckner, daughter of Avery and Margaret (Sturgeon) 
Buckner. Mrs. Vandivier was born in Kentucky, May 29, 1832. 
Her parents came to this county about 1836, and reared her in this 
count_y. The above marriage was blessed by the following births: 
John W., Samantha, Avery M.. Joseph H., William A., Sarah M., 
James Thomas, and Minnie Bell. Soon after his marriage, Mr. 
Vandivier settled down on the place where he now lives, and has 
since been actively engaged in farming. He began in life with 
but ordinary advantages for gaining wealth, but by energy and 
perseverance, together with honesty and integrity, he has not only 
become one of the most prosperous men of the county, but a well 
respected one as well. He has reared a large family for whom he 
has cared both educationally and financially. He is one of the most 
extensive land holders of the county, now owning 820 acres of land 
in the county, lie has filled several positions of honor and trust, 
and at present is one of the county commissioners, being elected by 
a majority of over 3,000 as the democratic candidate, in 1886. 
Jefferson Vandivier, son of Peter and Sarah Vandivier, 
early pioneers of this county, was born in Union Township, August 
25, 1828, and was reared on the farm. He attended school during 
a few short terms, and gained a knowledge of reading, writing, and 
ciphering. He remained under the parental roof till he reached 
the age of twenty-four years, and then began the battle of 
life for himself, and on January 26, 1S54, he was united in 
marriage with Luanda Margaret Canary, daughter of Henry 
and Elizabeth (Terhune) Canary, who settled in this county in 
1844, and now reside in Franklin. They came from Mercer 
County, Ky., where the wife of our subject was born, April 
29, 1836. Her marriage with our subject has been blessed by the 
birth of the following children: Almira (wife of T. L. Banta), 
Elizabeth, deceased, Minerva Ann, (wife of P. S. Hamilton), Ro- 
zella (wife of William II. Garshwiler), Mayo L., Dillard M., 
Ozaies E., Henry R., Strather E., Emma C, Susan Iona and Har- 
riet. After Mr. Vandivier's marriage, he settled in life as a far- 
mer, and since has been engaged in farming, in Union Township. 
He staited out in life with a heavy debt over him. which he has 
cleared, and now he is a prosperous man, owning and cultivating 
two farms, one consisting of 200, and the other of 175, acres. His 



UNION TOWNSHIP. 8S3 

success in life has been clue to his untiring energy and perseverance. 
He has held several positions of honor and trust. He is now the 
present trustee of Union Township, filling the office for a second 
term. He was elected as the democratic candidate in 1886, and 
re-elected in 1888. He has always been an uncompromising dem- 
ocrat, casting his first presidential vote for Taylor and Filmore. 
Mr. Vandivier is a progressive and energetic man, and has always 
been a friend to churches, schools and public improvement. He 
is a jocular, good-natured man. He has reared a large family, 
most of whom he has succeeded in giving a good education, lie 
is a sober, industrious and pious citizen. 

Thomas Forsyth was born in Jefferson Count}-, Ky., January 
23, 1816, and is the son of James and Jane (Sturgeon) Forsyth. 
The parents were natives of Virginia, and came to Kentucky in an 
early day. Their marriage resulted in the birth of the following 
children : Matilda, Margaret, Mary, James, Thomas, John and 
David, all of whom, but Thomas, are deceased. The father died 
in 182 1, at the age of forty-three years, his death occurring in Ken- 
tucky. The marriage of each of the daughters was consummated 
in Kentucky, artd subsequentlv in 1S30, the widowed mother and 
her four sons, emigrated from Kentucky to Indiana, and in the same 
year, settled near the present location of Trafalgar. Subsequently 
the mother became the wife of Garret Terhune. Her death 
occurred at her home in the town of Trafalgar about the year 
1S56, at the age of seventy years. The subject of this sketch was 
a youth of fifteen years when his mother came to this county, and 
has since lived here. He was reared on a farm and received a fair 
education for his day. He has followed farming for a chosen oc- 
cupation. He remained with his mother till he reached his ma- 
jority, and in the fall of 1837 he was united in marriage with Mary 
Ragsdale, a native of Oldham County, Ky., born August 28, 1S16. 
She died in the fall of 1864. Eight children were born unto the 
above marriage, as follows: John Thomas, deceased. James Har- 
vey, Mitchell S., Martha Ellen, Robert Fulton, deceased, Sarah J., 
Milton and Bronson H. In 1873, Mr. Forsyth married for a second 
w ife Mrs. Malinda J. Garrison, whose death occurred nine years 
later. Mr. Forsyth settled on his farm in Union Township soon 
after his marriage. He has never aspired to public life, but lias 
preferred the life of a prosperous farmer. Though he has never 
connected himself with the church, he is in sympathy with all de- 
nominations. 

56 






884 JOHNSON COUNTY. 



WHITE RIVER TOWNSHIP. 

Adaline R. Baker was born in this county, June 19, 183 1, 
and is the daughter of Thomas and Sarah (Whetzel) Lowe. The 
father was born in Salem County, N. C, and died in Johnson 
Count}', Ind., October 10, 1871, aged seventy-two years. The 
mother was born in Wheeling, Va., and died in this county, Decem- 
ber 12, 1852, aged forty-three years. Their marriage was con- 
summated in Morgan County, Ind., December 23, 1S28, andresuhed 
in the birth of the following children: Caroline L. and Adaline R. 
The parents were very early settlers of Johnson County. The 
father was the son of Thomas Baker, Sr., a native of North Caro- 
lina; and the mother was the daughter of Jacob Whetzel, an early 
pioneer settler of Morgan County, Ind. Adaline R. Baker was 
united in marriage with William Madison Knox, October 10, 1852. 
Unto the union was born a daughter, Sarah E. by name. This 
daughter became married a second time, and her marriages were 
blessed by the birth of the following children: Maude, Maggie, 
Maria, Roukin, Charles, William M., and Blithe. William Madi- 
son Knox's death occurred in 1855; and in 1856, his widow, who is 
the subject of this sketch, was united in marriage with Charles H. 
Baker. This marriage has resulted in the birth of five children, 
namely: Carolina, Louisa, Emily, Henry S., deceased, Thomas 
William, deceased, and Ida, deceased- 

Charles E. Bailey, a citizen of White River Township, was 
born in Butler County, Ohio, September 19, 1849, and is the son 
of Elias and Mary E. (Pierce) Bailey. The father was born in 
Burlington, N. J., October 24, 1813, and died in Marion County, 
Ind., December 25, 1882. He was one of three sons, whose father 
was Ephraim Bailey. Elias Bailey came to Cincinnati, Ohio, in 
1839, and here was married in 1841, to Mary E. Pierce, the 
daughter of John S. and Hannah C. (Baker) Pierce. Mary E. 
Pierce was born in Cincinnati, Ohio, August 22, 1826 Her mar- 
riage with Elias Bailey was blessed with eleven children: Emily, 
deceased, Sanford P., Richard, deceased, Charles E., Jose- 
phine M., Sarah J., Cordelia, deceased, Roswell Wells, Stew- 
ard W., Oscar, and Augustus, deceased. After their marriage 
they settled in Butler County, Ohio, where the father followed 
farming. Their home was here till 1853, when they removed to 
Decatur Count}', Ind., and in 1S64 they removed to Marion County, 
Ind., the father continuing farming till his death. He was a member 
of the Presbyterian Church, and never aspired to public life, but 
preferred the life of a farmer. After leading a long and useful life, 



WHITE RIVER TOWNSHIP. S85 

he died universally respected by all who knew him. His widow- 
still survives, and resides in Marion County, the wife of Stephen 
A. Tucker. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, and 
received a high school education at South Port. In youth, the car- 
penter's trade was uppermost in his mind, and his father, besides 
farming, did more or less contracting and building, and while work- 
ing on contracts for his father, he learned the carpenter's trade. 
He remained under the parental roof till he reached majority, and 
then went to Indianapolis, where he engaged in carpentering for 
three years, and then two years at South Port, and in 18S0, he lo- 
cated in Johnson County, where he has followed both carpentering 
and farming. October 15, 1S79, he wedded Laura A., the daugh- 
ter of James A. and Mary E. Fendley, whose sketch appears else- 
where. Mrs. Bailey was born in Marion Count)', Ind., September 
26, 1S62. The children that have resulted from the above mar- 
riage, are: Mary Edith, Ethel Pearl, Clarence Evertt and Jossie. 
Mr. and Mrs. Bailey are members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church. He is a Master Mason of South Port Lodge, No. 270, and 
is a democrat in politics. 

John R. Brickert, a native of Morgan County, Ind., was born 
January 19, 1859, and is the son of Charles J. and Elizabeth J. 
(Fitzpatrick ) Brickert. The father was born in Adams County, 
Penn., in 1827, and is the son of Frederick Brickert, of Pennsyl- 
vanian birth, and German lineage. Charles J. Brickert was reared 
in his native state, and in 1848 came to Indiana, and settled in Mor- 
gan County, where he has spent most of his life following farming 
and carpentering. In 1S53, he was united in marriage with Eliza- 
beth J. Fitzpatrick, a native of Lawrence Count}-, Ind., born in 
1S35. She is the daughter of Henry C. Fitzpatrick, of Irish de- 
scent, and an early settler of Lawrence County, Ind. The above 
marriage was blessed by the birth of the following children : Will- 
iam H.j Charles F.,John R., Edwin W., James M., deceased, Min- 
nie V. and Cora A. John R. was reared on a farm in Morgan 
Count}'. He received his early education in the common schools, 
and then a normal education at Valparaiso, Ind. In 1880, he be- 
gan teaching in the public schools of Morgan County, and taught 
for three years. He took a select course at Bloomington, Ind., and 
later a law course at the Gillettle Law University, at Valparaiso, 
Ind. He was admitted to the bar in Morgan County, Ind., in April 
of 1S85. In the same year he became a member of the Johnson 
County bar. In the fall of the same year he engaged in the 
breeding of short-horn cattle, and Hambletonian horses, at Bluff 
Creek, Johnson Co., Ind., and since has continued in the breed- 
ing and sale of line stock. Septembers, 1S85, he was united in 



886 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

marriage with Annie L., the daughter of Jacob and Hannah (Clark) 
Tresslar. The father was a native of Virginia, the mother of New 
Jersey. Anna L. is the only daughter of the parents; she was born 
in Johnson County, Ind., June 27, 1862. One child has blessed the 
above union, named Jacob Errett. Mr. and Mrs. Brickert are mem- 
bers of the Christian Church. 

Jonx Clore, a farmer of Johnson County, was born in Oldham 
County, Ky., May 9, 1826, and is the son of James and Sarah 
(Keller) Clore. Our subject's early life was spent on a farm, re- 
maining with his parents until he attained his twenty-third year. 
During the winter of 1847-48, Mr. Clore made a visit to his old 
Virginia homestead, renewing old acquaintances, and reviving 
recollections of his boyhood days. October 25, 1849, he was united 
in marriage with Margaret E., daughter of Robert and Mary 
Welch. To this union were born four children, as follows: William 
R., James R., John A., and Joel. In 1850, our subject emigrated 
to Indiana, and settled in White River Township, Union County, where 
Mrs. Ciore died, May 6, 1863. September 15, 1863, Mr. Clore was 
married to Mrs. Diana Rice, daughter of Joel Carpenter. Mrs. 
Clore departed this life after a brief married life of eleven months, and 
January 26, 1865, our subject was wedded to Elizabeth M., daugh- 
ter of Henry and Mary Utterback. To the latter marriage three 
children have been born: Leonard B., Annabel and Henry, de- 
ceased. William R. is married, and has one child named Lora.; 
James R. is married, and is the father of three children: Lester, 
Frank and Edna Belle. Mr. Gore's first land purchase was a tract 
of eighty acres, to which he later added largely. He has given 
each married child forty acres, and still retains a farm of 240 acres 
of fine farming land. In addition to farming he has given consid- 
erable attention to stock-raising. Mr. Clore became a member of 
the Church of Christ at the age of eighteen years, and has been a 
bishop sixteen years in the church at Bargersville, Johnson County, 
of which his wife and children are members. Politically, he has 
always been a democrat, except in one campaign, when he was 
elected county commissioner by the independents. 

James Collins, the subject of this biography, is a native of 
Johnson County, born March 18, 1826. He is the son of Henry 
M. and Catharine (Bell) Collins. His father was a native of Vir- 
ginia, and died when James was but a child. The mother of James 
was a native of Butler County, Ohio. She made her home in 
White River Township, soon after James was born: and here he 
was raised on a farm. In youth he attended country schools, which 
were supported by subscription, and in those schools he received a 
fair education. His home was with his widowed mother: who, in 



WHITE RIVER TOWNSHIP. SS7 

after years, continued to make her home with him. She lived to an 
advanced age, and died in 1S79. On reaching his majority James 
began teaching in the public schools. He taught for fifteen rears; 
teaching fifteen terms, which averaged about three months each. 
During these fifteen years he both taught school and followed 
farming. The latter vocation he has followed as his life pursuit. 
As an active politician he began in early life. He became a demo- 
crat in 1854, and since has continued to be an ardent advocate 
of the principles of democracy. At the age of twenty-one years 
he was elected as constable, thus beginning his civil office career. 
In 1S56 he was elected assessor for his township, and in this 
capacity lie served three terms. In 1S64 he was made appraiser 
of real estate in Johnson County, holding this position for several 
years. In 1876 he was elected township trustee of his township, 
in which capacity he served two terms. Later, he served as assessor, 
and also as real estate appraiser. In 1SS4 he was elected by his 
party to the office of county commissioner from the third district, 
and is the present incumbent. Although Mr. Collins has never 
connected himself with an}' church, he has always been a friend to 
churches, and education as well. He is a Master Mason, to which 
fraternity he is much attached. 

Charles H. Davis, who is the subject of this sketch, is the 
son of William Kindrick and Ruth Turner (Orme) Davis. The 
father was born in Lewis County, Kv., May 25, 1S16; died in 
Marion County, Ind., July 6, 1S71. He was the son of Walter 
and Catherine (Putman) Davis, both natives of Virginia, and early 
settlers of Kentucky. The parent's children were: Mason T., 
John, Benjamin, William K., Elizabeth, Nancy and Sarah. William 
K. was reared in Lewis County, Kv., and in 1836, came to Marion 
County, Ind., and in 1S47 became a citizen of Johnson County, in 
which county he lived till 1S6S, when he removed to Indiana; > 
and lived, till his death occurred. He was married January 29, 1S46, 
wedding Ruth T. Orme, the daughter of Moses and Mary T. 
( Elson ) Orme, both natives of Virginia, where Ruth T. was born 
February 1, 1818. Herparents came to Marion County, Ind., in 1.^27. 
The marriage of William K. and Ruth T. Davis resulted in the 
birth of the following children: Mary and George, deceased, and 
Charles H., born in Johnson County. Charles H. was reared in 
Johnson County up to the age of twelve years, w r hen his parents 
removed to Indianapolis. His education was received in the In- 
dianapolis schools. He learned the painter's trade, which he fol- 
lowed for several years in Indianapolis. October 15, 1879, he 
married Belle Yeager, daughter of John and Mary J. (Cunning- 
ham) Yeager. The father was born in Maryland, of German ori- 






S8S JOHNSON COUNTY. 

gin, and the mother in Ohio. Mrs. Davis was horn in Yankton, Ohio, 
September 14, 1856. Her marriage has been blessed by the 
birth of these children: William E., who died in infancy; Pearlie 
May, deceased; Grade H. and Freddie C. In 1886, Mr. Davis 
removed to his father's old homestead in White River Township, 
and since has been engaged in farming. He is the only living off- 
spring of his parents. His mother still lives and makes her home 
with her son. She and husband have been life-long members of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. Our subject and wife are mem- 
bers of the same church. 

Thomas Denny, the subject of this sketch, was born in Preble 
Count}-, Ohio, November iS, 1S35, and is the son of Jesse and 
Ona (Bowles) Denny. The father was born in North Carolina, 
January 20, 1804, and died in Johnson County, Ind., February 28, 
1S65, and was of English descent. He was reared in North Car- 
olina, and married Ona Bowles, who, like himself, was a native of 
North Carolina, and was born December 15, 1S02, and died in 
Johnson Count}', August 3, 1S65. She was also of English descent, 
and was the daughter of Benjamin and Elizabeth Bowles. Jesse 
and Ona Denny lived for a short time after their marriage in North 
Carolina, in which state were born unto them three children : 
Thurman, Silvira and Lucinda. Then the family removed to the 
State of Ohio, about 1832, and settled in Preble County, where 
these children were born: Hepsy Ann, Thomas, Mary and Jacob. 
The family removed to Indiana in 1840, and settled in Johnson 
County, in which place the parents died. Of their seven chil- 
dren, live are living. Our subject was but five years old when his 
parents settled in this county. His youth was spent on a farm, and 
he received only a fair education in reading, writing and " cipher- 
ing" in the country schools. February 4, 1864, he was united in 
marriage with Elizabeth Duke, daughter of Washington and Rosa 
Ann (Etter) Duke. Elizabeth was born in Indiana, October 25, 
1843. Unto this union have been born the following children: 
Margaret Harriet, and a second child named Carrie Bell, and a third 
child, now deceased, named Jacob. When Mr. Denny began the 
battle of life he had no capital other than willing hands. He 
owns a well-improved farm of 225 acres, of which 120 acres are 
under cultivation. Mr. Denny is a staunch democrat. He is a 
Master Mason of Glenn's Valley Lodge, No. 514. He was for- 
merly of Mooresville Lodge. He has been a Mason for over 
twenty-five years. 

William C. DeMott, a farmer of White River Township, was 
born in Union Township, Johnson Co., Ind., July 11, 1857, and is 
the son of John J. and Sarah A. (Covert) DeMott. (See sketches 



WHITE RIVER TOWNSHIP. 889 

of Franklin for parental history.) William C. DeMott was reared 
on a farm, and received a thorough education in the common 
branches, at Hopewell Academy, where he also received a fair 
knowledge of book-keeping. He also attended the Eastman Busi- 
ness College at Poughkeepsie, N. Y., where he took a three 
months' course. May 17, 1881, he married Mary E. Aten, daugh- 
ter of John H. and Mary E. (Thompson) Aten. Mrs. DeMott was 
born in Franklin Township, this county, October 6, 1S60. One 
child has resulted from the above marriage, named Norval J., born 
April 30, 1S82. Soon after Mr. DeMott's marriage, he settled 
on his present farm, in White River Township, and since has been 
actively engaged in agricultural pursuits. He is a member of the 
Hopewell Presbyterian Church, and his wife is a member of the 
Baptist Church at Franklin. 

Levi B. Dolen was born in Clermont Count}-, Ohio, March 
4, 1S35, and is the son of Obadiah Winans and Sarah Curtis 
(Brunaugh) Dolen. The father was born at Deerfield, Ohio, 
November 3. 1808. He' is the son of Timothy and Elizabeth 
(Winans) Dolen. Timothy Dolen was born in Dublin, Ireland. 
Elizabeth Winans was American born, and was the sister of an 
early minister of the Gospel in Indiana. This minister was William 
Winans, and was, perhaps, the first to preach a sermon at Vin- 
cennes, Ind. This, he preached when Gen. Harrison was territorial 
governor of Indiana Territory, and Gen. Harrison and one other, 
constituted the audience. Gen. Harrison held the candle for 
the minister to read his text. The father of our subject was mar- 
ried in Clermont County, Ohio, February 11, 1 831, to Sarah C. 
Brunaugh, a daughter of John and Sarah Curtis Brunaugh. The 
father was French. Mr. and Mrs. Dolen went to Jennings County, 
Ind., and there resided until after the close of the war, and then a 
removal was made to this county, and they located at Whiteland, 
where Mrs. Dolen was called away in death, September 26, 1872. 
Her marriage was blessed by the birth of the following children: 
Mary E., Levi B., Timothy M., Elizabeth B., Subrina B., deceased, 
Reliance T., John M. and William H. (twins ), and Emily B. Their 
mother was a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. Their 
father still survives the mother, and is also a member of the Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church. He was ordained as deacon, by Bishop 
Bacon, in Lawrenceburgh, Ind., in 1856, having been licensed as a 
minister of the Gospel in 1S34. ^ ls work as a minister has been 
local work. He is a cooper by trade, and makes his home with 
his children. The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, 
and was a small bov when his parents came to Indiana, and he has 
spent nearly all bis life in this state. August 7, 1S62, he 



89O JOHNSON COUNTY. 

entered as a private in Company B, Eighty-second Indiana 
Volunteers, and among the important engagements in which he 
participated, are the following: Stone River, Hoover's Gap, Chicka- 
mauga, Missionary Ridge, Rocky Face, Resaca, Kenesaw Mount, 
Atlanta, and was with Sherman on his march to the sea. His last 
battle was at Bentonville. April 20, 1865, he was commissioned 
by Gov. Oliver P. Morton as first lieutenant of the Eighty-second 
Indiana Volunteers, and received his commission at FayetteviUe, 
N. C. He was never mustered as a lieutenant because of his com- 
pany being reduced to what is termed a " minimum." After the 
close of the war, Mr. Dolen returned to Indiana, and was married 
July 20, 1S65, to Mary E. Sutton, daughter of Jacob and Abigail 
Sutton, early settlers of this county. Mrs. Dolen was born in John- 
son County, Ind., April 30, 1S36. Unto this marriage have been 
born three children, William H., Florence N., and Charlie M. Mr. 
and Mrs. Dolen and two oldest children are members of the Metho- 
dist Episcopal Church. He has, since the war. resided in this 
county, living for the greater part in White River Township. For 
seven years he lived at Whiteland, and while living there, served 
in the capacity of justice of the peace. He is D. G. M. of Wav- 
erly Lodge, No. 318, I. O. O. F. 

William Dorrell, an early settler of Ohio County, Ind., was a 
native of Ohio. His son, Jacob Dorrell, was born in Ohio, July 5> 
1801, and was reared in Ohio County, Ind., where he was married 
December 10, 1822, wedding Mary Alexander, who was born in 
Ohio County, Ind., June 4, 1S04. They lived in Ohio County till 
1828, when they removed to Johnson County, and settled in White 
River Township, in which township they lived until their deaths 
occurred, she dying January 12, 1873, and he, February 1, 1881. 
To this marriage were born the following children: John, deceased, 
Elizabeth, James, Cyntha Ann, deceased, William, Daniel, Paschal, 
Sarah, Joseph, Mary, Samuel, Urzulla, and Margaret. Their father 
and mother were among the early pioneers of Johnson County. 
They were industrious and persevering, and noted for their zealous 
characters. Faithful as friends, they were universally respected. 
William Dorrell was reared on a farm and remained with his father 
and mother till he reached the age of twenty-five years. He has 
followed farming as a vocation, in which he is practical and suc- 
cessful. August 12, 1858, he was united in marriage with Mar- 
cella Bristow, daughter of James and Sarah (Dunn) Bristow. He 
is a native of Kentucky, born February 19, 1805, and died in In- 
diana, February 25, 1855. His wife was born in Kentucky, July 
17, 1816, and died in Indiana, February 2, 1S73. Mrs. William 
Dorrell was born in Marion County, Ind., July 22, 1S35. Unto her 



WHITE RIVER TOWNSHIP. 89I 

marriage have been born these children : Jacob G., Joseph, deceased, 
Daniel D., Sarah INI., Mary E., deceased, Paschal E., William A., 
Thomas, James M., Robert and Cena Jane. Mr. and .Mrs. Dor- 
rell are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. In politics, 
he is a democrat. He is a Master Mason in South Port Lodge, No. 
270. Paschal Dorrell was reared and educated on a farm. He 
was married October 25, 1S60, to Martha E., the daughter of 
David and Rachel (Gloseclore) Sell, the former a native of Ohio, 
and the latter of Virginia. Mrs. Dorrell was born in Johnson 
County, Ind., November 3, 1834. Two daughters have blessed 
the above marriage: Ida Agnes, deceased, and Rosa May. 
Paschal Dorrell remained under the parental roof till he reached 
the age of twenty-seven years; then married and settled in life 
as a farmer, on the farm he now owns. In politics, he is a 
staunch democrat, and firmly set in the principles of the party. 

Thomas J. Draper was born in Clark Township, Johnson Co., 
Inch, March 24, 1S55, and is the son of Oliver H. and Phoebe 
(Herbert) Draper. The father and mother are residents of Clark 
Township, and their biographies appear in the Clark Township 
sketches. Thomas J. Draper was reared on a farm in Clark 
Township, and attended the district schools, receiving a fair com- 
mon school education. lie is the fourth child of twelve, that were 
born unto the marriage of Oliver and Phcebe Draper. These 
parents came to Johnson County at an early date, and began the 
battle of life poor, and having a large family to support and foster, 
they were to the necessity of putting forth much energy and per- 
severance. They, like their father, were endowed with energy 
and enterprise, and all gained fair educations, some attending com- 
mon schools, and others colleges. Mr. Draper gained a fair edu- 
cation in the common schools. He began the battle of life for him- 
self at an early date. He was united in marriage to Luella Finney, 
December 31, 1874. Mrs. Draper is the daughter of John and 
Mary (Waller) Finney, whose history is found in the Franklin 
sketches. She was born in Jennings County, Ind., July 25. 1859- 
Her marriage has been blessed bv the following children: Pearl 
and Ines. After Mr. Draper's marriage he settled in life as a 
farmer on rented land. By energy and perseverance, he lias won 
success in life, and now owns a farm of over seventy acn 
which nearly sixty acres are under cultivation. He and his wife are 
members of the Christian Church. 

George A. Dresslar was born in White River Township, 
Johnson County, Ind., January 4. 1841, and is the son of George and 
Malinda (Dresslar) Dresslar! The father and mother were both 
born in Covington County, Ya., he in 1S07, she in 1S0S: both died 



892 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

in this count}-; he in 1S56, and she in 1887. They were married 
in their native count)-, and came to this county about 1834, and 
settled in White River Township. They lived in this county until 
their deaths occurred. The following are the children born to their 
marriage: Josephine, Archibald, deceased, Mar)-, deceased, 
Peter, Daily, George A., James B. and Sareena. George A. 
was reared on a farm, and educated in the country. He was with 
his parents up to the death of his father, and then, after remaining 
one year with his widowed mother, he began the battle of life for 
himself. August II, 1861, Mr. Dresslar was united in marriage 
with Martha L. Boaz. She was born December 3, 1842. This 
marriage was blessed by the birth of the following children: 
Elmer E., Lillie L., Erne J., Emma F., Gilford T. Soon after the 
close of the Civil War Mr. Dresslar located in Morgan County, 
a short distance west of Banta, this county. Here he farmed. 
October 1, 1S78, he took unto himself a second wife, Dora A. 
Tillman, born September 1, 1850. This marriage has resulted in 
the birth of the following- children: Dessie A. and Maude. 
August 11, 1862, he enlisted as a private in Company C, Seventy- 
ninth Indiana Infantry. Among the battles he was in, were: Stone 
River, Chickamauga, Missionary Ridge, Atlanta and Perryville. 
lie was discharged as corporal, June 7, 1S65. He then returned 
to Indiana, where he has since lived. In the horrors above de- 
scribed, he was crippled, and since has been engaged in merchan- 
dising. In 1879, he moved to Williamsburgh, Ind., and for four 
years, was engaged in merchandising at that place. In 1883, he 
located where he now resides, and opened a store at what is now 
called Banta. In 1S84, the Banta postoffice was established, and 
Mr. Dresslar was made postmaster, which position he still holds. 
He is a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, and is a rep- 
resentative and progressive citizen. 

John H. Dunn, the subject of this sketch, was born in this 
county, February 2, 1S44, and is the son of William and Christina 
(Tresslar) Dunn. The father was born in Monroe County, Ya., 
April 11, 179S, and died in this county, November 14, 1863. He 
was the son of Reuben and Nancy (Lane) Dunn, of Scotch and 
Irish lineage. William Dunn was reared in Virginia. On March 
31, 1825, he was married in that state, to Christina Tresslar, daugh- 
ter of Peter and Barbara (Mallow) Tresslar. The father and 
mother were natives of Botetourt County, Va. Christina Tresslar 
was born in the same county, September 21, 1806, and still survives, 
living with her son, who is the subject of this sketch. The follow- 
ing are the children born unto William and Christina Dunn: Nancy, 
George W., William II., James A., Martha B., Amanda C, Sarah 






WHITE RIVER TOWNSHIP. S93 

M., John H., Elias G., Alva A. and Mary M. William Dunn and 
wife came to Indiana in 1825, settling in White River Township. 
William Dunn was a farmer, and on coming to this township located 
on a farm. He was a member of the Christian Church; was a jus- 
tice of the peace. His wife is a member of the same church. 
John II. was born in this count}- February 2, 1844, and was raised 
on a farm, and followed farming as an occupation. February 2, 
1S70, he married Amanda S. Garshwiler, daughter of Shelby II. 
and Martha (Luyster) Garshwiler. Mrs. Dunn was born in this 
county November 12, 1S48. The children of this marriage are: 
Cora, William ()., Omer S. and George. Mr. and Mrs. Dunn are 
members of the Christian Church. 

James A. Fendley. — The Fendleys are originally of Irish de- 
scent, but Silas A. and Malinda (Ragsdale) Fendley, the father 
and mother of James A., were natives of Kentucky, emigrating in 
1820 to this state, and locating in Parke Count}', where, February 
1, 1S36, James A. first saw the light. His grandfather, Thomas 
Fendley, was a native of Ireland, and emigrated to Virginia, and 
thence to Kentucky, where he married Miss Seelie Pollard, by 
whom be had nine children, as follows: Nancy, Rachel, George, 
Silas, Thomas, Jackson, Rebecca, Seelie and William. Being a 
poor man he was forced to rent land, and in this kind of farming 
James A. grew to manhood, helping on the farm summers, and at- 
tending the common schools winters, gaining what education he 
could in this way. October 25, 1S60, he married, in Illinois, Mary 
E., daughter of Eyans and Susan Bristow. Her father was a na- 
tiye of Ohio, and her mother of Virginia, being an extraction of 
Welsh and Dutch. They were both attendants of the United 
Brethren Church. Politically, Mr. Bristow, as well as Mr. Fend- 
ley ? s father, was a democrat. Mr. Bristow died in Marion 
County, Ind., 1864; his wife died in Boone County in 1S76. 
To Mr. and Mrs. Fendley have been born children as follows: 
Laura A., Harriet E., Sarah J., Susan E., William A., Minnie I., 
James A., Jr., and Victoria M. In the fall of 1869, Mr. Fendley 
purchased the farm on which he now lives. The original purchase 
was 160 acres, but one acre had been sold by Mr. Hughes, the 
former owner, for a church, in the extreme southeast corner of the 
farm, and since then Mr. Fendley has sold fifty acres to one Mull- 
inix, leaving him 109 acres. In a few years he erected his present 
commodious house, which is situated on the " Three-Notch Line " 
pike. A short time after his home was built, he put up a good 
barn, and to-day they stand as monuments to his industry. The 
Fendleys stand among the substantial farmers of Johnson County. 



S94 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Mr. and Mrs. Fendley, and some of their children, belong to the 
Methodist Church. Politically, Mr. Fendley is a democrat. 

Jacob Paddock was born in Preble County, Ohio, August 8, 
1827, and died in Johnson County, Ind., January 27, 1S72. He was 
the son of Ebenezer Paddock. He was reared in Preble Count v, 
Ohio, where he was married February 14, 1S4S, to Martha Bell, 
the daughter of David and Susannah (Roberts) Bell. These par- 
ents were natives of Tennessee, and emigrated from that state to 
Ohio, where Martha, their daughter, was born in Preble County, 
October 1, 1831. Immediately after the marriage of Jacob and 
Martha, they came to Johnson County, and settled in the White 
River Township, on a tract of land Jacob's father had previously 
visited and purchased. On this tract of land are the scenes of 
Jacob's and Martha's toils. He was a farmer by occupation, and 
when he came to the county and began the pursuit of farming he 
took possession of a farm of 160 acres, which was little improved. 
By dint of industry, and by exercising the quality of perseverance, 
he became a prosperous farmer, and at the time of his death owned 
over 500 acres of land. He enjoyed the high esteem of his neigh- 
bors, and was universally respected by all who knew him. His 
marriage resulted in the birth of three sons and four daughters. 
The sons are: John Wesley, William Henry and Ebenezer. The 
daughters, all of whom are deceased, were: Sarah Elizabeth, Lu- 
anda Caroline, Minerva Jane, and Luella. The sons are all 
farmers bv occupation, and reside in White River Township. 
Mrs. Paddock, their mother, was wedded to William K. Fullen, 
December 4, 1872. She and Mr. Fullen continued to reside in 
White River Township. He died November 22, 1875. Mrs. 
Fullen then continued on the home farm up to 1884, when she re- 
moved to Glenn's Valley, Marion County, where she now resides. 
She has been a member of the Mt. Pleasant Christian Church for 
over thirty years. 

Shelby Fullen. — Samuel Fullen, the paternal grandfather 
of our subject, was born in Ireland, December 28, 1766, and was 
united in marriage with Elizabeth Fullen, the paternal grandmother 
of our subject. This union resulted in the birth of three sons and 
five daughters: Ruhama, John, Nancy, Charles, Samuel, Sarah, 
Minerva, and Mary. Samuel Fullen was an early settler of Ken- 
tucky, coming from Virginia to that state, and in an early day, he 
removed to this state. His death occurred in Rush County, about 
1S42. John Fullen, the father of our subject, was born in Kentucky, 
November 8, 1793. He was reared on a farm, and came to Indiana 
with his father. His occupation was farming. He was married in 
Indiana to Jemima Harrell, the daughter of Jeremiah Harrell, a 



WHITE RIVER TOWNSHIP. 895 

native of Virginia. Her parents were earl}- settlers of Indiana, 
where she was born. The above marriage resulted in the birth of 
the following children: Shelby and John. The father was called 
away September 10, 1821. The mother afterward married a Mr. 
Horton, and became the mother of other children. She died in 
Indiana, about 1839. Shelby Fullen, the subject of this sketch, 
was born in Fayette Count)-, Inch, October 3, 1819. He was 
reared on a farm, and received a fair education in the coun- 
try schools. In earl)- life he taught school, but his chosen occupa- 
tion has been farming. March 7, 1840, he was united in marriage 
with Elizabeth Sutton, the daughter of Philip and Sarah L. 
(Childra) Sutton. Both parents were born in Preble County, 
Ohio, and were of German parentage, their ancestors being early 
emigrants to, and settlers of, New Jersey. Mrs. Fullen was born in 
Johnson County, Ind., August 31, 1824. Her marriage with our 
subject has been blessed by the following children: Philip, de- 
ceased, Jemima, Sarah Annie, Delilah, deceased, Rachel, Louisa, 
deceased, John W., Mary E., deceased, Elizabeth K., deceased, 
Emma I., deceased, Matilda M., deceased, and Woodberry W. 
Mr. Fullen's widowed mother came to Johnson County, about 1822. 
Her husband had visited the county and entered land, and returned 
to Fayette County and died. After our subject's marriage he set r 
tied in this county, and with the exception of a short time, he has 
continued to live in the county. He and wife are members of the 
United Brethren Church. Mr. Fullen is a representative farmer 
and citizen, and enjoys the esteem of his neighbors. He has tilled 
the office of justice of the peace and assessor of his township, and 
has always been a progressive man. 

Ira T. Gregg, the son of Stephen and Hannah (Clark) Gregg, 
was born in Franklin County, Ind., April 23, 1828. By tracing his 
paternal ancestry back as far as is definitely known, he is found to 
be of Scotch descent. Samuel Gregg, the great grandfather of Ira 
T., was born in Scotland, in 1699, and at the age of twelve years 
he emigrated to America, landing at Philadelphia, Penn. He set- 
tled in Bucks Countv,Penn., and resided there until he was twenty- 
one years old. He then moved to Loudon County, Va., where he 
was married to Elizabeth Alford. Eight children was the result of 
this marriage. The names were as follows: Thomas, Rebecca, 
Priscilla, John, Ann, Iserael, Ruth, and Aaron. Iserael, the sixth 
child, was the grandfather of Ira T., the subject of this sketch. 
He became one of the early pioneers of Ohio. Here he married, 
to whom is not known, and the result of the union was seven chil- 
dren, whose names were as follows: Amos, Ann, Stephen, George, 
Drusilla, Thomas and Rebecca. Stephen was Ira T. Gregg's 



896 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

father. He was born March 7. 1777, in Ohio, and died in Franklin 
County, Ind., May 4, 1S37. He was married in Ohio, in 1807, to 
Hannah Clark, who was born in New Jersey, December 23, 1788, 
and died in Franklin Count} - , Ind., December 19, 1848. Nothing is 
known concerning Mr. Gregg's maternal ancestry, farther back 
than to his grandmother, Phebe Howard. Her maiden name is not 
now known, and all that is known concerning her is that she was 
married four times: first, to Baker; second, to Clark; third to 
Clark, a cousin of the former Clark, and fourth, to Howard; each 
of these unions being blessed with children. She died December 
20, 1852, in Warren County, Ohio, at the advanced age of ninety- 
four years. After the marriage of Stephen and Hannah Gregg, 
they remained in Ohio until their first child was born. Their 
union was blessed with eleven children. The names are as follows: 
George, William, Malinda, Clark, Pamela, Aaron, Nancy, Alpheus, 
Mary Ann, Ira T. and Hiram F., all of whom are deceased, except 
Ira T., the subject of this sketch. In 1S0S, the father, mother, and 
child, set out on horseback from their home in Ohio, the mother 
carrying her little babe on a pillow in front of her, and in this way 
they journeyed to what was then the wilds of Indiana, and finally 
settled in what is now Franklin County. Here Mr. Gregg entered 
a quarter section of land, upon which he raised his family, and both 
he and his wife lived until death. He never engaged in any other 
occupation but farming, except while he was a soldier in the War 
of 181 2. He was quite ingenious, and was particularly skillful in 
the use of the common ax, broad-ax and the rifle. In politics, he 
was a whig, and was uncompromisingly opposed to the institution 
of slavery. In his dealings with his fellow men, he was honorable 
and just, and during his whole career he never was sued, nor did 
he ever have occasion to sue any one. Mr. Gregg was a Quaker 
in faith, but his wife was a zealous Methodist, and in an early day 
their house was used as a place for public worship. After Mr. 
Gregg's death, Mrs. Gregg being rather feeble in health, was not 
able to attend church away from home at all times. The class was 
re-organized, and at her request her home was chosen as the place 
of public worship. It continued to serve this purpose for eleven 
years without intermission, during which time all the services of 
the church were held there. These services consisted of regular 
semi-monthlv preaching, a weekly praver-meeting held every 
Thursday night, and class-meeting every Sunday. Only one 
regular protracted meeting was held there during that time. This 
house was used for any and all purposes for which a church was 
needed. Watch-night meetings were held: members were re- 
ceived into full connection, while at other times church trials were 



WHITE RIVER TOWNSHIP. 897 

held and members were expelled; the sacrament of the Lord's sup- 
per, and the ordinance of baptism were administered, and the use 
of the mourners' bench was not uncommon, and many were the per- 
sons who were happily converted to God at that place. The sub- 
ject of this sketch was but ten years of age when this class was 
organized, and witnesses to all these things, having joined the 
church and become converted at those meetings. Mr. Gregg was 
a sturdy farmer boy, and received a fair education for his day, by 
attending the common district schools. He was like most other 
boys, extremely fond of hunting, and his achievements in that line 
were usually extraordinary. Mr. Gregg deserves great credit for 
the kind and faithful attention he gave to his mother during her de- 
clining years. Inasmuch as he was next to the youngest of the 
children, and the older ones had married and started out in life for 
themselves, the duty of caring for his mother now devolved upon 
him alone. To add to the responsibility and arduousness of the 
undertaking, his younger brother was almost a helpless cripple, 
and this left him to care for and watch over both his mother and 
brother, and see that their wants were provided for, which he did 
very faithfully until his mother's death, and his brother's three 
years later. Soon after his mother's death he was united in mar- 
riage, when he was but twenty years of age, to Alzina H. Wil- 
der, of Rush County, Ind. She was the daughter of Seth and 
Abigail Wilder, and was born in Rush County, Ind., December 
6, 1S27, and died in Johnson County, Ind., September 24, 1874. 
After the marriage Mr. Gregg resided on the old homestead until 
September, 1853, when he bought 160 acres of land in Johnson 
County, and moved to it. He has since bought eighty acres more, 
and now owns 240 acres. Here he and his wife lived happily to- 
gether until September, 1874, when she was called away by death. 
.He remained a widower until January, 1S76, when he married 
Elizabeth L. Shera, daughter of Thomas and Mary (Shafer) 
Shera, of Decatur County, Ind. She was born in Franklin Count}-, 
Ind., April 3, 1842. By his first wife Mr. Gregg had four child- 
ren: Aaron S., Mary Ann, deceased, William A. and George T. 
Two children have been the result of his second marriage. The 
first died at birth, and the second, Maggie A., is a sprightly young 
girl of nine years. Mr. Gregg, realizing the unlimited value of an 
education, has endeavored to give his children a good one. He 
sent his son, Aaron S., to Asbury University, now known as De- 
pauw; but after two years of study his health failed, and he was 
compelled to abandon school. William A. is a scientific graduate 
from that institution. Both of these sons are now among the lead- 
ing farmers of Lincoln County, Neb. In politics, Mr. Gregg was 



898 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

first a whig, next a republican, and now he is a very strong pro- 
hibitionist. It is one of his peculiar characteristics to put his whole 
soul into anything in which he is interested, if it involves any prin- 
ciple of right or wrong. He voted the whig ticket in 1852, but 
was among the first to take steps toward the organization of the 
republican party, and has since been one of its most loyal supporters, 
until he became convinced that the party was not able to rid this 
country of the "liquor traffic," and he accordingly voted for 
St. John in 1SS4. In 1863, Governor Morton commissioned him 
as a first lieutenant in the '-Indiana Legion." In 1S64, he enlisted 
as a private in the 100-day service, and was made a non-commis- 
sioned officer. In religious views, Mr. Gregg has followed in the 
footsteps of his mother, and has always been a zealous member of 
the Methodist Episcopal Church. When he moved to Johnson 
County, he placed his membership in the society at Mt. Auburn, 
and has been an active member ever since, and now has the pleas- 
ure of knowing that all his family have followed in his footsteps. 

Levi Groseclore was born in Wvthe County, Ya., March 8, 
1 8 1 8, and is the son of Henry and Margaret (Spangler) Grose- 
clore. The father was a native of Wythe Countv, Ya. He was 
the son of Henry Groseclore, who was born in Germany, and set- 
tled in Wvthe Countv, Ya. The father of our subject was a sol- 
dier in the War of 181 2, and our subject has in his possession a 
discharge, which reads as follows: "In obedience to an order from 
Claibourn W. Gooch, adjutant general, dated Richmond, February 
20, 1S15, you, Henry Groseclore, Jr., are discharged from the pres- 
ent tour of duty. Wythe C. House, March 4, 1815. Christopher 
Brown, Captain Thirty-fifth Virginia Militia, commanding." The 
father of our subject was married in Yirginia, to Margaret Spang- 
ler, of German descent. She was born in Yirginia, and died when 
our subject was but an infant. In 1S20, our subject's father came to 
this county, and settled in Union Township, locating in the woods. 
He continued in this countv till about 1S49, when he went to Iowa, 
where he lived until called away by death. Our subject was raised 
in this count}-. He gained but a limited education, learning only 
to read and write, and do some " ciphering." In the davs of his 
youth they had but little school advantages, but Mr. Groseclore is 
possessed of a store of useful knowledge. He has always made 
his home in this couuty, and has followed farming as an occu- 
pation, but has had a wide experience traveling throughout all most 
all parts of the United States. November 6, 1S46, he married 
Rebecca Barker, daughter of William and Susanna (Burnett) 
Barker, natives of Kentucky. William Barker was the son of 
Thomas Barker, who was the first owner of the land Cincinnati 



WHITE RIVER TOWNSHIP. 899 

■was first laid out on. Mrs. Groseclore was born March 17, 1822, 
in Green County, Ind., where her parents settled in an early day. 
After the above marriage was consummated, Mr. and Mrs. Grose- 
clore came and settled in life in this county, and have lived here 
ever since. He owns two farms, one of 130, and the other of 160, 
acres. He and wife are members of the Christian Church at 
Bargersville. Five children were born unto the marriage, only 
two of whom are living, William Henry and John B. Mr. Groseclore 
cast his first presidential vote for Martin Van Buren, and was a 
democrat up to the candidacy of Horace Greeley, when he became 
a greenbacker. 

Judge Franklin Hardin. — The subject of this sketch was 
born on the 27th of July, 1810, in Fleming, now Nicholas, Count} - , 
Ky. His family were of French descent, and occupied an honora- 
ble place in the history of that state as jurists, statesmen and Indian 
fighters. Kentucky, Ohio, Illinois and Iowa have each named a 
county after his kindred. Franklin Hardin was the youngest of a 
family of eleven children, born to Henry and Catharine Hardin. He 
came of a robust family, but was himself an undersized child, with 
a feeble constitution; and, while his stouter brothers were assist- 
ing their father upon the farm, he was kept in the country schools 
from the time he was old enough to attend up to his fifteenth year. 
After the death of his father, October 5, 1825, being at liberty to 
do pretty much as he pleased, he attended the County Seminary in 
Carlisle for six months. Among other things he studied survey- 
ing while in the seminary, and acquired that accurate knowledge 
of this branch of learning which proved so useful to both him- 
self and the people of Johnson County in after years. In 1822 and 
1823, two older brothers had explored the White River Valley, 
and, with means furnished by their father, had entered a con- 
siderable portion of land for themselves and others of the family, 
and, in 1824, several members moved to Johnson County. 
Henry Hardin intended to emigrate to the country himself, but 
died before doing so. After his death, the family deter- 
mined to cany out the intention of the father, and, in 1S25, 
the widow, accompanied by the subject of this sketch, then 
fifteen years of age, set out on horseback to visit her children 
and see for herself what the wilderness of Indiana was like. 
Two years after that journey was made, the family moved and took 
up their abode in White River Township. The spring of 1 
seemed to him a propitious time to commence the study of law. 
With that view, he went to Indianapolis, and put himself under 
the tutorage of Ebenezer Sharp, in Latin, and of William Quarles, 
Esq., in law. But he met with a sad disappointment. In a few 
57 



900 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

weeks he was stricken down with a fever, and was com- 
pelled to go home to his mother. On his recovery, he taught 
about two years, when he went back to his law books. 
He had not gone back to the study of law as his sole 
occupation, but lie had not abandoned its study altogether. 
The summer of 1S31 was spent in making an extensive tour 
of Illinois, and in the following October, he returned to Ken- 
tucky, where he married. With his young wife, he at once 
set out for Indiana, and on Fall Creek he found employment 
for another year at his old occupation, after which, in the 
fall of 1832, he moved to Johnson County and located upon 
the farm where he now resides, where he and his estima- 
ble wife have uninterruptedly made their home ever since. 
In the spring of 1S33, he recieved the appointment of assessor 
for White River Township, and, although much afflicted, he com- 
pleted the duties before taking to his bed. This was the first em- 
ployment he ever had, save his five years in the schoolroom. In 
the spring of 1836, he applied to the circuit bench of the county, 
Judge Wick presiding, for the appointment of county surveyor, an 
office which he then received, and held for six consecutive years. 
This office he was qualified in a high degree to rill. From about 1S40, 
party lines began to be closely drawn in local affairs, and the year 
of 1842 marks the advent of Franklin Ha«din into that active politi- 
cal life which he so long and successfully lived. The democratic 
party in Johnson County had, for the purpose of massing their 
power, introduced the nominating convention as a part of its ma- 
chinery, and Franklin Hardin received the nomination, in 1S42, 
without opposition, as a candidate for representative in the state 
legislature, and, at the ensuing August election, lie was elected 
without opposition. In 1S43, he was again nominated by his party 
for the same office, but the whigs brought out Zachariah Collins, a 
tenant on his own farm, to contest the office with him. Out of the 
1,517 votes cast in the county, Hardin received 1,016. and he got 
all but two that were cast in Union. In 1S44, he was again a can- 
didate for the legislature, and John Slater, a young lawyer lately 
come to the county, sought the nomination against him, but Hardin 
was almost unanimously nominated. Then Slater offered himself 
as an independent candidate, and sought whig support as well as 
democratic, and thev two ran the race, but Hardin was elected by 
a larger majority over Slater than had graced his triumph of the 
year before. Having served three years in the lower house, he 
new aspired to a seat in the upper, and accordingly, in 1845, he 
offered for a senatorial nomination, which was given him without 
opposition, and, out of 1,221 votes cast at the election for sen- 



WHITE RIVER TOWNSHIP. 



9OI 



ator, he received 1,059. ^ e therefore had no open opposition. 
In 1850, he was elected a delegate to the constitutional convention. 
At the termination of the work of the constitutional convention, 
Mr. Hardin came home, but he was met with a demand for his ser- 
vices as a surveyor. Lines and corners were not vet all established, 
ami, in 1S51, the county commissioners appointed him to the office 
of county surveyor. But he held the office for only one year. By 
an act of the legislature, approved May 14, 1852, a new court — 
the common pleas — was organized, and it became necessarv to 
elect a judge of that court at the ensuing October election in this 
county. Franklin Hardin was nominated Lw the democratic party 
as their candidate for that office. The opposition brought out 
A. B. Hunter, Esq., a young man of good parts, then lately admit- 
ted to the ban but Hardin was elected, receiving 1,020 votes out of 
1,901 cast for that office. So well did he acquit himself in the 
discharge of his judicial duties that, at the expiration of his first 
term, he was re-nominated. This was in 1S56, and he was elected 
over Duane Hicks, a member of the Johnson County bar, in good 
standing, by 694 majority. At the close of his second tei m, he 
retired to private life, since which time he has held no public office. 
Judge Hardin is, and always has been, democratic in his politics. 
During his legislative career, he occupied a high place in the coun- 
cils of his part}- as an advisory member, and, in 1S56, he was a 
delegate to the national convention which nominated Mr. Buchanan. 
In i860, he supported the Breckenridge wing, and was a can- 
didate for elector in that interest. Judge Hardin is a firm be- 
liever in the truths of the Christian religion. In early life, he and 
his estimable wife united with the Presbyterian Church at Green- 
wood, and they still adhere to that faith. 

John Hardin was born in this countv December 16, 1S3S, and 
is the son of Franklin Hardin. The subject of this biography was 
reared on a farm, and received a common school education, and his 
entire life has been spent in agricultural pursuits. He was married 
in 1868, to Catherine and Martha (Mallow) Humbert, who was 
born in this count} - , May 19, 1847. To this union the following 
children have been born: George, deceased, Mary, Franklin, Nora 
and Martha. Mr. and Mrs. Hardin are members of the Christian 
Church. 

J. L. Henderson, a native of Johnson County, Ind., was born 
December 3, 182S, and is the son of Thomas and Mary (Demott) 
Henderson. The father was born in Botetourt County, Va., in 
1S00, and died in Johnson County, Ind., in 1862. He was the son 
of Thomas and Mary (Erwin) Henderson, natives of Ireland. 
Thomas Henderson, Si"., was born about 1756, and died in Johnson 



<p02 • JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Count}', about 1839. Thomas, the son, was reared in Virginia, 
and on reaching his majority, removed to Kentucky, where he was 
married to Mary Demott, who is a native of Mercer County, Kv. 
She was born in 1801, and is now living in Johnson County. Her 
marriage was blessed by these children: William T., Mary A., 
Margaret L., James L., Harvey, David M., Robert E., John C, 
Isaac S., Martha E. and Jane E. After the marriage of their 
parents, they came to Johnson County, in 1S25, and settled in Hope- 
well, in Franklin Township. The father was a blacksmith by trade, 
and a farmer by occupation. James L. was reared on a farm, and 
in youth, learned of his father, the blacksmith's trade, but has never 
followed it as an occupation. His life occupation has been farming. 
His father settled on and entered the land on which the Hopewell 
Church now stands, then a dense forest. He donated the ground 
on which the church and academy are situated. He was a mem- 
ber of the Presbyterian Church, and was a man who was always 
ready to aid the church cause. The mother is a member of the 
Presbyterian Church, and resides with her youngest son. He has 
been blind for ovei thirty years. She has been a faithful wife, 
mother and friend, and enjoys the high esteem of all who know 
her. I1X1855, Mr. Henderson married Mary A. Lagrange, born in 
Johnson County, September 6, 1S36, and died in Johnson County, 
March 9, 1869. The following are the children of this marriage: 
C, Robert C., Martha E.,- Margaret A., Clara E. January 
24, 1871, Mr. Henderson married for a second wife, Maggie J. 
Vanarsdall, the daughter of C. and Nancy J. (Clem; Varnars- 
dall. Mrs. Henderson was born in Johnson County, June 7, 1851. 
The offsprings of this marriage are: Newton G., Thomas E. and 
Stella J. Mr. and Mrs. Henderson are members of the Presbyter- 
ian Church. He owns 160 acres of land, of which 130 acres are 
under cultivation. He is a member of Hopewell Church. 

H. S. and J. M. Lvoxs. — The paternal grandfather of our 
subjects was of Scotch and Irish origin, and in an early day settled 
in the State of Pennsylvania, where was born Robert Lyons, his 
son, and the father of our subjects. This son's father died and left 
him an orphan. He grew up to manhood in Pennsylvania, and on 
reaching his majority, went to Mercer County, Ky., where he set- 
tled about the year 181 1. Later, he became a soldier in the War 
of 1 Si 2. After the close of the war he returned to Mercer County, 
Ky., and there married Jane Vanarsdall. The husband was born 
April 10, 1792, and the wife, a native of Mercer County, Ky., was 
born August 17, 1792. This marriage resulted in the birth of nine 
children, namely : Harvey S., Catherine, John M. .Abraham, Thomas, 
Margaret, Rachel, Ellen and Elizabeth. In the fall of 1S25, this 



WHITE RIVER TOWNSHIP. 9O3 

family (excepting the children bom in this count}') came from Ken- 
tucky to Indiana, and settled in what is now known as Pleasant 
Township, Johnson County. The father of this pioneer family was 
a poor man, but, nevertheless, industrious and hardy. He settled 
in the forest and at once began to clear 'the same and prepare for 
tilling the soil. On arriving from the "Corn-Cracker" state 
he had but eighteen dollars, which was his entire fortune, and the 
removal was made by traveling with a two-horse team and wagon, 
lie brought with him two cows and eighteen ho»s. This consti- 
tuted all the, early pioneer's possessions. The family consisted of 
eight members. The father constructed one of the first saw- and 
grist-mills in the count}-, and also, at an earl}- day, operated a tan- 
nery. In the fall of 1827, the Lyon family removed from Pleasant 
Township, and settled in the northeast corner of what is now White 
River Township. Here the father and mother died; the former at 
the age of eighty-four years, and the latter at the age of eighty-six 
years. Harvey S. Lyons, the elder of our subjects, was born in 
Mercer County, Ky., August 16, 1S13. September 17, 1S35, ne 
married Sarah, die daughter of John and Elizabeth Alexander. 
Sarah was born in Dearborn County, Ind., May 18, 1S1S, and died 
in this county June 23, 1843. The above marriage was blessed by 
the birth of three children: Elizabeth, Mary Ann and Louisiana. 
October 17, 1843, ne wedded Mahala A., daughter of Nicholas and 
Penelope Orme. Mahala A. was born in Clark County, Inch, 
April 28, 1821, and died July 20, 1885. This union resulted in 
the birth of these children: Rachel Frances, deceased, Benjamin F., 
George H., Sarah, Malissa, Robert, Samantha, Ellen and Daniel C. 
John M. Lyons, the younger of our subjects, was also born in Mer- 
cer County, Ky., October 29, 181S. In 1837, he was united in 
marriage with Elizabeth Presser, who died in 1S40, leaving no off- 
spring. September 5, 1842, Mr. Lyons married for a second wife 
Mrs. Mary Jennings, nee Miss Mary Davis. She was born in Penn- 
sylvania, April 20, 1818, and is the daughter of Thomas and Nancy 
Davis. By her first marriage she became the mother of three chil- 
dren, and by her second marriage the mother of William F. M., 
who is deceased, and is represented by these offsprings: Joseph, 
Inda Jane, and John W., and Robert Andrew, deceased. Jane 
Elizabeth, deceased, Thomas Edward, Richard Abram, Robert II., 
deceased, and John W. 

John Miller was born in Johnson County, Inch, April 8. 1840, 
and is the son of Abraham and Catherine (Lorts) Miller. Abraham 
Miller was born in Scott County, Va., February 13, 1805, and died 
in this county December 4, 1887. He was the son of John Miller, 
who was a native of German}', and early emigrated to Virginia. 



9O4 JOHXSOX COUNTY. 

He was the father of the following children: Jacob, Isaac, Adam, 
Abraham, David, Philip, Daniel, John, Elizabeth, Mary and Sarah. 
Abraham was reared in Scott County, Va. On reaching his 
majority, he went to Blount County, East Tennessee, and here he 
was married July 15, 1827, wedding Annie Catharine Lorts, a na- 
tive of Blount County, Tenn., born February 3, 1810, who was of 
German lineage. Immediately after the above marriage was con- 
summated, Mr. and Mrs. Miller set out for the west, and March 
15, 1828, located in the vicinity of Columbus, Bartholomew Countv, 
Ind. Short}- afterward he repaired to Shelby County, where he 
remained but one year; and in 1834, removed to Johnson Countv, 
and continued in this county up to his death. By profession, 
Abraham Miller was a minister of the Gospel, in the Evangelical 
Lutheran Church, of the Indiana Synod. He began the preaching 
of the Gospel at the age of eighteen years. August 18, 1835, he 
was ordained as a minister proper of his church, and until the year 
1S64, he continued to be active in his chosen profession, and 
at this date, June 12, 1S64, his wife was called away in death, and 
his domestic relations so materially changed, he suspended his pro- 
fession, and the remainder of his life was spent somewhat in re- 
serve, preaching onlv occasionally. In early life, previous to be- 
ing ordained to the ministry, he taught school. By occupation he 
was a farmer, in which he was practical and successful. He was 
an earlv settler of Johnson Countv, and as the countv at the time 
of his coming was but little developed, he may be termed one of 
its. pioneers. He lived in the county for a period of fifty-three 
years, and this state, sixtv vears. He was well-known and uni- 
versally respected by all. His marriage with Catherine Lorts re- 
sulted in the birth of the following children: Elizabeth, David H., 
Emmaline, Mary B., Martin L., John, William, Abraham and An- 
nie C. John was reared on a farm, and received a common school 
education, and was attending school when the Civil War broke 
out. He left school, and July 28, 1861, enlisted in Company E, 
Twenty-sixth Indiana Volunteer Infantry, as a private. In 
this company Mr. Miller served for a term of three years, 
and in 1864 was discharged, but immediately re-enlisted as a vet- 
eran of the same company. In Februarv, 1S66, he was discharged 
as second lieutenant. Among the engagements in which he partic- 
ipated, were: siege of Vicksburg, Port Hudson, siege of Mobile, 
and other engagements in the opening of the Mississippi River. 
After the closing of the war he returned to his native count}-, and, 
April 12, 1866, was united in marriage with Theresa C. Reynolds, 
daughter of Berrien Reynolds, whose life sketch appears else- 
where. Mrs. Miller was born in Johnson County, Ind., October 2, 



WHITE RIVER TOWNSHIP. 9O5 

1S47. Soon after his marriage, Mr. Miller located in Tipton 
County, Ind., and there continued for five years, and then returned 
to Johnson County, and has since been actively engaged in farm- 
ing. Mr. and Mrs. Miller are members of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, lie is a member of the G. A. R. lodge at Waverly. 

Daniel Paddock, who is now a citizen of Marion County, 
was formerly a citizen of Johnson County, Ind., where he lived 
nearly forty years. He was born in Preble County, Ohio, De- 
cember 29, 1825, and is the son of Ebenezer and Susanna (Swain) 
Paddock. The father was born in Kentucky in 1801, and was the 
son of Henry Paddock, a native of Virginia, born in 1775, who 
immigrated to Kentucky in an early day. and later immigrated to, 
and settled near, Yincennes, Ind. In 1838, our subject's father and 
family came to Johnson County and bought land, remaining until 
1 84 1, and then went back to Ohio, where he had previously lived. 
Mr. Paddock is of English origin, his ancestors being early 
immigrants from England. His father died in Ohio in the year 1887. 
The mother of our subject was of Pennsylvania and Massachusetts 
origin, perhaps; she was born in Ohio. She was the mother of 
seven children, four girls and three boys. When our subject was 
in his twentieth year he came to Johnson County, and lived here 
until 1 887, when he located in Marion County. He has followed 
farming and stock-raising, and commenced with 170 acres, worth 
about Jp2,ooo, and at one time owned over 1,300 acres of land, and 
was the most extensive cattle raiser is Johnson County. In 1848, 
he married Nancy C. Denny, who was born in Ohio in 1828, and 
died in Johnson County in 1S7S. The children were as follows: 
Susanna, deceased, Thomas, Alice and Martha. In 1882, he mar- 
ried for a second wife, Melsena Orme. Mr. Paddack has been a 
member of the Christian Church since 1854; he is a democrat. 

Thomas Paddock, a farmer and stock-raiser, resides in White 
River Township, and was born in that township September 25, 
1855. He is the son of Daniel Paddock, whose life sketch appears 
elsewhere. He was reared on a farm and received a fair educa- 
tion in the country schools. His work of youth was farming, and 
he has followed it as an occupation. December 19, 1S77, he 
wedded Pink I Iinkson, daughter of Hesekiah and Rebecca (Wood- 
field) Hinkson. Mrs. Paddock was born in Marion County, Ind., 
February 10, i860. Mr. and Mis. Paddock are members of the 
Christian Church at Mt. Pleasant. In politics, he is a democrat. 
He owns a farm of 500 acres, lying in Morgan and Johnson 
counties. 

Milton Paddock, a young and progressive farmer and citizen 
of White River Township, was born March 10, 1S60, and is the 



906 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

son of John and Elizabeth Ann (Cox) Paddock. The father was 
born in Preble County, Ohio, August i, 1823, and was the son of 
Elijah and Ruth Paddock, unto whom were born six children, 
namely: Louis, Mary, John, Myram, Sarah and Anderson. John 
Paddock came to Indiana in 1845, and settled in Morgan County. 
January 26, 1846, he was married unto Jane Burns, a native of 
Marion County, and who continued to be his companion till 1858, 
when she was called away by death. February 10, 1859, 
he married for a second wife, Elizabeth, Ann Cox, daughter 
of Paul and Mary (Matthews) Cox. He was a native of Penn- 
sylvania, and she of Carolina, and both came to Indiana 
in early life, and were married in this state. Elizabeth Ann, the 
mother of our subject, was born in Morgan County, Ind., October 
8, 1836. Three children: Milton, Mary and Frank, were born unto 
John and Elizabeth Ann Paddock's marriage. Their parents set- 
tled in this county, immediately after their marriage, and the father's 
death occurred here January 23, 1S76. The mother resides in Mar- 
ion Count}'. Her son, the subject of this sketch, was but a small 
boy when his father died, but his mother continued to live on the 
homestead, where Milton was reared. His early education was re- 
ceived in the common schools, and was finished by a two terms' 
course in the normal school of Danville, Ind. September 3, 1882, 
he married Lula Bell, the daughter of Josiah and Margaret Bell. 
She was born in Adams County, 111., February 29, 1S64. Unto the 
above marriage have been horn two children, John and Evert. Af- 
ter Mr. Paddock's marriage he settled down in life and began agri- 
cultural pursuits, in which he has been actively engaged. He and 
wife are members of the Christian Church. 

Berrien Revnolds was a pioneer of Johnson County, to which 
he came about 1830. He was born in Monmouth County, N. J., 
March 13, 1807, and died October 7, 1887, in Texas, while visiting 
a daughter. He was of English origin, and came to Franklin 
County, Ind., in an early day. In that count}', in 1S26, he was 
united in marriage with Caiherine Halsey, who was born in Wythe 
County, Va., February 13, 1807. Our subject and his wife con- 
tinued in Franklin County, till about 1830, and then located in this 
county, where they made their homes until they were called away 
in death. Both lived to be aged. She was called away Septem- 
ber 30, 1880. Their marriage was blessed by the birth of the fol- 
lowing children: Mary A., Ceena H., Caroline L., Carson L., 
Austin B., James M., Theresa C, and Louisa M. Our subject 
was a farmer by occa^tion, and was a progressive citizen. He 
and his wife were ^M Bers of the Methodist Church, and were 
members of the tirs^^^s of the Salem Church, where he was the 






/ 



WHITE RIVER TOWNSHIP. 907 

first class leader, lie continued throughout life, to be a zealous 
worker in the church. During life he held several positions of 
honor and trust. He was among the early representatives of Johnson 
Count}-, in the state legislature. lie lived a long and useful life, 
and was called away in his eighty-first year. Five of his children 
are left as his representatives. 

Isaac Henry Rhoades, a farmer and citizen of White River 
Township, was born in Kentucky, on the 26th of June, 1829. and 
is the son of Samuel E. and Susan (Wishard) Rhoades. The 
father was born in Maryland, May 18, 17S6, and in an earlv day 
emigrated to Kentucky, where he married Susan Wishard, a na- 
tive of Kentucky, born in 1803. Their marriage was blessed by 
these children: William, Elizabeth, Elisha, Isaac H., Enos, Mar- 
garet and John. Their parents came to Johnson County in 1835, 
and settled in White River Township, and here both died, the 
father dying October 3, 1S48, and the mother November n, 1S76. 
The subject of this sketch was reared on a farm, and received a 
limited education in the common schools. He has " followed the 
plough" for an occupation. He remained under the parental roof 
till he was twenty-three or four years of age, and then began the 
battle of life for himself, with no capital other than willing hands. 
At that time he went to Illinois and remained about eighteen years, 
following farming and trading in cattle. In 1S76 he returned to 
Johnson Count)-, and purchased the farm he now owns and culti- 
vates. April 8, 1858, he married Catherine Hawkins, who was 
born in Indiana, in 1S35, and who died in 1881. Her marriage re- 
sulted in the birth of seven children, of whom live are living: 
Harriet Ann, Mary Belle, Albert Newton, John William and Lillie 
May. 

John W. Russell, the subject of this sketch, is a farmer by oc- ■ 
cupation, and was born in Mason County, Ky., September 10, 1848, 
and is the son of Jonathan and Sarah (Hite) Russell. The father 
was born in Amherst County, Ya., October 11, 1S1S, and the 
mother was a native of Rockbridge County, Ya., born in 1816. 
The}' were married in 1840. The marriage resulted in the birth 
of the following children : Nancy E., James A., John W., Samuel II., 
Elisha and Sarah. The parents came to Indiana in the spring of 
1856, and settled in Marion County, and about 1858, came to John- 
son County. The subject of this sketch has been reared on a farm, 
and educated in the country schools. He is a carpenter by trade, 
which occupation he has followed more or less throughout life. lie 
has also been engaged in farming. His fatbj^Las followed farm- 
ing for an occupation, and now lives with il Bk>joct, who began 
life with no capital other then willing hands^^ne now owns and 

9 # 



\ 






908 JOHNSON" COUNTY. 

cultivates twenty-eight acres of land in Section 3, Township 3, and 
Range 3 east. In 1S74, he married Sarah Barger, the daughter 
of George W. and Sarah Frances Barger. Mrs. Russell was born 
in Rush County, Ind., in 1S4S, April 28. The following children 
have resulted from the above marriage: Emma and Frankie. 
Mr. and Mrs. Russell, and their father and mother, are members of 
the church — the former two of the United Brethren, and the 
latter two of the Methodist Episcopal, Church. 

James Scott, a farmer and citizen of White River Township, 
was born in said township, February 12, 1S39, and is the son 
of John and Katherine (Heavener) Scott. The father was a na- 
tive of Virginia, born January 5, 1799, and died in Johnson County, 
Ind., October 16, 1871. The mother was also a native of Virginia, 
born January 16, 1802. They were married in Virginia and came 
to Indiana about 1S35 or 1836, and settled in White River Town- 
ship, Johnson Count)-. The father was a farmer by occupation. 
He and wife were two of the first members of the Honey Creek 
Church of the United Brethren denomination. They continued to 
be members of the church up to their deaths. Their children, 
in all, numbered seven, as follows: Nelson, Mary, Steward, de- 
ceased, John, deceased, David, Aquila and James. James was 
reared on a farm, and received a fair education in the common 
schools. August 10, 1S56, he was united in marriage with 
Elizabeth Rush, who continued to be his companion until August 5, 
1 886, when her death occurred. She was born in Johnson County, 
September 16, 183S. The children that blessed her marriage num- 
bered seven, as follows : Benjamin F., deceased, William H., James M., 
Greenberry M., Mary K., deceased, John W., and Charles A. When 
Mr. Scott married he settled down on his father's farm, and began 
the life of a farmer, which he has since continued. He was the 
youngest child of his parents, whom he faithfully cared for till they 
were called away in death. He has followed their Christian ex- 
ample, and has been a member of the Honey Creek United Breth- 
ren Church, since he was fourteen years of age. His wife was also 
a member of the same church, and labored faithfully with him, as 
a much devoted wife and kind mother. At her death she left our 
subject and five children to mourn her loss. In 1S87, Mr. Scott 
married for a second wife, Mrs. Amanda Beatty, nee Amanda 
Toland. He is still engaged in farming and stock-raising, and re- 
sides on Section 13, White River Township. In politics, Mr. Scott 
is a staunch republican. 

Alexander Sedam, the subject of this sketch, is a farmer by 
occupation. He was born in Switzerland County, Ind., September 
24, 1S43, and is the son of John and Isabelle ^Bowman) Sedam. 



WHITE RIVER TOWNSHIP. QOQ 

The former was a native of the same count}- in which our subject 
was born, and was a farmer by occupation. The latter was born in 
New Jersey, and now lives in Cass County. Our subject is the 
third of nine children, six sons and three daughters: Elizabeth, de- 
ceased, Philip, Alexander, Joseph, Sarah, William, Isaac, Charlie 
and Mattie. Alexander was reared on a farm, and at the age of 
eighteen he enlisted in Company E, Twenty-ninth Indiana Volun- 
teers, with M. M. Boggs as captain. Among the important en- 
gagements in which he took part were, the battle of Shiloh, siege 
of Corinth, Murfreesboro and Chickamauga, in which he received 
a gunshot wound in the thigh, and was discharged. He went to Cass 
Countv, Ind., and in a short time thereafter came to Johnson 
Countv, and with the exception of something over one year, he has 
since lived in this county. The wound he received while defending 
his country has disabled him, and although he has not been 
able to be an active participant in farm work, he has been actively 
engaged in the pursuit of farming, and by successful management, 
he now owns and cultivates a farm of 105 acres, which he has well 
improved. He began the battle of life with no capital, other than 
willing hands. He has a nature given to mechanism, and is a suc- 
cessful mechinist. He has operated threshers and saw-mills, and 
is a practical engineer, all of which knowledge he has gained him- 
self. In March, 1S65, he took unto himself as a companion, 
Martha Sutton, daughter of Isaac and Alice Sutton. Mrs. Sedam 
was born in Johnson County, Ind., in February, 1845. Her mar- 
riage has been blessed by the birth of six children, of whom three 
are living: Jacob J., William E. and Fred E. Mr. and Mrs. 
Sedam are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a 
member of the Masonic fraternitv, in which he is a Master Mason, 
and a past master. He is a member of Glenn's Valley Lodge, 
No. 514. 

Joseph Sedam, a farmer of White River Township, was born 
in Switzerland County, Inch, January 12, 1845, and is the son of 
John and Isabelle Sedam, whose histor, is found elsewhere in this 
volume. Joseph was raised on a farm. He attended the country 
schools, and received a fair education. He has followed farming as 
an occupation, and began in life with no capital other than willing 
hands, and for four years before his marriage worked on a farm by 
the month. He is a hard working and industrious man. March 3, 
1867, he was united in marriage with Nancy Jane Markey, daugh- 
ter of Samuel and Elizabeth | Sells 1 Markey, who were early set- 
tlers of Johnson Countv. Mrs. Sedam was born in this county, 
May 22, 1843. The above marriage has been blessed by the fol- 
lowing children: Mary Elizabeth. Annie Belle, Lillie Jane, Samuel 



9IO JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Albert. Harvey Grafton, Jessie Pearl, Ollie Blanche. William Ed- 
gar. Mr. Sedam, has lived in Johnson County nearly all of the time 
since he was married. He now owns a farm of sixty-eight acres, 
which he settled on when it was a forest. He cleared the land, and 
now has a nice and well-improved farm which enables him to live 
an independent life. He and wife are members of the Methodist 
Church. During the war he served three months and because of 
sickness was discharged. In politics, he is a dem ocrat, and cast his 
first presidential vote for Seymour 1 and Blair. 

Mathew Sedam was born in Switzerland County, Ind., May 
II, 1826, and is the son of Henry and Elizabeth (Engle) Sedam. 
The father was born in New Jersey, February 17, 1778, and died 
in Switzerland Count)-, Ind., in 1S30. He was married in New 
Jersey, wedding Elizabeth Engle, who was born in New Jersey, in 
September, 1782. The father was the son of Henry Sedam, a na- 
tive of Xew Jersey, of German descent. These parents, Henry 
and Elizabeth Sedam, came from Xew Jersey to Ohio, where they 
lived for a short time, and then removed to Indiana, and settled in 
Switzerland County, where they both died. The names of their 
childienare: Nicholas, Henry, Andrew, Maria, Charles, Abraham, 
Cornelius, Joseph, Mathew, John and Michael. Mathew was 
reared on a farm, and received a fair education in reading, 
writing, and " ciphering," while attending a few short terms of school. 
His father died when Mathew was but four years old, and his 
mother was left with a large family and but little means of support. 
Mathew left home at the age of eighteen years to begin the battle 
of life for himself. His work was that of farming. By industry 
and perseverance he established himself a good name, and also 
gained support. At the age of twenty-four years he took unto 
himself a wife, Martha Boyd, who lived but a few days over one 
year after their marriage, which was blessed by one birth, but the 
child is deceased. In 1855, Mr. Sedam came to Johnson County, 
and here he has since continued to reside and follow farming. 
November 19, 1S57, he married for a second wife, Sarah Dorrell, 
the daughter of Jacob and Mary Dorrell, whose history is found 
elsewhere. Mrs. Dorrell was born in Johnson Count)-, Ind., June 
5, 1S35. Her marriage unto Mr. Sedam has been blessed by 
these children: Jacob J. and Maria. Jacob J. was married De- 
cember 26, 18S3, to Roas Hughes, daughter of George Hughes. 
April 9, 1886, Maria was wedded to Ora T. Smith. Mr. and 
Mrs. Sedam are members of the United Brethren Church, and 
their children are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 

Reuben Sellars was born in York County, Penn., October 
15, 1838, and is the son of Henry and Eliza (Fry) Sellars. The 



WHITE RIVER TOWNSHIP. 



9 II 



father was born in York County, Penn., and is of German descent, 
and was the son of a Revolutionary soldier. Henry Sellars was 
married in Pennsylvania, wedding Eliza Fry, who gave birth to the 
following children : Margaret, Juliann, Henry, Layah, Daniel, Sarah, 
Reuben and Charles. Their mother died in Pennsylvania about 
1842. The father married a second and third time. " In 1867, the 
father came to Indiana and located in Johnson County, where his 
death occurred in 1S72. He was a farmer by occupation, and lost 
his life by wounds received in a runaway with a team of horses. 
Reuben Sellars was reared on a farm, and was a poor boy. He 
gained no education, because when he was but four years old his 
mother died and left the father with a large family, and he being a 
poor man could do but little for the education of his children. 
Reuben grew to manhood on a farm, and has ever since followed 
farming for an occupation. His brothers scattered to various parts 
of the country, and of their whereabouts little is known. Reuben 
came to Indiana in 1867, hoping to learn of his brothers, who had 
come westward. But he learned but little, and on visiting Marion 
County, and liking this section of country, located in Marion 
County, where he lived for a short time, and then came to Johnson 
Count}-, where he has since lived and followed farming. February 
21, 1S69, he was united in marriage with Aby L. M. Sells, nee 
Aby L. M. Townsend. Mrs. Sellars was born in Johnson County, 
Ind., August 21, 1S38, and is the daughter of Levi and Elizabeth 
(Melton) Townsend. The above marriage has been blessed bv the 
birth of the following children: Henry L., Effie M., and Myrtle 
O. Mrs. Sellar"s first marriage resulted in the birth of two 
children, by name, Mary Caroline and Annie Jane. Mr. Sell- 
ars owns sixty-five acres of land, and though not a wealthy man, 
he is blessed with prosperitv, and enjoys the respect of his 
neighbors. 

Martin Sells, who is a farmer bv occupation, was born in 
Johnson County, Ind., January 9, 1S45, and is the son of William 
and Catherine (Robinson) Sells. The father was born in Wash- 
ington County, Va., in 1800. He was the son of Abraham and 
Nancy | Carr) Sells; the former was a native of Pennsylvania, and 
the latter was a native of Virginia. They came to Johnson County 
in 182 1, and settled in White River Township, where they lived 
till their deaths occurred. Their children numbered nine, viz. : 
William. Peggy, Margaret, Elizabeth, Susan, Frank, Jane. Char- 
lotte and Thomas. William was married in 1831, unto Catherine, 
the daughter of Samuel and Elizabeth (Surface) Robinson, early 
settlers of Johnson County. Catherine was born in Wythe County, 
Ya., in 1S11, and died in this county in 1876. William also died 



912 JOHNSON COUNTY, 

in this county in 1869. The marriage of William and Catherine 
Sells resulted in the birth of these children: Eliza, Isaac, David, 
Elizabeth, Loyd and Martin. Martin was raised on a farm, and his 
life has been devoted to farming. He remained with his parents 
up to the age of twenty-one years. January 25, 1S66, he married 
Emma Brown, daughter of Absalom and Mary Ann (Gathright) 
Brown, the former a native of Indiana, and the latter of Kentucky. 
Mrs. Sells was born in Iowa, October 4, 1845. Her marriage re- 
sulted in the birth of a daughter, named Mary Catherine, born 
July 9, 1871. In politics, Mr. Sells is a staunch democrat. He is 
also a Master Mason. 

Samuel Sells was bun in Morgan County, Ind., December 
23, 1829, and is the son of Abraham and Hettie (Webster) Sells. 
The father was a native of Virginia, and the son of John Sells, an 
early settler of Indiana; he lived in the state a short time; he died 
in Washington County. Abraham Sells was a farmer by occupa- 
tion, and about 1830, settled in this count}-, where his death oc- 
curred. The mother of our subject was a native of Vermont. 
Her marriage with Abraham Sells was blessed by the birth of 
six children, namely: Samuel, Seth, Jesse, Sarah, Eliza, and Louis- 
iana. Samuel was reared on a farm, and farming has been his life 
occupation. November 8, i860, he was united in marriage with 
Mary Jane, the daughter of Frank and Mary Ann (Mullen) Sells. 
Mrs. Sells was born in this county, October 18, 1839, anc ' ' s tne 
mother of the following children : Elizabeth, Hettie, Allie, Abra- 
ham, John, Edgar, Frederick, and Pearlie. Mr. Sells is an indus- 
trious and well respected citizen, self-made and worthy. In poli- 
tics, he is a democrat. 

James Millden Shufflebarger was born in Montgomery 
County, Va., November 24, 1S18, and died in Johnson County, 
Ind., July 14, 18S6. He was the son of John S. and Mary ( White) 
Shufflebarger. John S. Shufflebarger was a native of Virginia, and 
a son of Elias Shufflebarger, a native of Germany, emigrating to 
Virginia in an early day. John S. and Mary Shufflebarger came 
from Virginia to Indiana about 1824, and settled in the southwest 
portion of White River Township, near Waverly, and here lived 
and died. The following are the children born unto John S. 
and Mary Shufflebarger: James M., Henry, Elias, Bird G., John 
A., Margaret, Cyntha, and Louisa. James M. Shuffiebargcr 
was the oldest child, and was about six years old when his father 
came with his family to this county. He was reared on a farm, and 
in youth he had but little advantages for gaining an education. But 
he was a man of fixed purpose, perseverance and close observation, 
and through close observation he became conversant on general 



WHITE RIVER TOWNSHIP. 013 

topics of interest, and was a man noted for good judgment, wisdom 
and discretion. When he arrived at the age of twenty- 
three years, December 23, 1841, he took unto himself a 
companion, Mary J. Dresslar, who was reared in the same com- 
munity with him, and who was to him a school-mate and an 
associate in yquth. She was born December 29, 1S20, in Alle- 
ghany County, Va. She is the daughter of Henry and Elizabeth 
Dresslar, who were natives of Virginia, and like her husband's 
parents, early settlers of Johnson County, coming from Virginia to 
this county in about 1S26. Henry Dresslar was a son of Henry 
Dresslar, Sr., a native of Germany, and an early settler of Vir- 
ginia. Henry and Elizabeth Dresslar's marriage resulted in the 
birth of the following children: Mary Jane, Catherine, Elizabeth, 
Frances, Margaret, Charles, Sylvanis and George. The marriage 
of James M. and Mary Jane Shufflebarger was blessed by the birth 
of the following children: Henry Lerov, deceased, John Marshal, 
Madison Marian, deceased, Elias Sylvanis, James Strain, George 
D. After the marriage of Mr. and Mrs. Shufflebarger they settled in 
Section 16, in White River Township. James M. was a farmer, 
and began the pursuit with but little capital, and by energv and per- 
severance accomplished success. He was a progressive citizen, a 
faithful friend, a devoted husband, and a kind father. He was a 
devout Christian, a zealous member of the Methodist Episcopal 
Church, and benevolent in character. lie was a liberal supporter 
of the church, and an endorser of education. lie was a man of 
bold and decisive character, and possessed a tenacious memory, 
and a store of useful and practical knowledge which made his life 
useful and practical. He was universally respected by all who 
knew him, and in his death his family lost a much loved father, and 
the communitv a deserving citizen. His wife still survives him, and 
lives with her son James, of whom a sketch appears elsewhere. 
She is a zealous member of the Methodist Episcopal Church. 
James S. Shufflebarger is a farmer of Johnson County, and is 
the son of James M. Shufflebarger, whose life sketch appears 
elsewhere. In 1884, September 23, he was united in marriage 
with Victoria Shephard, daughter of William P. and Martha A. 
(Kelly) Shephard, natives of Indiana, and later residents of Missouri, 
where the above marriage was consummated. Mrs. Shufflebarger 
was born in Jefferson County, Ind., November 1, 1862, and by the 
above marriage has become the mother of two children: William 
Leroy, and Clara May. Mrs. Shufflebarger is a member of the 
Methodist Episcopal Church. Mr. Shufflebarger is a member of 
the Waverly Lodge, No. 31S, I. O. O. F., and ins wife is a member 
of Luna Rebecca Lodge, No. 45, at Waverly. 



914 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

Tobias Smith, a farmer of White River Township, is a native 
of Favette Count}', Ind., born February 21, 1S23, and is the son of 
a pioneer settler of Fayette County. Our subject was reared on a 
farm, and educated in the pioneer schools. His entire life has been 
devoted to farming. He began the battle of life a poor man, and 
by hard toil and perseverance has become both a prosperous and 
respected citizen, enjoying the high esteem of his neighbors. He 
came to Johnson County about 1S43, and has since resided in the 
county, where he owns and cultivates a good farm of 160 acres of 
fertile land. June 24, 1S57, he was united in marriage with Sarah, 
daughter of Abraham and Hettie Sells. Mrs. Smith was born in 
Johnson County, Ind., September 30, 1836. This union has been 
blessed by the following births: Mary Alice, Abraham, Hettie Ann, 
Oran T., and two unnamed, who died in infanc}'. Mr. and Mrs. 
Smith are members of the Methodist Episcopal Church. He is a 
Master Mason of the Greenwood Lodge, and in politics, a staunch 
democrat of the Jacksonian type. 

Elijah Stone is a lineal descendant of Virginia parentage. 
His paternal grandfather was Benjamin Stone, a preacher of the 
Gospel. Elijah's father was also named Benjamin, and was born 
in the Old Dominion State, November 11, 17S3, but was reared in 
that portion which afterward became West Virginia. His father 
removed to Pennsylvania, where the son was married December 
23, 1S04, wedding Sarah Larew, who was born in New Jersey, 
OctoberS, 17S5. This marriage resulted in. the birth of eleven 
children, as follows: Abigail, Polly, Anna, Elijah, Rebecca, Benja- 
min, Abraham and Isaac, twins. Sarah Jane, Jeremiah and Lavicie. 
The father and mother came to Ohio and to Indiana in 1S16, settling 
in the southeast portion. Their deaths occurred in this state, the 
father's March 5, 1833, and the mother's December 24, 1871. 
Elijah Stone was born in Ohio, June 20, 1810, and was married in 
Indiana, December 8, 1831, to Elizabeth Ann Taylor, born in Ken- 
tucky, June 3, 18 1 6, died in Indiana December 8, 1851, leaving 
these children: William G. M., Julia Ann, Sarah Ann, Hugh M. C, 
Mary Ann and Martha Jane, twins, Elijah F., Isaac, and Culvin S. 
April 26, 1S52, their father married for a second wife, Rachel 
Lamkin, nee Rachel Dorrell, who was born in Ohio, September 
29, 1809. Her first marriage was blessed by the birth of a son, 
named William, who lost his life as a soldier in the Civil War. 
Her second marriage was blessed by the birth of a daughter, 
named Elizabeth. Elijah Stone came to Johnson County in 1859, 
and has lived in the county ever since. His life occupation has 
been farming. He and wife are members of the United Brethren 
Church, and enjoy the high esteem of their neighbors. 



WHITE RIVER TOWNSHIP. 915 

Jacob Tresslar, deceased, was born in this county March 
31, 1824, and died here February 14, 1S86. He was the son of 
Peter and Barbara Tresslar. His life occupation was that of a 
farmer and stock-raiser. He was a member of the Christian 
Church. By his marriage with his first wife he had the fol- 
lowing children: Mary A., Rufus A., Martin A. and Amelia T. 
For his second wife he wedded Fostina Boaz, youngest daughter 
of Judge Boaz. She lived but a short time after their marriage. 
He was married a third time, taking for a companion, Hannah, 
daughter of John and Susannah (Webb) Clark, the former a native 
of England, and the latter of New Jersey. Mrs. Tresslar was born in 
Marion County, December 23, 1838. By this marriage they had 
one child. Mrs. Tresslar is a member of the Christian Church. 

Joseph H. Throckmorton, a farmer and stock-raiser by occu- 
pation, and school teacher by profession, was born in Johnson 
Count}', Ind., December 11, 1836, and is the son of Samuel and 
Cyntha Ann (Brown) Throckmorton. The father was born in 
Monmouth Countv, N- J-, in 181 1, and died in Johnson County, 
Ind., March 12, 1882. He was the son of Joseph and Polly (Mar- 
land) Throckmorton. Joseph and Polly Throckmorton were earlv 
settlers of Franklin County. Samuel was reared on a farm, but 
served an apprenticeship at cabinet-making, and this was his voca- 
tion of life. He came, about 1832 or 1833, to Johnson County, in 
which county he was united in marriage with Cyntha Ann Brown, 
a short time after he came to the county. Cyntha Ann Brown 
is the daughter of Henry Brown, an early settler of Johnson 
Count}-, and she was born in December 9, 1818, and now resides 
with a son in Union Township. Her marriage was blessed bv the 
birth of the following children: Sally, deceased, Joseph H., Polly, 
deceased, Harriet, Melvina, Charles B., Winfred S. Joseph was 
raised on a farm, and educated in the common schools. Later, he 
attended two terms at the Butler University, at Indianapolis, Ind. 
In 1S55, he began teaching in the public schools of the country. 
He has taught both in Morgan and Johnson counties. He con- 
tinued to teach up to 1885, when he suspended teaching, and since 
has devoted his entire attention to farming and stock-raising. 
He began the battle of life a poor man, and by means of energy 
and enterprise he has been successful in life, and is now a prosper- 
ous and self-made man, enjoying the esteem of his fellow citizens. 
He owns three tracts of land in this county, all aggregating 1:96 
acres. April 6, 1862, he married Sarah j. Taylor, daughter of 
John and Sally Tavlor, early settlers of Johnson County. Mrs. 
Throckmorton was born in this countv, November 22, 1835. Her 
marriage has resulted in the following births: Horace, Ora, Carrie, 
5S 



pl6 JOHNSON COUNTY. 

deceased, and Sallie. Mr. and Mrs. Throckmorton and their chil- 
dren are members of the Christian Church. Mr. Throckmorton is 
a member of Waverly Lodge, No. 318, I. O. O. F., and in politics, 
he is a staunch republican. 

Gardiner Wilkes was born in Johnson County, Ind., April 9, 
1 S3 1, and is the son of John and Elizabeth (Dunham) Wilkes. 
The former was born in Mason County, Ky., October 13, 1799, 
and is the son of John Wilkes, a son of Joseph Wilkes, a native of 
England. Our subject's father was married in Brown County, 
Ohio, to Elizabeth Dunham, who was born in Kentucky, April 18, 
1804. John and Elizabeth Wilkes came to Johnson County, Ind., 
in 1830. The father was a farmer by occupation, and died in this 
county in 1854. The mother also died in this county in 1875. 
Their marriage resulted in the birth of the following children: 
Dunham, who died in early life; Gardiner, Sophia, Elizabeth and 
Cyntha. Gardiner was reared on a farm, and attended the 
Franklin College, where he received a practical education. He re- 
mained with his parents till lie reached his majority, and then be- 
gan the battle of life for himself as a carpenter ; later he began teach- 
ing in the public schools, and taught some rive or six years. After 
suspending teaching, he began merchandising at Waverly, Ind. He 
merchandised for about five years at various places, and later took up 
farming as an occupation, and for several years past he has been ac- 
tively engaged in agricultural pursuits. In 1S69, he located in White 
River Township, where he has since resided. In 1859, he was 
united in marriage with Macenia Miller, daughter of Mr. and 
Mrs. Miller. Mrs. Wilkes was born in Jennings County, Ind., 
February 9, 1832. The above marriage has resulted in the birth 
of two children: Flora Belle and Dessie, the former died in infancy, 
and the latter died at the age of twenty-one. Mr. and Mrs. Wilkes 
became members of the Presbyterian Church several years ago, 
but recently joined the Mt. Auburn Methodist Episcopal Church, 
which is near their residence. In politics, Mr. Wilkes is a demo- 
crat. He served as trustee of White River Township two terms. 
He is a Master Mason of the Greenwood Lodge, which does not 
now exist. 

John J. Worsham was born in Fayette County, Ind., August 
11, 1825, and was the son of Jeremiah and Nancy (Fullen) Wor- 
sham. The father was born in Washington County, Va., in 1786, 
and died at Connersville, Ind., in 1S61. He settled in Franklin 
County, Ind., in 1811. Nancy (Fullen) Worsham was born in 
Tennessee in 1795, and emigrated with her father to Franklin 
County, Ind., in 181 1, where she died in 1S59. John J. Worsham 
was a carpenter by trade, and a farmer by occupation. October 



WHITE RIVER TOWNSHIP. 917 

28, 1S47, he was united in marriage with Martha A. Messersmith, 
daughter of Jacob and Barbara (Ford) Messermith. The former 
was a native of Virginia, the latter of Ohio. They settled in 
Favette County in 1811. Martha A. Messersmith was born in 
Fayette County, Ind., February 3, 1825. John J. Worsham and 
wife came to Johnson County the year following their marriage, 
and settled in White River Township, where the husband died, 
November 30, 1881. He was well known and respected, and was 
a member of the Methodist Episcopal Church, of which Mrs. 
Worsham, who still survives, is a member. The above marriage 
was blessed by the birth of eight children: Thomas J., Nancy C, 
Grafton M., Jacob B., deceased, Thurza M., Joseph T., Jasper F., 
and Willie H., deceased. 

Grafton M. Worsham, a merchant at Smith's Valley, is a 
native of Johnson County, born March 11, 1S52, and is a son of 
the subject of the above sketch. He was reared and educated on 
a farm. His home was with his parents up to 1873, in which 
year he was united in marriage to Louisa Fullen. At the time of 
Ins marriage, Grafton began the battle of life as a farmer. One 
child, Rosa, was born unto this marriage, and later, the mother was 
called away in death. In 1S77, Mr. Worsham married for a sec- 
ond wife, Katie Hughes, unto whom has been born two children, 
viz.: Johnnie D. and Stella B. Mr. Worsham was engaged in 
farming prior to 1SS7, in which year he embarked in mercantile 
pursuits at Smith's Valley. His stock is general merchandise, and 
his trade lucrative. In politics, he is a democrat. He is a mem- 
ber of the Baptist Church, and his wife is a member of the Meth- 
odist Episcopal Church. 

John S. Zaring, born in Oldham County, Ky., February iS, 
1838, is the son of Lewis and Nancv (Logan) Zaring. The father, 
now an old and well respected citizen of White River Township, 
was born in Oldham County, Ky., December 4, 1S08, and is the 
son of Benjamin and Mary (Baker) Zaring. Benjamin Zaring was 
born in Pennsylvania, and was the son of Philip Zaring, a native of 
Pennsylvania, and of German origin, and in an early day removed 
to Oldham County, Ky., where he died. Here Benjamin Zaring's 
death also occurred. Mary (Baker) Zaring was a native of Henry 
County, Ky., and was the daughter of John Baker, a native of 
North Carolina. Lewis Zaring was reared in Oldham County. Ky., 
and his youth was spent on a farm, and farming has been his life 
occupation. In July of 1833, he was married in Kentucky, wed- 
ding Nancy Logan, daughter of Benjamin Logan, born in Pitts- 
burg, Penn., December 10, 1818. Her parents were natives of 
Ireland, and were on their way from Ireland when she was born 






v3<-' 



918 



JOHNSON COUNTY. 



They settled m Shelby County, Ky., and died when their daughter 
was quite young The marriage of Lewis and Nancy Zaring re- 
sulted in the birth of three children: Mary Jane, deceased, John S 
and Fannie K, deceased. Their mother" was called away in death 
May 12, 1866. Lewis Zaring and family came to Johnson County, 
Ind., in 1852, and here have lived and become well known as a 
representative family of the county. The father is still living and 
he and his only living child are happy in life. With their 
homes together they enjoy prosperity and the high esteem of their 
neighbors. John S. was reared on a farm and received his educa- 
tion in the country schools, and since early youth has « followed the 
plough He was married July 29, 1S62, wedding Jemima J. 
Fullen, daughter of Shelby and Elizabeth Fullen, whose sketch ap- 
pears above. She was born in this county, June 20, 1844. Her 
marriage has been blessed by the following children: Lucy Alice 
Nancy deceased, Shelby Lewis, Ira H., Cora Jane, Rufus S.,' 
Daniel D., and Martha A. Lucy Alice and Shelby L.. are married. 
Shelby L. Zaring, a farmer and citizen of White River Town- 
ship, was born in this township, July 24, 1866, and is the son of 
John b. and Jemima J. Zaring. whose sketches appear above. He 
was raised or. a farm and received a fair common school education 
graduating from the' graded school of White River Township 
He remained under the parental roof up to the age of twenty-one, 
and December 11, 1SS7, was united in marriage with Clara E 
Stone daughter of Calvin S. and Amanda C. (Varner) Stone. 
Her father was born m Switzerland County, Ind., July 2, 1L7, and 
died here October 28, 1875. The mother was born in Ohio i J ■ rS 4 6. 
Mrs. Zaring is their oldest child, and was born in Pleasant Town- 
ship, this county, June 21, 1871. After Mr. Zaring's marriage, 
he settled down ,n life, and took up the occupation of farming! 
Mr Zaring is a progressive man. Mrs. Zaring is a member of 
the United Brethren Church. In politics, he is a democrat. 



